Summer is already here, and many athletes are enjoying a well-deserved break from competitions and team practices. The upcoming period of self-training offers an excellent opportunity to develop skills and prepare for upcoming challenges. We will look at summer self-training from a coach’s perspective and share five tips for effective and motivating training.

🎯 1. Set Goals

At the beginning of summer self-training, it is helpful to discuss with athletes and together set clear and realistic goals. Consider what they want to achieve during the summer and how it serves their long-term objectives. Setting goals helps athletes focus on training and stay motivated. You can write down both the self-training period and the season goals in the athletes’ development plan.

📝 2. Create a Training Program

Develop a clear training program for the summer in collaboration with the athletes. Based on the set goals, you can divide the training sessions into different areas such as strength, endurance, speed, and technique. Remember to include sufficient rest and recovery in the program to improve performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

🌞 3. Variety and Fun

Encourage athletes to try out new training methods and environments during the summer. Make use of different outdoor sports equipment or natural elements. For example, running on a sandy beach, mountain biking, inline skating, or swimming in a lake can bring variety to training and make it more interesting.

📊 4. Track Progress

Monitor athletes’ progress during the self-training period. Encourage them to keep a training diary where they can record their performances and observations. Regular review of the diary helps athletes identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

💬 5. Stay Connected

Even though athletes train independently, maintain regular communication with them. Discuss their goals and offer valuable support remotely. Guidance, encouragement, and feedback help athletes stay focused and address any concerns they may have. A strong coach-athlete relationship is important during self-training as well.

🧠 Try Mental Imagery

As an additional tip for summer self-training, it is a great opportunity to support athletes’ mental coaching. Encourage them to try mental imagery exercises. They can visualize themselves succeeding in their goals or dreams. Mental imagery can improve concentration, skills, and increase self-confidence. Also, remind them to enjoy the summer, relax, and recharge their batteries.

Wishing you success in your summer self-training and coaching!

P.S. Don’t forget to rest yourself 😎