The best part of being a parent of an athlete is watching them score a goal, hit a home run, or catch a touchdown pass. The worst part is seeing your athlete get injured playing the sport they love. Unfortunately, injuries are inevitable in sports. Getting treated for an injury is the easy part, but it’s the weeks or months of recovery and sitting out of games that are hard. Here are some tips for you and your athlete during their recovery period.
Become Your Team’s #1 Fan
Regardless of whether you play for a school team or rec league, you should still try to get to your team’s games when you’re injured. Even though you are injured and can’t play, you are still an integral piece of the team. Cheer your team on, applaud when someone makes a great play, and be there to comfort your teammates when games get rough.
Be Consistent
Now, I don’t mean to be consistent with practice. Being consistent with therapy and recovery is much more important. Do whatever the doctor asks, and just remember to practice R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate). Even when you are starting to feel better, continue to rest and recuperate. The worst-case scenario is that you rush back onto the field and aggravate your injury.
Be Patient
It might take a while to return to the sport you love. When you can finally return, expect yourself to play at a much lower level than what you were used to. You haven’t practiced for weeks or months, and you aren’t at the same conditioning level. It will take time to get back to where you were, but that is okay. Becoming the best athlete you can be is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
Be patient, persistent, and understand that injuries are more than just physical pain. They can take serious mental tolls on players who come back expecting to be the same all-star-caliber player they once were.
Look into Getting a Private Coach
Once you can make a healthy return, you’re going to need a lot of practice. Look into getting a private coach through Athletes Untapped. We can help you find the best coach in your area who can provide top-tier conditioning routines.
Final Thoughts
Just understand that you will come back. If you are patient and consistent, you will be the same player, if not better, than you once were. Injuries are frustrating, but they don’t mean your season is over.
Injuries can be a setback, but with the right approach, you and your athlete can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and improvement. For more personalized training and support, visit Athletes Untapped and find experienced coaches near you.
