Limited space indoors for winter (K/P) training...what can I do?
Up here in the Northern states this is a legitimate issue. Below are some tips on how to make the most of it!
Winter is here, for those of us that live up around our Northern Mountain region this means sub zero temperatures, snow flying, icy roads and unfortunately….limited space and/or facilities for indoor training. However, there are still ways to start the off-season strong:
Technique Adjustments/Build Muscle memory without the ball (Kickers/Punters)
Look back at game or practice film from the season and analyze where the technical flaws are that cause inconsistency. A great way to begin the process of fixing them is taking the ball away. This removes the pressure of making a kick or hitting a good punt and allows focus on the adjustments that need to be made. Replicating the adjustments (body position, steps, weight balance, etc.) will rebuild muscle memory so your body will remember the new corrected movements.
Drops, Drops, Drops (Punters)
Any Punter or Coach will tell you that a common cause for a mishit is a poor drop. Developing a consistent drop takes very little space and effort. This is where changes (ex. adjusted grip) can me made to increase comfortability and consistency. Start on a knee to work on a flat drop and guiding the ball down to the ground. Then transition to standing, adding in the steps and focusing on timing as well.
Film Study (Kickers/Punters)
You can never watch enough film. Take a closer look at game or practice film from the season, what went well? What could have gone better? If you had the chance to go back, what would you have done differently? These are learning experiences so preparations can be made for next time. Grade yourself based on your performance and utilize that as a baseline to improve on going into the next year.
Strength/Conditioning (Kickers/Punters)
Take this time to focus on becoming bigger, stronger, faster and more explosive. Add in resistance work or dry swings to the workout routine and keep muscle memory in check.
Net Kicking/Bag Strikes (Kickers/Punters)
If the space (still not much needed) and a kicking net are available they can be used to work on ball striking. Even here, limit the kick count. Don’t over kick just because of the net. Treat this as a standard kicking session and track the count. An alternate option is striking a blocking pad or bag working on keeping feet locked out and body in nice tall upright position.
Grab a shovel (Kickers/Punters)
For the true diehards, this is always an option. Never a bad idea to practice in the elements especially living in an area where it is possible to see those conditions during the season. Stay safe though and again monitor kick count.
Don’t let the weather become an excuse for getting better this off-season! Even in the harsh conditions there are ways to continue developing your craft!