Post Tournament Sports Depression:
We have entered our second week of off season from an incredible Championship run, when my son turns to me and says, "Dad...I already miss my team"
I empathize with him a bit, I miss them too. Then it occurred to me that my boy is actually "let down".
He's a bit moody, and not quite himself. A bit more doom and gloom, if you will, coming out of MY son.
I can't recall having any "depression" post a victorious season, or any season for that matter. Possibly because I had always been looking for the NEXT fun thing to do, or I'm just not as sensitive as my boy.
Then out of right field, an athlete of mine that is attending Cornell University posts a video about "Athletic Depression"...What a fucking coincidence? Maybe NOT.
Back when I played sports, it was a slower time. There was no internet (fuck you if you think that's funny) but information got around slower and to interact I had to physically go to...
Today those feelings and thoughts are kept inside most people and IF they express themselves in Social Media they don't only take the risk of getting BLASTED by one or a couple of people, but they put themselves out in the public eye and open themselves to ridicule and labels. THAT'S just not fair.
I told my Big Red Athlete (and personal friend) that no matter what happens that ALL my boys and girls are forever MINE!
Strength and Conditioning Coaches are often the liaisons between skill staff and athlete. We are hoping that each of them become the "next....", and we can soften a head coaches harsh words by using terms to encourage them.
But kids are made to grow up FAST in today's hyper speed of information and personal news.
What happens when your best game, lift, or whatever is behind you?
What happens when the person who has the world by the balls, is only hanging onto the small hairs of life?
Who lets kids (of any age) be a kid and have fun?
The pressures to perform and get a 4.3 GPA, make the NFL, NHL, or any pro sport then get a high paying Corporate job are so great right now that it is almost impossible to live with one's own expectations, forget the one's Hockey mom and dad place on them.
Yes, the quick answer to overcoming Post Championship Depression is to have another goal. But take a few minutes to bask in the sunshine of that Championship. Let the body heal. Most importantly...let the MIND heal.
Talk to the kid! NO!!! LISTEN to the kid.
Game plan together what the next steps should be.
But for goodness sakes...Let them decompress before they stress to the point of having BAaaaaaad things happening.
For us, we're playing Lacrosse with a super sucky season taking place. (God has a way of yin and yanging even State Hockey Champions). We just got back into the early morning training regime. AND...we stay in contact with our buds from the Championship team via "Fortnight"(?)
Mostly, we are turning up the fun dial!
Todays Training:
Floor Press:
6 reps Heavy but not impossible
quick load
triceps graze the ground
No need to smash your elbows
Rep Bench: 3x10 @5 lbs heavier than last week
DB Row: 3x10
DB Lateral Raise: 3x10
Biceps: 2 sets
Triceps: 2 sets
Abs: 2 sets
AirDyne: 20 minutes but go faster
Bike Commute: 20 mins.
Sprints: 7x100 yards