In a game as fast as lacrosse, you must be at the top of your game to make an impact on the field. To be the best, you need more than raw talent. Even the greatest professional lacrosse players work hard all year round to reach and maintain their peak form. If you are a youth lacrosse player shooting to become the next lacrosse star, here are some of the performance secrets from the pros that can help you get there.
By learning these four sports performance secrets from the pros, you can be better positioned to reach all of your lacrosse goals.
4 Simple Steps to Improve your Sports Performance
Fuel your Body
Improving sports performance hinges on how well you take care of your body.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in your athletic performance.
Quick sports nutrition tips:
- Eat a good breakfast
- Have a hearty, balanced lunch
- Carbohydrates provide energy
- Limit fatty foods
- Keep hydrated
- Allow time for digestion
Hydration
It’s no secret athletes need to remain hydrated at all times. But, did you know that water also cools down your body, carries nutrients and oxygen to your cells and protects your vital organs.
No matter what physical activity you engage in be sure to drink water before, during and after.
Feed your Mind
Your state of mind is another crucial factor in your sports performance. A bad attitude can easily detract from your play.
Quick sports psychology tips:
- Practice and perform in the here and now
- Learn from the past and move on
- Release negative emotions
- Direct your energy to what things you can influence today
Exercise Regularly
Everybody knows that exercise is key to success. But, did you know that athletic training can be beneficial not only in the months leading up to lacrosse tryouts but also during the season?
Pro exercise tips:
- Establish a routine
- Make exercise a habit
- Pace yourself
- Keep intensity high
- Prioritize recovery
Practice like you compete
You have probably heard a lacrosse coach tell you to practice as hard as you play. This statement couldn’t be truer. If you practice with focus and intensity, you will be better able to turn it up a notch during a high-stakes game situation.
Mix-up your workout every 3 weeks
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when you perform the same old workouts week-in and week-out. If you change your routine every three weeks, you can receive better results.
Focus on functional exercises
In order to build strength, speed and endurance for the lacrosse field, it is important to perform the right workouts for the sport. A functional routine creates better strength and flexibility by mimicking the movements used in the sport’s usual activity.
Reserve Time for Rest
Any type of athlete, including lacrosse players, do not benefit from overtraining. You need rest to allow your muscles to repair and grow. Ample rest time also helps you recharge your batteries to be able to go at full speed in the next workout, practice or game.
As youth lacrosse has become more competitive across the country, it is more important than ever for athletes of any age to remain in peak shape all year round. Now that you have learned what to do, it’s up to you to follow through.
