Off Season Training Research Paper

After reviewing the course materials given in Module 8, the off-season is the preferred method of training this assignment will discuss. Not only is off-season training the most important phase of any sport-specific conditioning plan as it will help the athlete recover physically and psychologically while being used to address some of the physical imbalances that are characteristic with playing competitive sport. While an athlete season progresses so does his/her strength level, and with this strength increase in their dominant muscles tend to take over while the support muscles get neglected. When this happens the smaller support muscles tend to shut down and that is why there needs to be a balance created with the smaller and larger muscle groups. …show more content…
Any sport played causes unequal loads on different parts of the body such as one arm being used more than the other and things such as the antagonists muscles (hamstrings) being used less than the antagonist muscles (quadriceps) which are stressed to a greater extent. Also larger muscles grow stronger and more powerful during the season while the stabilizing, smaller but yet important, muscles get neglected. The key in off-season training is to find a balance between the maintenance of fitness and recovery. A mode such as cross-training for example could be used to allow active recovery while also preserving a base level of fitness, most importantly making sure the off-season training period is no longer than 8 to 15 weeks. The off-season training objectives would include things such as increase lean body mass, increase work capacity, develop strength base, set specific individual goals, injury prevention, improve running mechanics and maintain sport