Fun Ways to Encourage Fitness Off the Field

Even elite soccer players tend to put on a few pounds during the off-season, so you shouldn’t be surprised if your team is a bit out of shape after summer vacation. Still, your goal as a coach is to get your team ready so they’re capable of beating the competition.

In this case, it may take a bit more time and effort than practice will allow. Luckily, there are dozens of ways to encourage fitness off the field so players can return to peak condition and start winning games.

1. Create a Challenge

Workout challenges are all the rage these days because they’re a fun way to get active and foster a little healthy competition. Announce the competition at the beginning of the week and explain the rules. Players will have to complete the set number of squats, jumping jacks, lunges and so forth each day to qualify for the next round.

This simple challenge will inspire players to keep moving off the field, even if their only motivation is to beat their friend. When you do announce the winner, it’ll encourage other teammates to try even harder next time, which could boost the whole team’s morale and performance.

2. Use an App 

Another great way to help your players stay fit is by giving them fitness trackers to pair with an app. Choose affordable, straightforward wristbands that only track steps, heartbeat and other basic activities like running. This way, everyone’s step count will be documented and easier to compare if you’re organizing a step count challenge or something similar.

Alternatively, everyone could download an activity-tracking app to log their workouts, how many miles they run or how much water they drink each week. Integrating technology into these challenges may seem counterintuitive, but it might actually incentivize players to get out and move just so they can log it in the app.

3. Incentivize with Prizes

If bragging rights aren’t enough for your lively bunch, use rewards to incentivize effort. Of course, try to steer clear of awarding the kids with sweets, video games or any more reason to sit down. Instead, reward the winner with something like a brand new soccer ball or more training gear.

You might also consider a larger gift like an electric bike. This kind of equipment allows riders to use pedal power and electricity to go further and bike longer. Plus, they’ll burn hundreds of calories an hour doing it.

4. Take a Field Trip

Sometimes the sun is too hot or the field is just too muddy for after-school practice. When these dud days roll around, take a field trip to your local sports stadium and watch a soccer game instead. Quiz your team about rules, plays and related strategies. Which team’s tactics are giving them the upper hand? How could players incorporate them into their skill set?

If you don’t have two or three hours to watch a full event, take the kids to a history museum, hall of fame or other public landmark commemorating the sport. The more they learn about soccer and all the great players who came before them, the more likely they’ll be to work on their skills outside of practice.

5. Try Something New

Switch things up by taking your team to play something other than soccer. Hang out at the park and play some ultimate frisbee, go swimming in the quarry or take everyone rock climbing at the nearest climbing gym. Trampoline parks, water sports, high-ropes courses and even blind soccer are great options, too.

If you want to teach your players a thing or two about eating well, attend a cooking class together, instead. This option might pull teammates out of their comfort zone. However, learning something new will help them grow both on and off the field so they’re a more well-rounded individual.

6. Volunteer or Fundraise

Giving back to your community is an important part of being a team player, which is why volunteering and fundraising are ideal options when it comes to staying fit. Pick a day to weed a community garden together or spend an afternoon cleaning up a highway.

Charity runs and walks are great ways to make a difference and stay fit, too. Race to raise money for veterans, find a cure for cancer or support underprivileged community members. Odds are there’ll be dozens of these runs in your area this summer. All you have to do is find one and sign everyone up.

Being a Good Role Model

Encouraging fitness off the field ultimately comes down to your own motivation to workout — or lack thereof. If your players notice that you make health and fitness a priority during your free time, they’ll likely do the same.

However, if they know you like to lounge in front of the TV after practice or go drink a beer, they’ll be less willing to better themselves. Therefore, it’s crucial that you become a good role model for these kids. Invest in yourself first. Then, you can try and convince them to follow suit.

Author Bio:

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.