Best Tips for a Fun Spring Sports Season

Get Out and Play: Tips for Enjoying Spring Sports

Spring is a time for athletes to get excited. The days are getting longer and warmer, and as fun as winter sports like basketball and hockey are, there's nothing like getting outside and enjoying spring sports season.

Whether you're preparing for baseball, softball, lacrosse, tennis or other spring sports, Bownet® knows there are certain things all players must do to get ready. Use our spring sports tips to map out a successful and fun season.

1. Get a Physical

Before you hit the field, visit your doctor for an annual physical. They'll make sure you're physically able to play - and if they discover any potential problems, they'll figure out how to address them. A physical is required for many school-sponsored sports, but you should still get one if you're playing with a travel or club team.

2. Ease into the Season

Elite and aspiring athletes should always do some sort of conditioning and cross-training in the offseason. Still, different sports work different muscles, and going from 0 to 100 can lead to injury. Remember to pace yourself and allow proper recovery time. You'll have a lot more fun if you can stay on the field.

3. Warm Up and Cool Down

In the same vein, your body needs to ease into and out of each practice and game. Have a good warm-up routine of exercises and dynamic stretches to get your muscles, joints and heart ready. After you're done, do more stretching or go for a walk to limit lactic acid build-up. It's not just us saying this - the American Heart Association says warm-ups and cool-downs are a must for helping to prevent injury and reducing stress on the body.

4. Do a Gear Check

You should always try on and inspect your gear before the start of any sports season. This is especially true for young athletes who are still growing. Replace anything that no longer fits or is showing obvious wear. Go over your training nets to see if any parts are missing or broken. You should also make sure you own all required and recommended gear for your sport, whether that's mouthguards, helmets, gloves or a new equipment bag.

5. Dress Appropriately

Although the temperatures are getting warmer, it's not summer weather yet. There can still be rainy days and cold evenings, especially if you live in a northern area. Make sure to bring multiple layers to practices and check the forecast before games - it's hard to play your best or have a good time if you're shivering.

6. Be Honest With Yourself

The more in tune you are with yourself, the more fun you will have. Do a truthful assessment of what skills you need to work on - then get the equipment you need to do that work, such as softball training balls or a portable lacrosse goal. And if a body part hurts, be honest about that, too. It's better to take a short recovery break rather than try to push through and injure yourself even worse.