In-Season Strength and Conditioning Training for Athletes

by | Apr 29, 2025 | Strength and Conditioning Training

In-Season Strength and Conditioning Training for Athletes

Many athletes drop or reduce their strength and conditioning training during the competitive season. But that’s a mistake. In-season training helps maintain strength, reduce injury risk, and keep performance high.

If you stop training entirely, strength gains fade quickly. With the right approach, you can stay strong, fast, and healthy all season long.

Why In-Season Training Matters

During the season, your body endures intense stress from practices and games. Strength and conditioning training acts as armor against fatigue, overuse, and injury.

Key benefits include:

  • Preserving muscle and power

  • Supporting recovery and mobility

  • Enhancing performance longevity

  • Minimizing injury risk

The NSCA emphasizes that well-structured in-season programs improve outcomes without adding excessive fatigue.

Balancing Workload: Don’t Overtrain

The goal of in-season training is maintenance, not overload. Athletes should focus on quality, not quantity.

To avoid overtraining:

  • Reduce training frequency (1–2x per week)

  • Use lighter loads with higher intent

  • Limit volume and avoid training to failure

  • Prioritize movement quality and recovery

Sessions should be short but effective—30 to 45 minutes can be enough when done right.

Sample In-Season Strength and Conditioning Program

Here’s an example for a field sport athlete (football, lacrosse, or soccer):

Day 1 – Power + Upper Body

  • Trap bar deadlift – 3 sets of 3 reps (70%)

  • Med ball rotational throw – 3 x 5 per side

  • Pull-ups or TRX rows – 3 x 8

  • Dumbbell shoulder press – 2 x 10

  • Banded shoulder mobility – 3 x 10 reps

Day 2 – Speed + Lower Body

  • Sprint mechanics drills – 10 minutes

  • Resisted sprints – 3 x 10 yards

  • Bulgarian split squats – 3 x 6 reps per leg

  • Lateral lunges – 2 x 8

  • Calf raises – 2 x 15

This structure maintains strength while sharpening speed and movement skills.

Mobility and Recovery: Essential In-Season Tools

Recovery becomes even more critical in-season. Smart athletes invest time in:

  • Foam rolling and massage guns

  • Dynamic mobility drills

  • Stretching after games and workouts

  • Sleep (aim for 8–9 hours per night)

  • Hydration and nutrition

Failing to recover properly can lead to performance drop-offs and injuries. Recovery is part of your training, not separate from it.

Training by Sport: Tailoring for Specific Demands

Each sport places unique demands on the body. Here’s how in-season strength and conditioning training can be adapted:

  • Basketball: Focus on ankle/knee stability, eccentric strength, and shoulder mobility.

  • Baseball: Prioritize scapular stability, rotational core work, and shoulder health.

  • Football: Maintain maximal strength and explosive power with low volume.

  • Track and Field: Emphasize power, mobility, and neuromuscular activation.

At Next Level Athletics USA, coaches design sport-specific in-season plans that balance strength, movement, and recovery needs.

Mistakes to Avoid During the Season

Don’t fall into these common traps:

  • Stopping training entirely: Leads to rapid strength loss

  • Training too hard: Increases fatigue and game-day underperformance

  • Ignoring mobility: Can lead to stiffness and poor mechanics

  • Failing to modify volume: Training should adjust as game frequency changes

Smart programming is about sustaining performance, not crushing yourself in the gym.

Nutrition and Hydration for In-Season Success

Support your strength and conditioning training with smart nutrition:

  • Protein: Helps maintain muscle mass

  • Carbohydrates: Fuel for practices and games

  • Water: Prevents cramping and supports recovery

  • Electrolytes: Replenish what’s lost in sweat

Eating balanced meals before and after activity supports long-term performance.

Psychological Edge: Mental Benefits of Staying Strong

Training isn’t just physical—it sharpens your mindset. In-season strength and conditioning helps athletes:

  • Stay disciplined

  • Build confidence

  • Reduce game-day anxiety

  • Feel in control of their bodies

Routine gym work provides a sense of stability during a busy and stressful season.

Conclusion: Stay Strong to Finish Strong

Your season is a marathon, not a sprint. Strength and conditioning training during the season keeps your body resilient and your performance sharp.

Don’t let your hard-earned strength fade. Train smart, recover well, and compete with confidence—because champions are made year-round, not just in the offseason.

Next Level Athletics Assessment, 20-yard sprint