5 Tips to Prepare for a New Sports Season

Help your kids get ready for a new sport to begin with these season-starting tips.

With the new school year upon us, many students are also getting ready to don their uniforms and sports gear so they can start enjoying a new sports season. Whether kids play sports in school, in a recreational league or on a travel team, being prepared for the season makes it more likely they'll have fun and will succeed without being sidelined by injury or filled with disappointment.

Here are 5 tips to help your children prepare for a new sports season:

1. Get sports season ready. Now is the perfect time to start or expand on a workout plan. Chances are that kids have been physically active during the summer months, but they may not have been doing activities that build strength, flexibility and stamina for the sport they plan to play. If they need a formal exercise program, ask a gym teacher, coach or personal trainer for advice. Have them get in a mix of cardio activities, like running or swimming, in addition to strength training. Encourage them to increase what they're doing gradually so they don't overdo it.
2. Plan for proper nutrition. As a parent, you always want your kids to be healthy, and proper nutrition is an important component of good health. If the unstructured nature of summer has caused kids to develop less-than-healthy eating habits, now is the perfect time to remind them of the importance of good nutrition. It doesn't have to be a lecture on eating healthy – rather, talk about how eating or avoiding certain foods will help them be stronger, more energized and better at their sport.
3. Make an appointment for a physical. Many sports teams require kids to get a physical before they start playing, but even if one is not required, this is a good time of year for kids to get an annual check-up at the doctor. Some schools and teams also offer sports physicals so you don't have to bring the kids to their own doctor.
4. Check their gear. Unless all equipment will be supplied by the school or team, it's a good idea to make sure your kids have everything they need to play. Check that all equipment is in good condition, still fits properly and is safe to use. Also ask if any part of the uniform needs to be purchased, such as socks, sneakers or hats, so your child will have what they need on day one.
5. Discuss goals and expectations. Some kids can't wait for a new sports season to start while others may be a bit apprehensive about what to expect. Spend some time talking to kids about how they feel, what they're most excited about and what concerns them. Set goals and ground rules if necessary, such as not letting sports interfere with school work. Keeping the lines of communication open makes it easier for kids to manage expectations and jump over any hurdles they may face.

Sports Medicine at Guthrie

When an injury strikes, we understand how important a fast recovery is to your athlete. That’s why our team of sports medicine caregivers share one common goal – to get our athletes back in the game as quickly and safely as possible.
Our caregivers are equipped to handle a wide variety of sports injuries, offering injury evaluation, concussion management, physical therapy, surgical procedures and more. In addition to the vast network of Guthrie providers across numerous specialties, we can ensure your athlete receives the best care possible, no matter the condition.

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