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Today in 5 minutes or less you’ll learn:

• The Big Off-Season Problems

In Case You Missed It

_{Check out the 1st GP Newsletter, where it all started!}

_{One of the most athletic footwork drills for defenders}

Most Common Off-Season Mistakes

Every summer I consult with college programs about their off-season programs. Now, even if a program has a Strength & Conditioning Department, there is still value to refining the program to best serve the athlete. Some of the most common complaints from coaches:

1. No accountability in the Off-Season

2. Not knowing how much fitness (volume/intensity) to plan

3. Do the players even read the summer packet?

4. “My players are not fit for the pre-season no matter what we do”

This results in players creating their own off-season plan which usually includes pickup with their buddies and some distance running. The first question you might think is: why are the players no following their off-season programs?

Sometimes it is a lack of trust in the program. This could stem from the fitness and strength planning during the in-school season. It can also be a lack of connection to the sport itself. Players receive track programs with distance running or a treadmill conditioning program that has no measurables. (We have to stop giving players heart rate zone running, without using heart rate monitors).

Ultimately, you need to create a system that has objective measurables in place, a clear connection to the pre-season training plan and a reason to why you are committing to those decisions.

Easy measurable ideas: heart rate monitors, YoYo (beep) tests, GPS watches.

Connection to training: connect the fitness drill you are choosing to the pre-season. Explain how it will be used in the pre-season and clearly define how it gives you the best understanding of their fitness when they arrive on campus. If you cannot answer those two questions then abandon the drill.

Accountability: I understand there are rules in place that limit the amount of coaching and how the collegiate world defines that. However, there needs to be a system in place where the athlete understands their responsibilities and the results of completing the required task. Identify the leaders within the team, create messaging groups for players to check in with each other and connect the off-season work to pre-season training.

I have been consulting with professional, collegiate, youth and national team organizations for over a decade now. The same challenges arise in every club at some point and it is ok to seek help. If you are a coach and found yourself nodding your head over and over to this write-up, please send me a message and lets get started on a solid foundation for you and your athletes!

We made it to the end! Congratulations, you're officially part of the exclusive club of people who read to the bottom of the newsletter.

But seriously, thank you for being a subscriber and taking the time to read my perspective. It means a lot to me that you find the content interesting and valuable. I am constantly striving to bring you the stories and strategies, with a dash of humor and empathy.

I appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more front row insight into pro training. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to me. Thanks again, I’ll see you next week.

-Daniel Guzman-