What You Need to Know About Summer Football Training
Preventing Injuries and Staying Game-Ready All Season Long
High school football players know that football season doesn’t begin in September. It starts right now, in the heat of summer.
For high school athletes, off-season training is crucial for a good performance come fall. However, extensive training can also set them up for overuse injuries, which can cause pain and impaired movement. If the athletes attempt to push through these injuries, they can potentially make them worse–and increase their risk of a major injury during football season.
At Leaps & Bounds, we regularly work with young athletes, emphasizing preventative care, proper training techniques, and early injury management. This summer, we can help your football player enhance their strength and performance so they’ll be ready for the start of fall.
Summertime Football Injuries
Many injuries take root during summer training when players push their limits to prepare for the upcoming season. Some of the common ones we see at our clinic include the following:
- Hamstring strains from sudden sprinting or poor warmups
- Rotator cuff injuries from repeated overhead drills, tackles, and high-contact activities
- Knee injuries from poor landing mechanics, quick direction changes, and weak hip muscles
- Concussions, which can occur from accidental impacts even in practice
- Low back pain from various factors, including poor lifting form, weak core muscles, and high training volumes
The earlier our team can identify and address these issues, the less likely your athletes will suffer a significant injury later on.
Back on the Field with the Oakville Titans!
We’re excited to be back this summer partnering with our local football team, the Oakville Titans. As part of our ongoing commitment to hands-on learning, we’re supervising a group of student trainers from York University. Check out some behind-the-scenes photos of their work in action!
Our Patients Are Getting Results
“I am super happy with my new patient experience at Leaps and Bounds and especially with Pat. Everything and more than I expected. Starting from a convenient (and free) video chat, to a thorough assessment and not even 24 hrs later I have a plan laid out for my recovery after a knee scope that will get me back to full sport activity in 12 weeks. I was also able to have my appointment sooner than expected thanks to the front desk that managed to get me in on a cancellation. Really appreciated that as well. Coming from Southeast Oakville, this clinic is well worth the drive.” – C.A.
How Leaps & Bounds Can Help High School Football Players This Summer
Supporting Injury Prevention in Young Athletes
Our team uses individualized assessments and functional testing to find potential weaknesses before injuries occur. Understanding how each athlete moves and functions allows us to offer personalized guidance that fits their current fitness level and sport-specific needs.
Because we take this personalized approach, even our plan is different. However, here are just some of the techniques we might use to support young football players in summer training:
- Movement screening to identify poor mechanics or muscle imbalances
- Manual therapy for soft tissue tightness, joint stiffness, or mobility issues
- Strength and conditioning plans that improve joint control and power
- Education on warmups, cooldowns, and recovery strategies
- Taping and bracing to support weak or previously injured areas
Sprinkling Pixie Dust Behind the Scenes of Peter Pan!
It’s been a fairy-tale adventure keeping the cast and crew of Peter Pan in flying form during their time in Toronto! From backstage care to showtime flair, we were thrilled to play a part in the magic as it all came to life on stage.
Managing Pain and Staying in the Game
We’ve found that many young athletes don’t speak up when something feels off. Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach, as playing through pain or other discomfort can worsen minor problems. Early treatment and activity modifications can help prevent time off the field later.
If your student-athlete does suffer an injury or develops pain this summer, here’s what we can do to help:
- Myofascial release and massage therapy to reduce muscle pain and improve circulation
- Modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to support tissue healing
- Dry needling or acupuncture for trigger point relief and reduced inflammation
- Therapeutic exercise to restore muscle control and prevent re-injury
- Active rest plans that keep athletes moving safely while injured
- Return-to-play programs to help athletes safely return to the field
Tips for Safer Summer Football Training
Athletes who take care of their bodies during the summer are more likely to stay healthy during the fall football season. Small adjustments to daily habits can reduce the risk of injury. Here are a few of our team’s favourite tips:
- Always warm up thoroughly before drills or weightlifting
- Focus on hydration and nutrition to support tissue repair
- Prioritize sleep and rest days to allow full recovery
- Get pain checked out as soon as possible
- Add core and hip stability work to every training week
- Practice proper lifting technique with supervision when possible
Supporting Athletes Year-Round
Summer is a great time to build strength, recover from last season, and prepare for the fall. With the right support, off-season football training doesn’t have to lead to injury setbacks. The Leaps & Bounds team is here to support athletes through every stage of training and recovery. Whether your student-athlete is experiencing pain or simply wants to improve performance safely, we can work with them to find an approach that meets their needs. Schedule your appointment with us today!
Help Us Help Our Community
This month we will be raising money for the Oakville Fareshare Foodbank! We will donate $10 for every Google review we receive!
Recipe of the Month: Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 c chopped Italian parsley
- 1/4 c chopped dill
- 1/2 c chopped scallions
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2–3 tbsp mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp capers
- 4 slices whole-grain bread or everything bagels, toasted
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 large lettuce leaves
- 1 Turkish cucumber, sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 large avocado sliced
- big handful of microgreens or sprouts
Directions:
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Make the chickpea salad, placing all ingredients in a medium bowl, mix and smash with a fork until well combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Assemble the sandwiches.
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Spread a little whole grain mustard on the bread. Top with lettuce and a generous amount of the chickpea salad. Layer sliced cucumber, carrots, radishes and avocado.
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Top with a mound of sprouts and bread. Cut in half and enjoy!