How to Plan a Football Workout

The sport of football requires the athlete build the proper skills.

The sport of football, at all levels, requires strength and endurance. A primary responsibility of coaching the sport is assuring the athletes are well prepared for the games. The proper workouts include skill building in all areas related to the sport and a stringent schedule to keep the players on track. Planning this schedule well in advance allows for the best possible results.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar
• Writing utensil

Instructions

1. 

   Begin with a calendar

   Acquire a physical calendar or create a virtual one encompassing the dates of the first workout through the following year. A virtual calendar will allow you to extend the dates if needed and make any necessary changes without erasing or marking out added information.

2. Count the weeks from present day to the day of the first game. Divide these days into three sections for the preseason workout schedule.

3. 

   Running is part of endurance training.

   Dedicate the first and second week of the preseason workout to strength training, including weight lifting. The third and fourth week are dedicated to endurance and speed and include lots of running drills. Alternate strength and endurance training on your calendar until four weeks prior to the first game. At this point, begin scheduling play running and teamwork sessions.

4. 

   Weight lifting is a part of strength training.

   Divide the workout schedule of in-season time between strength, endurance and running plays. Alternate the days, dedicating one day to each skill, or divide the practices into strength and skills and endurance and skills training.

5. Use the days after the season for alternative training. This training may include other sports including tennis, basketball, aerobics or dancing depending on the team. Fill in the time with different activities avoiding strength and endurance drills used during the preseason and in-season workouts.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find your players becoming quickly fatigued, alter your plan to ease up on strength training.

• Always use precautions when training. Assess each player's ability before pushing his limits, as heat stroke, exhaustion and dehydration may occur.

References

• Sports Fitness Advisor: The 12-Month Football Training Program
• Exercise Goals: Football Weight Training - Football Strength Training Programs & Workouts

Resources

• Strength Coach: Football Training