In-Season Training for Football, Part II: When?

condo@0,5x
In our previous article (read here), we discussed the importance of in-season training for football programs, and what those programs should look like in general. Today we attack logistics, arguably the most difficult hurdle when it comes to working out during the season. At PLT4M, we are still active high school coaches so we understand the issues at hand. We want to preserve on-field practice time, and we worry that workouts will jeopardize energy levels and practice output. That being said, we fully believe there is a way to minimize the cost while getting all of the benefits of a full commitment to in-season training. Of course there are any number of ways to go about training during the season, and it all depends on your athletes/schedule/etc, but here is the way we like to attack it with our own teams.
Post-Competition Recovery
On Saturday mornings, post Friday Night Lights, we like to run a brief team recovery workout. This serves a couple of purposes. Firstly, it jumpstarts the physical recovery process. We utilize a low-intensity, low-impact metabolic conditioning workout – much like our off-season Pillars. Compound bodyweight movements and cardio work elevates blood flow to all joints and areas of the body. Increased blood flow begins the process of recovery and regeneration in the muscle and tissue damaged by the efforts of last night. Secondly, the early morning requirement works to keep athletes from celebrating too strongly after a win, or making poor choices after a loss. It also keeps them engaged with the football program 6 days a week without overtaxing them physically or mentally.
Weighted Workout 1
On Mondays, we opt for a workout and film session over field time.  We firmly believe that in football, mental aptitude and preparation is just as important as physicality. If our kids know what they’re doing, and what to expect on the other side, we will be in a better position to succeed. Because of this we spend real time digging into and grading previous game film as well as introducing and breaking down the new opponent. By focusing on the mental during Monday’s time together, we are totally free to sell-out on our first weighted workout of the week beforehand. This way we avoid any issues of motivation and energy at practice that day, as well as increasing the post-game recovery. Since our game, we’ve now had 2 workouts to spur recovery and put us back into optimal playing shape, and an intense mental prep and learning practice. We achieve all of this over 4 full days without contact – meaning we will be as healthy as possible for our dynamic, full padded practices in preparation for our next opponent.
Weighted Workout 2
To round out the week, we insert our 2nd weighted workout on Wednesday before practice. We don’t want to lift any less than 48 hours prior to a game. This provides ample time to recover – no chance for residual soreness or fatigue of any kind. Since there is a 45 minute gap between the final school bell and the official start of practice, we urge our guys to get into the weight room asap and get their workout done quickly and efficiently. Technically this is their own time, but they know the importance of keeping strength and health throughout the season so they are motivated to spend the extra time before practice and hurry to still be out on the field on time. We also make them very aware that a 25 minute lift is no excuse for a poor practice and that both are necessary if they want to win on Friday night. Of course there are exceptions to every generality, and differences within every school and program – and no system is perfect. Plenty of coaches have other philosophies that work very well. If you have a personal approach to in-season training that you like, we’d love to hear it!

Share this article:

Recent Posts

Interested if PLT4M can work at your school?

Schedule a Free Demo

Follow Us!

PLT4M avatar; PLT4M @PLT4M ·
14 Sep 2099515281533972931

How does a big district with buildings spread across the city get every PE and health class rowing in the same direction? 🤔

Cedar Rapids Community Schools did it — one shared program, built around one goal: setting students up for a lifelong active lifestyle.

Same foundation.

Reply on Twitter 2099515281533972931 Retweet on Twitter 2099515281533972931 0 Like on Twitter 2099515281533972931 1 Twitter 2099515281533972931
PLT4M avatar; PLT4M @PLT4M ·
10 Sep 2098072256958099538

🎯 Starting class with "I Can" statements

Every other subject uses clear learning objectives — why should PE be any different?

A simple way to frame every lesson with a clear learning objective — so students know exactly what they're working toward before it begins.

✅ Clear

Twitter feed video.
Reply on Twitter 2098072256958099538 Retweet on Twitter 2098072256958099538 0 Like on Twitter 2098072256958099538 1 Twitter 2098072256958099538
PLT4M avatar; PLT4M @PLT4M ·
8 Sep 2097341302161519023

🏀 Roll Out The Ball ➡️ Skill Development

PE has changed. Here's what it looks like now:

✅ Real skill development
✅ Small-sided games
✅ Every student involved
✅ Teaching, not just "free play"

Grab our free Team Sports Lesson Plan Pack 👇
🔗 https://get.plt4m.com/4wS3PK8

Image for the Tweet beginning: 🏀 Roll Out The Ball Twitter feed video.
Reply on Twitter 2097341302161519023 Retweet on Twitter 2097341302161519023 0 Like on Twitter 2097341302161519023 0 Twitter 2097341302161519023
PLT4M avatar; PLT4M @PLT4M ·
4 Sep 2095892452318048430

Cooperative games take more than just fun and games — they take a playbook. 📋

This back to school, set the foundation for successful elementary PE classes by teaching students how to plan, test, adjust, and reflect together.

Our 5-step approach: Team Talk → Test → Analyze &

Reply on Twitter 2095892452318048430 Retweet on Twitter 2095892452318048430 0 Like on Twitter 2095892452318048430 2 Twitter 2095892452318048430
PLT4M avatar; PLT4M @PLT4M ·
2 Sep 2095166792549224926

Trusted By Teachers Across Illinois.

See what teachers are saying — from elementary up through high school, Illinois teachers are using PLT4M in classrooms across the state, and it's making a real difference for their students every day.

Want to see what teachers from across

Image for the Tweet beginning: Trusted By Teachers Across Illinois. See Twitter feed image.
Image for the Tweet beginning: Trusted By Teachers Across Illinois. See Twitter feed image.
Image for the Tweet beginning: Trusted By Teachers Across Illinois. See Twitter feed image.
Image for the Tweet beginning: Trusted By Teachers Across Illinois. See Twitter feed image.
Reply on Twitter 2095166792549224926 Retweet on Twitter 2095166792549224926 2 Like on Twitter 2095166792549224926 6 Twitter 2095166792549224926
PE_with_Mr_G avatar; Josh Gross @PE_with_Mr_G ·
1 Sep 2094588182532694470

Around the World 🌎 from @PLT4M

LVL1: Bigger # wins
LVL2: Smaller # wins
LVL3: Students race to see who can add the two #’s together and say the correct answer.

Level 3 seemed to be the students favorite!

#PhysEd

Image for the Tweet beginning: Around the World 🌎 from Twitter feed video.
Reply on Twitter 2094588182532694470 Retweet on Twitter 2094588182532694470 3 Like on Twitter 2094588182532694470 21 Twitter 2094588182532694470
Load More
Facebook Instagram Youtube