Football season is over (or ending soon) for most players and 2024 is just around the corner. It's time for everyone to think about what kind of player they want to be next season. New Year's resolutions for football players can be a way to make an honest assessment of skills and come up with an action plan for improvement. Goals shouldn't just be about staying in shape, although that's important. They should also set player improvement goals related to their mindset and how they approach the game. Here are some New Year's improvement goals for football players to get you thinking about your player evolution plans for the 2024 season!
Set an Off-Season Workout Schedule
It's frustrating for many youth coaches that a lot of their players will walk into the next season unprepared. It's obvious to them which players took their training during the off-season seriously and which didn't. Set a workout schedule that you can stick to throughout the year that will include a mixture of weights, cardio, flexibility, plyometrics, and other activities. You'll be amazed at how much easier the start of next season is if you spend just 20 minutes a day on the treadmill.
Find an Accountability Partner
Sticking to a workout plan by yourself is challenging for many people. Buddy up with someone from your team who will commit to working out two or three times a week, even if it's something as simple as throwing the ball around on a Saturday afternoon. Having an accountability partner makes it psychologically easier to stick to a plan because you won't want to let them down.
Commit to Learning More about the Game
This resolution is especially true for youth football players. Memorize that playbook! Watch more film of football games during the off-season. Watch film of yourself and compare what you're doing to what your teammates or competitors are doing.. The more time that you put into thinking and learning about the game while you're off the field, the more prepared you'll be the next time that you walk onto the field.
Stick to a Healthy Football Diet
If you're going to gain some weight during the off-season, would you rather it was gained as muscle or fat? For most players--especially youth players--the answer is a no-brainer. Committing to a healthier football diet will make sure that you're making the right kinds of gains from your workouts. As much as possible, cut junk food and fast food that has no nutritional value out of your diet. That stuff is okay for a treat, but it shouldn't be a regular part of your diet. Learning how to cook healthy meals at home will not only save money but will pay off dividends down the road by helping you gain muscle.
Study Your Favorite Players
The reality for 99 percent of football players is that there are other people out there who are better than we are at the game. Until you reach the NFL, that's just true. Pick your three favorite players and start studying them. How do they move on the field? What is it that they are doing that makes them such a great player? What's their diet like? What's their workout schedule like? It's surprisingly easy to find the answers to questions like these online about your role models.
Be Brutally Honest About Where You Need Improvement and Work on It
Be completely honest with yourself about where your game needs improvement. Ask one of your trusted teammates or coaches for advice on this, too. If you're a wide receiver, and you know your catching could improve, work on that. If you're a cornerback and your agility could be better, work on it. This is why feedback and constructive criticism are so essential to your improvement. Don’t guess about what you need to work on – ask someone who will give you the straight truth!
Work on Being a Better Teammate
This is great advice for both youth and adult players. It may be a cliché that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, but it's also true--especially when it comes to a team sport like football. The best leaders on the field are always encouraging their teammates to give their best. Try to be that player every time you're on or off the field.
Be the Best You Can Be in 2024 with Battle Football Equipment
No matter what New Year's resolutions you set, don't forget to have fun along the way! Once you've set your personal football player improvement goals for the year, don't forget about the Battle football equipment and athletic apparel and you need to elevate your game. We have all the football swag and equipment to keep you looking and playing your best during the off-season.
