Rainy days can be a real bummer for sports practices. Whether you’re a coach or a player, the idea of getting soaked and muddy while trying to practice your sport can be less than appealing. But just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you have to cancel practice altogether. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can still make the most of your time and keep your team on track.
Here are some tips on what to do when it rains for sports practices:
- Have a backup plan
It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain. Check with your facility or school to see if there is an indoor space you can use, such as a gymnasium or covered area. If there’s no indoor space available, consider moving the practice to a nearby field or park with a covered area, such as a pavilion. It may also be worth investing in some rain gear, such as waterproof jackets and pants, to help keep you and your team dry.
- Modify your drills
If you’re stuck outside in the rain, you may need to modify your drills to suit the conditions. For example, you could switch from a scrimmage to a passing drill, or from a running drill to a footwork drill. You could also adjust the field size or the number of players involved in each drill to make things more manageable. The key is to keep the focus on skill development while minimizing the risk of injury.
- Focus on mental preparation
Bad weather can be a great opportunity to focus on mental preparation and team building. Use the rain as a metaphor for the challenges your team will face during the season, and encourage your players to work together to overcome those challenges. You could also use the time to review a game film or discuss strategy, or work on team-building activities such as trust exercises or problem-solving challenges.
Although the weather can be a challenge for sports practices, with some preparation and creativity, you can make the most of it. Have a backup plan in place, dress appropriately, focus on skills and technique, use the rain to your advantage, stay motivated, and stay safe. With these tips in mind, your team can still have productive and successful practices, even on rainy days.