Summer is winding down, which means the fall sports season is quickly approaching. Fall activities such as football, soccer, and cross country are gearing up for a new season. Athletes of all levels are preparing for their fall sports. Wintrust Sports Complex is here to give you the best tips to prepare for the fall sports season.
Common Fall Activities
The list of fall activities varies by region and level. Fall adult sports opportunities differ from the fall youth sports opportunities offered through schools and community programs. Professional sports seasons and travel seasons may differ from less competitive environments. Nationally, football is the most common fall sport to play and to watch. More regionally, the Illinois High School Association oversees the fall youth sports of cross country, football, golf, boys’ soccer, girls’ tennis, volleyball, and swimming and diving (girls’ soccer and boys’ tennis, volleyball, and swimming and diving are offered in the spring).
Sometimes, field hockey is a fall sport, or activities like rowing continue into the fall. Cheer is usually year-round, with the competition season in the spring.
Youth fall sports outside of school often play opposite seasons to the school team, allowing more serious athletes to play for their school and club teams. Teams that practice and play at Wintrust Sports Complex, including Chicago Elite Volleyball and Mac Irvin Fire Basketball, kick off their seasons opposite the school sports calendars.
Fall Adult Sports
Recreational fall adult sports teams and leagues may be harder to find than youth teams. Often, local parks and recreation departments, community centers, or gyms host different adult sports leagues. There has even been a rise in national organizations that oversee regional and local club sports. Adult recreational sports are a great way to stay active, enjoy some playful competition, and make new friends. Whether you’re a former youth athlete who decided full-contact football is too much or just looking for some organized fun, adult fall sports are an option.
Common recreational adult sports leagues in the fall include kickball, dodgeball, flag football, volleyball, softball, soccer, and now pickleball. While these games tend to be less serious about competition than the competitive youth teams, it is still important to prepare for your season.
Keeping Up with Sports in the Summer
Often, school sports teams for fall sports start their seasons before school even officially starts. Club teams and travel teams often have registration and tryouts later in the summer to prepare for the official start of their fall season.
Staying active over the summer is important for everyone, especially athletes. Some teams may have unofficial practices or training days throughout the summer for the team to stay in shape. Other athletes might participate in sports-related summer camps or clinics to keep their skills sharp and prepare for the fall season.
Camps and Clinics
Sports summer camps, like our programs at Wintrust Sports Complex, provide children with an opportunity to enhance their skills. Camp is also a great chance for new athletes to get a taste of a new sport or activity without the pressure and full commitment of a school team or a league. For children joining a fall sports team for the first time, a summer camp program can ensure they start the season off strong.
Preseason Preparation
Preparing for any sports season, including fall sports, involves physical conditioning, mental preparedness, and skills practice.
Physical Conditioning: Athletes should start a conditioning program to build endurance, strength, and flexibility during the summer. Dispensing on the sport this could include running, weight training, and drills. Preparing your body and muscles for the season, without overdoing it, reduces the risk of injury and increases the chance of a championship season.
Mental Preparation: Before the season starts, athletes should take some time to prepare mentally, especially in more competitive spaces. Set personal goals for the season, develop strategies, and start to track your performance.
Skills Practice: Any type of skill can get rusty without use. Individual and team drills in the off-season ensure your techniques and skills stay sharp.
Nutrition and Hydration: A balanced diet and proper hydration are important for any sports program. As the season gets closer, focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. As you increase your activity levels to prepare for fall sports, be sure to increase your water intake, too.
While preparation for fall sports is important for a successful season, athletes, especially in fall youth sports, need a break. Taking some time over the summer for relaxation and active rest reduces the risk of burnout before the season even starts.
Preparing at Wintrust Sports Complex
Wintrust Sports Complex has everything you need to prepare for the upcoming sports season. Our facility features eight basketball courts, 16 NCAA volleyball courts, and pickleball courts. There’s plenty of space for casual games or competitive tournaments. Youth athletes can spend the day running drills and then head to our laser tag arena for some necessary team bonding or the redemption arcade for some extra fun. Adult athletes can grab their recreational pickleball team for some preseason practice and end with some celebratory drinks at The Station Grille restaurant and bar.
Wintrust Sports Complex can help everyone prepare for their fall sports season. Our multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility is located in Bedford Park, just outside of Chicago. Check our upcoming events and website for open court schedules, tournaments you can watch, clinics, and camps. Ready to get on the courts? Contact us for all the information you need.
