August 16, 2024

How to Be Best Prepared for the Football Season as a University Player

Why Being in Shape and Ready for Pre-Season Makes a Difference for Players

Ready to excel in the upcoming football season? Marius from Keystone Sports Nordics guides you through the key strategies for optimal pre-season preparation. Learn how to stay in shape off-season and make a strong start for a successful season!

For college soccer (football) players, starting the season fit and ready is a game-changer. With the season approaching quickly, showing up in poor shape can make it difficult to integrate into the team, and there’s little time to get back in form. It’s crucial to be fit, healthy, and injury-free as you head into pre-season training.

Discover tips and opportunities to prepare for football season.

The Importance of Being in Good Pre-Season Shape

Players who arrive at school in good shape, perform well in pre-season, and gain the coach’s trust are the ones who get to play. At the start of the season, coaches will evaluate both new and returning players to see how they’ve maintained their fitness over the summer.

Being well-prepared for the season can make a significant difference. For returning players, there’s a long break from the end of the spring semester in early May until pre-season starts in August. A great option is to join a summer league and stay in the USA. The summer league runs from May to July, and if you progress deep into the playoffs, you’ll be playing until late July. This keeps you match-fit and sharp for the new season. Plus, it’s an opportunity to gain more experience and expand your network with teammates and coaches.

Opportunity to Play with Local Teams During the Summer

Many students also want to go home after a long semester abroad. It’s common for international student-athletes to play with their local team when they return. Most teams will let you train with them, but game time might be limited since coaches prefer to keep their rosters steady. If you’re looking to stay match-fit, consider asking to play with the second team, as I did.

Planning your summer can be tricky if you want to relax and perhaps travel. I played with my local team in Norway from May until mid-June, then took a month off with lighter training before ramping up in the final three weeks before pre-season. I focused on building strength and stamina, as well as working on my soccer skills. Once the football season starts, it’s tough to find time for extra gym work since you’ll have two games a week.

Tips to Excel in Pre-Season Training

When pre-season kicks off, expect two training sessions a day and some running tests. These tests are a simple way for football coaches to see how well you trained over the summer. You’ll likely know what tests to expect, such as running 5 km in under 19 minutes. It’s wise to practice these tests yourself during the summer so you know where you stand and can adjust your training if needed.

Finally, while you’ll want to showcase your skills and enjoy the excitement of the new season, being well-prepared will enhance your experience and help you feel ahead of the game. This is exactly what US coaches want to see and sets the stage for a successful season.

Another tip is to consider taking lighter or fewer classes in the autumn. Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, so it’s helpful to schedule easier classes for the autumn and tackle tougher ones in the spring or summer. Talk to classmates, teammates, and academic advisers about which classes are less demanding and plan accordingly.

Bond with Your University Team

Also, make an effort to connect with your teammates from the start. Getting to know both new and returning players will help you fit in and find your place on the team. Freshmen should particularly bond with other freshmen, as they’re also new and eager.

Connecting with team captains is also a good idea since they’re approachable and understand what it’s like to start out. With the intense training during pre-season, it’s important to rest well and eat healthily. And one last piece of advice: remember to keep your energy up and balance training, rest, and social activities!

Does playing football and studying in America sound exciting? Discover the opportunities available for footballers in the USA through football scholarships! Keystone Sports will evaluate your scholarship chances—at no cost and with no obligation. Fill out our free assessment now!

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About the author

Marius Skattum Dahl

Marius Skattum Dahl, Recruitment Associate at Keystone Sports Nordics, played soccer at Wilmington University in Delaware while pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Management. He then transferred to Saint Bonaventure University where he played D1 soccer while pursuing his Master’s in Business Administration. Marius is dedicated to ensuring that student-athletes have a seamless transition into their next phase after high school. He is passionate about seeing student-athletes succeed both on and off the field.