T&C April/May - 14

Strength & Conditioning
Prioritizing Preseason
Programs
Concepts to consider for football training camps
By The Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association
S
ummer training is a critical period for collegiate
football athletes as it sets the tone for their
upcoming season. Therefore, it is essential to
implement a structured summer training program that
prioritizes both health and performance goals.
Health and performance are interrelated, and it is
essential to prioritize both during the summer training
program. Football is a physically demanding sport that
requires a lot of strength, speed, agility, and endurance.
As such, the summer training program should focus on
developing these attributes while also reducing the risk
of injuries.
Injury prevention is a critical aspect of football
summer training programs. Football players are
susceptible to various injuries, including knee and ankle
sprains, hamstring strains, and concussions. These
injuries can be prevented or minimized by implementing
a well-designed injury prevention program that includes
proper warm-up and cool-down routines, stretching,
mobility exercises, and balance training.
Warm-up routines should include dynamic stretching
exercises that mimic the movements used in football.
Dynamic stretching has been shown to improve
flexibility, increase muscle temperature, and reduce
the risk of injury. Cool-down routines should include
static stretching, foam rolling, and other recovery
techniques that can help reduce muscle soreness and
promote recovery.
Mobility exercises are also important in football
summer training programs. Mobility exercises focus on
improving joint range of motion and can help reduce
the risk of injury. Exercises like hip openers, shoulder
mobility drills, and ankle mobility exercises should be
14 | Training & Conditioning | April/May 2023
included
in the
training
program.
Balance
training
is another essential component of football summer
training programs. Football requires a lot of balance and
stability, and training these attributes can help reduce
the risk of injury. Balance training exercises like singleleg
squats, lunges, and stability ball exercises can be
effective in improving balance and stability.
Strength and power training are also critical
components of football summer training programs.
Football players need to be strong and powerful to
perform at their best. Strength training exercises like
squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and overhead presses
can help improve overall strength. Power training
exercises like plyometrics, Olympic lifts, and medicine
ball throws can help improve explosive power.
Speed and agility training is also important in football
summer training programs. Football players need to
be fast and agile to be successful on the field. Speed
training exercises like sprints, hill sprints, and agility
ladder drills can help improve speed and agility.
Finally, nutrition and hydration are critical aspects
of football summer training programs. Proper nutrition
and hydration can help improve performance and
reduce the risk of injury. Athletes should be encouraged
to consume a balanced diet that includes a variety
of whole foods, lean protein sources, complex
carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Hydration is also
important, and athletes should be encouraged to drink
T&C April/May

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of T&C April/May
