Sun, Softball, and Stress

On Monday morning I flew back to PA from a great last minute Thanksgiving with loved ones on the gulf coast beaches in Florida. (Yes, it was sunny and wonderful, be jealous!) After a crazy few months it was amazing to leave my phone, my computer, my school work, and yes even softball at home and truly enjoy some time relaxing with my family. Actually that’s a lie, I did pitch on the beach with my 15-year-old sister, who happens to actually be a catcher. (Like Megan, the sister catching at Adelphi University…the family could only handle one pitcher!) BUT for twenty minutes there was no instruction, no pressure, and no expectations…it was purely fun and relaxing.
 
The moral to the story - everyone needs a break. From school, from softball, from everyday life and the stress that unfortunately so often comes with it. As adults, we need mental health days and time off around the holidays. THE SAME GOES FOR YOUR PLAYERS TOO. Part of the success of any athlete is being able to have time to miss the sport. By practicing and playing year round the thrill of the game begins to fade for many young athletes and it leads to the “burn out” factor occurring in younger and younger athletes. The days of the three sport athlete are quickly fading as sport specialization becomes the new thing. Growing up I was a three sport athlete (softball, basketball, and volleyball) until high school started, and after that I still ran indoor track and played softball. The expectations put on athletes in their travel ball programs makes it harder and harder for them to not only play other sports, but also to get a break and make memories outside of softball.
 
The following is a portion of the preseason workout packet that I put together for my collegiate pitchers this year. We start official preseason on January 11th and our season opener is February 4th. Even with our first games being so soon, I still think it will benefit us more as a staff to take the week off and give the girls time to enjoy being home with their friends and family.
 
 
12/19 - 12/25
“There is virtue in work, and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”
- Alan Cohen
 
OFF! Put your glove in the closet and enjoy time with your family. Give your body a break, but also mentally take a break, refocus next week and get to work!
 
 
So here is my plea - yes this is for you travel ball coaches! Give you players time off. Tell them to throw their gloves in the closet and leave it there for a few weeks. Give them time to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s with their friends and family just like you want to. 2 or 3 weeks of indoor practice will not make or break your season this year. In January when you start practicing again I can almost guarantee that your players will be excited and WANT to put in the work. Time away can be ten times more beneficial than practices with players going through the motions because they are burnt out and would rather be doing holiday activities. Time away from softball gives everyone involved - players, parents, and coaches - time to take care of themselves and then come back ready to dive into preseason head first. After spending a week relaxing with my family, I accomplished more in the past few days that I’ve been back than I ever imagined. I have new energy and excitement to get back to work. Give your girls the opportunity to have the same feeling about the sport they love!