Football players are known for being some of the most hard working and strong athletes in the world. Such a recommendation is not easy to come by. Successful football players keep a grueling regime with year-round football training. If you want to play at your best, you have to work hard and train like the best. A program of football training for high school has to cover all the important aspects. While developing a training program or schedule, ensure that these aspects are factored in:
- High school football strength training
- Weight training for high school football
- High school football speed training
- Agility training
- Mental toughness
- Nutrition
- Phases of Football Training for High School
1. Fitness Assessment
The very step in creating a successful football training programs is to undertake a fitness assessment. Every football player is different, and as such, every player has different needs that need to be met by their training program. A fitness assessment that checks their strength and fitness levels will help to create a plan that targets their weak areas. A typical assessment should include the results of a 30 meter sprint, sprint fatigue, standing vertical jumps, sit and reach tests, board jumps while standing, and max bench and leg press.
2. Off-Season or Pre-Season Phase
For a high school football player, the off season is the longest period of training lasting for about 6 months or more. However, football training for high school is a year-round affair. The goal of off-season training is to ensure that by the time the season starts, a player is at his top level of fitness. During this phase, a high school football strength training program should include functional training, conditioning, hypertrophy and maximal strength training, weight training for high school football and power training. Speed and agility training should feature light aerobic training at the start. As you get closer to the season, intensive interval training and agility drills can be added to the mix. This is also the phase wherein you attend at least one football training camp for high school.
3. In-Season Phase
In the in-season phase, competitive games and training on the field take center stage. It is recommended to reduce the intensity of high school football strength training exercises during this phase.
4. Transitional Phase
The transitional phase comes after the season is over, and last for about 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, your main focus is to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Taking a time-out is as important as working out.
Developing a year-round program of football training for high school requires a little planning, but the results are well worth the effort.