With the field hockey season under way, conditioning can either make or break you. Field hockey players run about 3 miles in a game, sometimes even more! Want to make those 3 miles feel like a walk in the park?
Here are some ways to increase your endurance for field hockey…
- Run more often – We know that its the middle of the season, but, if low endurance is something that seems to be slowing you down, try going for a light run with your family on the weekend.
- Increase slowly – Once you get used to your running routine, your breath starts to even out, and your muscles become less fatigued, you can begin to increase your mileage and your speed. Never increase your weekly mileage more than 10 percent. This will help prevent injury and will build your confidence.
- INTERVALS, INTERVALS, INTERVALS! – Start off by adding a few 10-second sprint intervals every few minutes, and gradually build up to 30-second sprints.
- Aim for the top (of the hill that is) – Running hills is a great way to build leg strength as well as lung endurance. If you are running on a treadmill, increase the incline. If you are running outside, find a hill to dominate!
Again, we know the season is underway, but endurance is something that all athletes struggle with. Try using the above tips to help you out!
