GETTING READY FOR SPRING SPORTS

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By Gloria Averbuch

It’s time to brush off the remnants of winter, and get ready to play! Whether your athlete has been active or not, here are some helpful steps to get ready for spring.

Take Advantage of Transition Time: Use this time to ease into activity. Rather than start right in with organized, lengthy play, engage your players in light pre-season fitness, even on their own, or more fun, with the family (e.g. casually practicing their sport, hiking, biking). Create a balanced schedule going into spring activities to avoid stress or conflict with schoolwork.

Adjust to the Conditions: When going from indoors to outdoors, it may take time to adjust. Don’t forget important details like applying daily sunscreen (the sun comes through even on cloudy days), and drinking enough water to hydrate before, during and after activity.

Learn from the Experienced: Speak to other veteran players or parents, or your player’s coach for spring preparation advice (especially new coaches; it pays to show you’re interested).

Gear Up: All gear should be fully tested. Cleats and other athletic shoes are most important. “It is always good to wear your athletic shoes to a few practices prior to using them in a full blown match or event, in order to break them in,” advises Dan Manson, President of Soccer Post, the largest chain of soccer specialty stores across the country with nine locations in New Jersey. “Try athletic shoes on later in the day as the foot always swells by then, as opposed to the morning. In addition, try shoes on with whatever socks that will be worn for the activity. This will insure that the fit will be optimal for the athlete.”

Watch and Learn: Enjoyment and improvement in sports is a combination of practice and study. No matter what the sport, the best learn by watching — especially live competition, like Sky Blue FC of Women’s Professional Soccer.

In honor of the inaugural season of Sky Blue FC, the team is offering a limited-time special. Call and mention this article, and buy two tickets and get two free to the home opener on April 5 versus the Los Angeles Sol at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Dial 888-SBFC-TIX or 1-888-723-2849 or online at www.SkyBlueFC.com

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