High school athletes should plan workouts and document progress this summer

Everything today is measurable in athletics.  And college coaches are sticklers for stats.

As a high school athlete wanting to advance to the next level, there are plateaus to reach, particularly in terms of strength and speed, which place you in the sphere of recruiting consideration for each division.  You either fit into the DI, DII or DIII box.  Knowing where you stand and being able to readily prove it allows coaches to more quickly and accurately evaluate you.

With summer beginning, it’s worthwhile to plan your workouts for the next several months.  When will you workout?  Where?  And, what are your speed and strength stage as well as final goals?  Without these in place, working out holds far less significance.

Email or call college coaches and ask them, “Where should I be as a rising junior (or senior, or sophomore, or freshman) at my position for you to want to give me a shot?”  This is allowable by the NCAA and NAIA and it will give you clear targets to hit.  Call a DI, DII and DIII assistant coach.  Let him or her know that you are serious about being recruited but that you want goals to shoot for by summer’s end.

Then, take a tracking form with you to each workout.  Document each station or drill.  Push yourself to make small, but important advancements.  Learn how to properly warm up and cool down.  Take plenty of liquids.  And, keep your eye on the end game while giving yourself credit and kudos for reaching daily objectives.  Accept that you will have good and no-so-good days, but always stay focused on the endgame.

Post your workouts in your room.  Look at it often, especially before you go to bed or when you wake up.  Keep it there.  Make it a part of your routine.  And, never quit on yourself.  The results will come if you plan and work hard to make it happen.