The Legends and Nectar7 are excited to share this newsletter to help promote health, wellness and performance. Each month will feature new tips for players and for our fans. This month we address one of the most common questions we receive, "What do players do in the off-season to get better?"
1. Set Performance Goals
Build a road map for success by setting specific goals for each workout, gym session, & cardio activity. These goals should be progressive and have varying check points - daily, weekly, monthly and overall.
2. Visualize & Materialize
Much like performance goals, understand the desired outcome of each workout in regards to physique. Whether increasing muscle mass, reducing waist size, lowering body fat - understand how each workout affects specific areas and measure your success.
3. Maintain Activity, Decrease Impact
Players’ bodies take a toll over the course of the season and it is imperative that the body be given time to heal. However, it is equally as important for a player to not lose baseline fitness/skill level in the off-season. Activities such as biking, sand volley ball, hatha yoga and of course swimming in the Summer sun can help maintain fitness levels without causing much impact on joints and limbs.
4. Skills & Drills
A player’s best chance to improve their abilities occurs in the off-season. The time previously dedicated to team practice can now be utilized for working on individual skill improvement. The off-season is perfect for improving shooting, strengthening ball handling, creating new go-to moves and getting the repetitions necessary for these new talents to be game ready!
5. Unwind & Rewind
Take some time to relax by the pool, go on vacation and enjoy the Summer! Of course, should the opportunity exist to study some film from the past season - there’s always room to improve even when sitting on the couch.
6. Pay Attention to Nutrition
It’s easy to lose focus of nutrition and proper diet during the Summer - the longer days, backyard BBQs, weddings can all detour even the most strict eaters. Additionally, the caloric levels exuded are often significantly less in the off-season due to a lack of games and practices. For many players, it is important to pay attention to your caloric intake, how frequently/when to eat and make sure it is in line with your off-season activity levels. The diet plan used during the season is almost never the plan that should be used in the off-season!
7. Mix It Up
The off-season is the perfect opportunity to try new activities, attempt new levels of performance and explore different training methods. Keep the body guessing and the mind engaged by participating in new physical exercises in addition to traditional basketball training. Kayaking, hiking, biking & water-based activities are great ways to enjoy the Summer but stay physically ready for competition when the season nears.
These tips are great for players but also the at-home athlete in all of us.
Be sure to maximize your results by utilizing the benefits offered through the use of Nectar7 products. If you have a question for our next newsletter, send an email to us here. Check out the whole line of Nectar7 products at www.Nectar7.com and start reaching your full potential today!