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Preparation for Collegiate Athletics

In Motion Sports PerformanceA vast majority of high school athletes want to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. This is no easy task, and is a goal that requires a great deal of determination and preparation to reach. In order to transition to the collegiate level, an athlete must focus on preparing their minds and bodies for a completely different lifestyle than they are accustomed to. Becoming educated on how to effectively prepare will allow an athlete to better handle the dramatic change of high school to college athletics.

 

Effective Time Management

  • It’s very important to manage your time through daily obligations.
  • You will be subject to a very structured daily schedule of classes, practices, training sessions, study halls, etc.
  • Developing a written daily routine will assist you in staying on schedule with assignments
  • It’s important that you set defined priorities so that you can balance class, practice and having a social life successfully
  • Use your resources and the support group around you (advisors, coaches, teammates, friends)
  • Do not stress when things do not go according to your schedule

 

Importance of Strength Training and Nutrition                                     

  • A high percentage of high school athletes are underdeveloped physically; this in part from still maturing bodies and not being educated on proper strength training techniques.
  • There is a more level playing field at the collegiate level, so there is a heightened importance on effectively strength training to excel.
  • It’s vital to develop a foundation of proper techniques while still in high school to better prepare for collegiate competition
  • It is equally important to eat properly and develop a nutrition plan. This will allow you to fuel the body through the prep and competition phases of the season.
  • Consistency is key! Keep a food journal in which you track what and when you are eating. This can be used as a tool to hold yourself accountable.
  • Minimize your intake of fast foods and foods high in fat content. Also, you will want to up your intake of lean protein for muscle growth and recovery.
  • You may find it highly beneficial to consult with a Registered Dietitian so as to break down the necessary nutrients your body needs and in what foods can they be found.

 

Rest, Rest, Rest!

  • One of the most common mistakes of young athletes is not obtaining the proper amounts of rest.
  • Adequate rest is a key factor in conducting any physical or mental activities. It allows the body to recover and rebuild. Deficiencies in rest can lead to a weaker state for the body and mind.
  • You want to make sure to put aside 7 to 8 hours of time for proper rest.
  • Getting the right amounts of rest leads to lower stress levels and allows the body to build cognitive as well as muscle memory during sleep.

Contact one of our sports performance staff members to work on specific techniques to help you prepare for collegiate athletics:

  1. Wyle Maddox, ATC, CSCS, PES, CES, USAW, HSSCS: Healthy Way in Virginia Beach (757)-463-2540
  2. Aaron Eppler, M.Ed., ATC, CSCS, PES, CES, HSSCS: Chilled Ponds in Chesapeake (757)-391-7676
  3. Joey Ratti, PES, CES, CPT, LMBT: Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton (757)-224-4601
  4. Aaron McKissick, MS, CSCS, PES, CES, USAW: Harbour View in Suffolk (757)-673-5971
  5. Emily Strobino, M.Ed., ATC, PES: Hilltop in Virginia Beach (757)-437-0471