Gear Up for Success
Pre-season is the time to push your limits and prepare for the demands of the upcoming season. It’s tough, intense, and requires the right gear and strategies to keep you performing at your peak. Here are five essentials every player needs to thrive during the summer grind and hit the ground running when the season kicks off.
1. The Right Boots: Traction and Comfort Are Key
The foundation of your performance starts with your boots. During pre-season, firmer summer pitches demand Firm-Ground (FG) or Artificial Ground (AG) boots. The right pair will give you the traction you need for explosive sprints, sharp turns, and consistent grip, reducing the risk of slips and injuries.
Choosing the right boots isn’t just about comfort—it’s about confidence. When your footing is secure, you can focus entirely on your game.
2. Grip Socks: Stability in the Heat
Summer heat can be brutal on your feet. Increased sweating often causes slippage inside your boots, leading to discomfort and painful blisters that can derail your training. Grip socks are a simple yet effective solution, offering extra stability and reducing friction.
By keeping your feet secure, grip socks help you maintain peak performance during high-intensity sessions, even on the hottest days. They’re a must-have for staying comfortable and avoiding distractions as you power through pre-season.
3. Carb Gels: Fuel to Maximise Every Session
Pre-season training pushes your body to its limits, making proper fuelling essential. Carb gels provide a quick and effective source of energy, packed with fast-absorbing carbohydrates to keep you fuelled.
Using carb gels before and during sessions helps maintain your energy levels, allowing you to sustain intensity and recover more effectively.
4. Caffeinated Gels: Focus and Endurance Booster
Pre-season isn’t just physically demanding—it’s mentally challenging too. Caffeinated gels can provide the extra focus and endurance you need to tackle double sessions or late-game scenarios.
The caffeine helps sharpen your concentration and delay the onset of fatigue, ensuring you stay locked in and ready to perform when others might start to fade. They’re perfect for those grueling days that test your limits and build your resilience for the season ahead.
5. Water Bottle: Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Staying hydrated is fundamental to performance, especially during summer training. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, cramps, and a significant drop in your output on the pitch. A water bottle should always be within arm’s reach during training.
For particularly intense sessions or double training days, an electrolyte-based drink can help replenish lost salts and maintain your hydration levels. Proper hydration doesn’t just keep you going—it helps you recover faster, so you’re ready to tackle the next session.
Fuel, Hydrate, Perform
Pre-season is your chance to build the foundation for success. The right preparation and gear will help you maximise every session and avoid setbacks like fatigue, blisters, or injury.
Gear up. Fuel up. Perform at your best. The season starts here!
