What should happen in the off season? I want a break but I don't want to come back "unfit"... what should my priorities be?
The current uncertainty around the next competition phase for Camogie throws up some challenges for physical planning but nothing that can't be overcome. Above is a general overview of what a seasonal periodisation plan might look like. You will all know this simply from your experience as part of multiple teams. The general preparation phase is like preseason - longer running, more volume, less games. Specific preparation is like the pre league/league period - you start focusing more on the specific sport and the volume starts coming down. Competition phase is Championship - things are shorter and sharper and the focus is very much on the sport itself. After the peak of Competition you have transition period- which is like off season. You are coming out of high intensity training and letting your body and mind recover.
The above shows a very clear linear progression. Our current scenario is slightly different put the same principles apply. Trying to continue as normal now would not be conducive to getting the best out of ourselves.
Off Seasons & breaks are an essential part of any good training programme
The purpose of the upcoming 3 week break is as follows:
1. Give players a mental break from compulsory communications
2. Allow players the freedom to do what they want!
3. Allow player to rejuvenate and rest and be ready for what will lie ahead in the rest of 2020.
4. Give players time to reflect & make plans to address their own priorities.
Things to think about when you are planning your own mini "off season"
1. Do I have a clear sense of where I am at as a Camogie player? I have had my one to one with the coaches - do I need more information? Do I have a road map of how I should get better - is that something I can think about over the break?
2. What does my body need over the break? It is usually recommended to change your stimulus over a break period - are there other sports you can try? If you have been running a lot could you start cycling instead? Is running a weak point? Would you enjoy simply running 5km a couple of times a week? If tennis clubs are opening up - could you play? Can you swim in in the sea? Could you really focus on your core & mobility and do a proper yoga program for 3 weeks?
3. What do you need to think about your own personal mindset? What are your strengths as an individual and as a teammate.... do you need help in figuring this out? You might know what the problem is but do you need help in fixing it?
4. Could you use this break to really think about WHY YOU PLAY? How good you want to be at camogie and what you need to do to go about that?
5. Are you going to give yourself some structure or are you going to just see how it goes - what is best for you
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