Playing ultimate during the winter break can prove a difficult task. The snow severely limits speed and jumping ability. Cold hands hamper your catching and throwing skills. Laying out may be fun at first, but hypothermia isn’t. You may want to call 9-1-1 when your lips turn blue. But if I can’t play ultimate, what should I do?
Playing and practicing ultimate takes a toll on your body. Six hours of practice and 8 hours of competition a week break down every fiber in your body. After 16 weeks, it’s usually a good idea to allow yourself an extended recovery. I’m not advising complete hibernation, but a 2-3 week break can be the difference between an injury ridden spring and the road to a national championship.
Now, a break doesn’t mean a lapse into a comatose state. It’s a good idea to do a light workout and extended stretching at least 3 times a week. Staying limber is key. This kind of light activity will help your body heal faster than eating taco bell and playing halo until you get back to school. It will also stave off the inevitable soreness of that first crossfit when we get back from break.
I still advise a lot of throwing, and do it outside. Throws always suffer when you take time off. Be better than your competition and keep your skills at their peak. Teach your little brother or sister to play, or reconnect with your mom. It’ll make those long conversations easier to endure. Trust me.
Enjoy your break. We got a fun spring ahead of us. Think about it. Taste it.
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