As the off-season rolls around, it’s time for high school and middle school kickers to kick their training into high gear. Whether you’re gearing up for the next season or preparing to transition to college football, the off-season is a crucial time to fine-tune your skills, build strength, and sharpen your mental game. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable off-season kicking tips to help you make the most of your training and set yourself up for success on the field.
Off-Season Kicking Tip 1: Stay Active – Physical Conditioning
To excel as a kicker, maintaining physical fitness is key. Use the off-season to focus on building strength, flexibility, and endurance in your legs. Incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises into your workout routine to strengthen your lower body. Additionally, consider adding activities like swimming or cycling to improve cardiovascular health and overall athleticism.
Off-Season Kicking Tip 2: Perfect Your Technique – Kicking Drills and Practice Routines
Off-season training is the perfect opportunity to hone your kicking technique. Set aside time for regular kicking drills and practice sessions to improve your accuracy, distance, and consistency. Work on mastering your approach, follow-through, and ball contact to achieve more powerful and precise kicks. Remember to practice from various distances and angles to simulate game-day scenarios.
Off-Season Kicking Tip 3: Mental Preparation – Developing Confidence and Resilience
As important as physical conditioning and technique are, our off-season kicking tips continue with the mental aspect of kicking which is equally crucial. Use the off-season to focus on confidence, mental toughness, and resilience. Visualize successful kicks in your mind’s eye and practice positive self-talk to boost your confidence. Additionally, develop relaxation techniques to help you stay calm and focused under pressure during games.
Kicking Tip 4: Review and Adjust – Evaluating Progress and Setting Goals
Throughout the off-season, take the time to review and evaluate your progress regularly. Identify areas of improvement and adjust your training plan accordingly. Set SMART goals for the upcoming season – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound – and create a plan to achieve them. Whether it’s increasing your field goal range or improving your kickoff hang time, having clear goals will keep you motivated and focused.
Off-Season Kicking Tip 5: Stay Consistent and Stay Patient
Off-season training requires dedication and perseverance. While it’s important to push yourself and strive for improvement, it’s also crucial to be patient with your progress. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a successful kicking career. Stay consistent with your training regimen, trust the process, and remember that every kick, every drill, and every practice session brings you one step closer to your goals. Embrace the journey, stay focused, and keep kicking – your hard work will pay off.
Conclusion
As you embark on your off-season training journey, remember that success on the field is built during the off-season. By staying active, perfecting your technique, preparing mentally, and setting goals, you’ll be well-equipped to take your kicking game to the next level. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. JJ Kicking is here to help with specialized group and one-on-one training programs designed to elevate your skills and maximize your potential. So, lace up your cleats, hit the field, and make the most of your off-season!