Should Players have a breaks in the season?
I have done a load of research over the past couple of weeks on this from the internet, NHS nurse , spoken to x2 separate sports scientists and x2 Physios from Wolves and Walsall FC and these are my findings...
Simply and short answer is I have found is Yes!
Kids should take breaks from football, especially between seasons, as it allows their bodies to recover, prevents overtraining injuries, and can help maintain their enthusiasm for the sport by avoiding burnout; it's important to listen to their bodies and give them rest when needed.
Key points about taking breaks from football for kids:
Physical (and injury) recovery:
• Playing football consistently throughout the year can lead to overuse injuries, so a break allows the body to repair minor muscle tears, strains and
fatigue. •
Mental health:
Breaks can help prevent burnout and maintain a positive attitude towards the sport. I have found that when players come back to football, they have missed it.
Motivation boost:
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Returning to football after a break can often feel fresh and exciting, boosting motivation and engagement.
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Develop other skills:
Time off football can allow kids to participate in other low impact activities, promoting overall physical development.
Listen to their bodies:
Pay attention to signs of fatigue, pain, or decreased performance, which could indicate the need for a break.
When to take breaks:
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Between seasons: Most notably, a longer break after the competitive season ends is crucial. (A least 6 weeks)
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During the season: Scheduled rest weeks off during a long season can be beneficial. Christmas time, Easter time
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After an injury: Proper recovery time is essential following any injury. Non contact for the first 2 weeks
What to do during a break:
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Light physical activity: Engage in low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, riding a bike
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Mental rest:
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Give your players time to relax and disengage from the pressure of
competition. This competition can be in a form of peer to peer pressures too!
Break for the Parents!
This also give a break for the parents that have multiply children with other others sports interest.
This gives them a rest from the hectic ‘parent timetable’.Break for you as coaches!
You as coaches have enough responsibilities throughout the season you need a break too! Chance to step back from things and relax. If you don’t do this it too can have a level of mental stress on you... look after yourself!
Mains push backs question and answers to these people I spoke to was:
Q: Won’t their fitness levels drop?
A: “of course they will! But, how strong is your pre-season plan?Q: What about the social aspect?
A: Do they suffer at school with social withdrawal with their mates when they have their school holiday each year? Most don’t.Q: Won’t training throughout the close season improve my players technical ability?
A: Marginally! It’s six weeks in the longest break. To break that down its approximately six hours. To break that down further how’s many times does a specific player get to touch the ball? The rewards [ listed above ] of the rest period far out weigh the marginal differences.
What are the signs of player burn out?
Using The FA 4 Corners of player development...
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⁃ Is their technical detail dropping significantly?
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⁃ Are they complaining about muscle and joint pain?
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⁃ Significant decrease in performance in games and training?
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⁃ Maybe sleep problems?
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⁃ Constantly tired?
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⁃ A change in their behaviour?
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⁃ Not wanting to come training?
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⁃ Disinterested in activities?
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⁃ Mood swings and irritability?
Disclaimer:
What ever you choose to do is your call as coaches, your players and your team. :)