What do offseasons look like?

[fishercats]

I'm still getting used to the the D3 soccer season. One question - now that the student-athletes are back on campus, what do various team's offseasons look like? workouts? meetings? team oriented? Is there lots of variation between programs...the top ones vs the average ones?

Thanks.

[Ommadawn]

I think that although there is a degree of variability in the off-season regimens across programs, it is pretty standard for teams to have a strength-and-conditioning routine and a couple-of-times-a-week (depending on climate) futsal/indoor soccer sessions over the winter months. 

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

To be clear, they have to be player-only functions. Coaches are not allowed to run anything outside of a four(?) week period mid-semester(ish) where they can practice a few times a week during it (though, NESCAC schools do not allow for spring season; it has to be all student-run, no coaches at all).

So while there might be strength things and maybe some indoor soccer, it is a volunteer thing and students aren't to be 'punished' for not participating. In fact, the strength coaches in the departments are not allowed to report to the coaches of off-season teams who has shown up, not shown up, how often, etc. The same somewhat is true with captains and such, but that always gets murky.

But if a student wants to do other things on campus, that is encouraged as well.

[Ejay]

Coaches get 16 training sessions in the spring, one of which is a play (game) day.  When not training with coach, most schools will have "mandatory" lift days 2-3x per week and players are expected to play indoor/futsal on their own 2x-3x per week as well.

[Dave 'd-mac' McHugh]

Coaches get 16 training sessions in the spring, one of which is a play (game) day.  When not training with coach, most schools will have "mandatory" lift days 2-3x per week and players are expected to play indoor/futsal on their own 2x-3x per week as well.

Mandatory being in quotes because a student-athlete does not have to do them under coach's orders ... or it is a violation. One that some schools have gotten into serious trouble about. Just ask UWSP men's basketball about out-of-season practices and requirements.

As a former player, yes we had some things the staff wanted us to try and accomplish, but if we had school work, classes, projects, work, or other things that interfered, they couldn't get on our case about it. There are priorities higher than playing sports even for the best teams in the country in Division III.

[nescacfan94]

There is additional fitness in addition to lifting. Speed and agility work, etc.... Some programs have their fitness tests for players in the spring rather than in preseason camp. So you better get your butt in shape in January and February! Of course, if you are on term abroad in Italy, all bets are off.

[stillwatching]

My son played for a D3, Massachusetts State program.   Offseason was informally formal for them.  They had team workout a couple of times a week, their dedicated athletic trainer set them up for them.  She would also run a few yoga sessions for them each week.  They also did some lifting together.  Some light running and speed/agility work.  When the weather broke, they would have 2-3 practices a week, and a couple of scrimmages.  Nothing terribly strenuous for them, and most of the players tried to load up their academic schedules in the Spring

[Mr.Right]

My son played for a D3, Massachusetts State program.   Offseason was informally formal for them.  They had team workout a couple of times a week, their dedicated athletic trainer set them up for them.  She would also run a few yoga sessions for them each week.  They also did some lifting together.  Some light running and speed/agility work.  When the weather broke, they would have 2-3 practices a week, and a couple of scrimmages.  Nothing terribly strenuous for them, and most of the players tried to load up their academic schedules in the Spring

Well done.... It is all about being proactive. If the kids show interest the trainer gives time...yoga sessions are time for her