Returning to Sport after COVID-19

According to Aspire Sports Institute, athletes and coaches and trainers need to be very intentional about safety, their approach to training, and implementation of their training programs as they return to their sports training, practices, and competitive play.

It's important to think about the safety of athletes so they can stay healthy and get back on track after the quarantine. Coaches, athletes, and parents need to be mindful of athletes' safety from an illness standpoint and from a physical injury standpoint. While many are doing all they can to prevent COVID-19 infection during training, workouts, and practices, it's also crucial to do what's necessary to re-condition athletes' bodies so they don't experience injuries. If athletes return to their sport activity too quickly after a long period of no or little activity, the risk for injury will be high. 

Aspire Sports Institute recommends coaches focus on the following when training athletes who are returning to sport after a detrained state:

1. Prevent the rate of catastrophic soft tissue injury. 

2. Reestablish an appropriate cardiovascular and muscular conditioning base for all sport demands. 

3. Reestablish appropriate strength and power base for sport demands

Recovery and nutrition are also important components that coaches and trainers need to be thoughtful about. Aspire says some forms of recovery include:

-complete rest from activity 

-active recovery (stretching, mobilization, and soft tissue work) 

-proper hydration and nutrition

-adequate sleep. 

They add, "After an extended period of de-training or break from athletic activity, it is more important than ever to be mindful of recovering between bouts of exercise. Recovery is a vital part of successful athletic performance and can assist in injury prevention best if accompanied by clear directives."

Proper nutrition is necessary for athletes as they return after the COVID-19 quarantine. Eating high-nutrient foods in a well-balanced diet of adequate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will provide energy, build immunity, and support recovery. 

Athletes and coaches are excited to return to training, workouts, and practices. If everyone makes safety and health priorities, the transition will go smoothly and give everyone a needed sense of normalcy. Good luck to everyone as you set your post-COVID-19 goals and return to sport. Stay safe and stay healthy!

To learn more from Coach DJ Taylor about returning to sport after COVID-19, please listen to this podcast episode where he discusses in more detail each of the items above and many more things to consider during this time.

And here’s an Aspire Sports Institute document with more information.

*Photo by George Pagan III on Unsplash