For most high school students, August is the last month before getting back to school. This month is filled with family trips, school preparation, and families enjoying every ounce of summer left. During this time, athletes can struggle to maintain a solid training schedule and often lose their drive to get better prior to getting back to school. Below are three ways athletes and their parents can help keep sports training a priority through the chaos.

1. DEFINE AND SET YOUR SCHEDULE

Most times last-minute trips or events can throw a family's schedule for a loop. This is particularly true when a defined schedule isn't set or followed. Parents and coaches, try your best to make sure that all priorities are established so that last-minute hiccups can be avoided and limited. There should always be some wiggle room to add flexibility for added events or new priorities, but keeping your schedule in order will allow for more continuity. As well as help players avoid skipping or missing training days.

2. ADJUST YOUR TRAINING

Coaches make sure to give your players options when it comes to workouts and training. Requiring players to follow only one training regime, in particular during a busy summer, can oftentimes lead players to quit on themselves before even starting. Try to create workouts in the 30, 60, and 90 min time frames. The players that want and are able to get the maximum time in will and the players that want to squeeze in a workout also can. Players, make sure you understand that even if you’re not in a gym, you are still able to workout and train. That might be conditioning or weight training. It may be studying film or simply chatting with family and friends about hooping. 

3. SET PRIORITIES/GOALS TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY  

Coaches, be sure to help players set their end-of-the-summer goals based on what you believe they need to work on and what they want to achieve. The best competitors want to get better at everything all the time, but when time is limited it’s very smart to make sure there is a focus and that players know what and why they are doing something. Create a checklist and encourage parents to check in with their kids to help maintain accountability. Doing this will help players continue to grow and build skills during the offseason!

If you're looking for more tips or checklists for the offseason, check out our FREE Offseason Checklist!