It’s been non-stop action so far at the World Cup and there is still more demonstrations of fulfilling sporting potential to come!
Hang on, you might say, didn’t the world cup already happen? Aaah, i think you are thinking of those overpaid diving enthusiasts that already fought it out in Russia?
Well that’s not what i am talking about! The World Cup that really matters is packed full of dedicated, honest, hard working and rock solid women, all performing to their sporting potential. I speak of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup that’s wowing the fans over in east London.
The England Women’s hockey team is full of the highest calibre players with 8 of them having taken gold medals away from the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Currently 2nd in the world, England are in a better position than ever to take away the silverware and on home turf to boot, and demonstrate their sporting potential.
So far England have suffered a bit of a false start. A ferocious comeback saw them draw 1-1 with India, but there is still plenty of time to make their mark on this competition;
Sat 21 July – India 1-1
Wed 25 July – USA 1-1
Sun 29 July – Ireland (7pm)
Thu 2 Aug – Possible QF (8.15pm)
Sat 4 Aug – Possible SF (4.30pm)
Sun 5 Aug – Final/Bronze Medal (4.30/2pm)
Being a keen hockey player myself the World Cup is getting me excited! I love getting back into pre-season training and building my match fitness back up in anticipation of the first game of the season. I play for Wallingford 2’s, who had a League winning season and gained promotion to MBBO Division 2. We need a strong start to the season to show the new division who’s boss!
Hockey is a physical sport and can be demanding on the body. Unfortunately, during my action packed summers of sun bathing and BBQ’s, I know how easy it can be to neglect fitness and mobility. It is really important for my to be fit, and ready for the start of and exciting new season. Fulfilling sporting potential is not only for Olympians, but is equally important for keen amateurs and weekend warriors.
Whether you are a keen hockey player yourself, or your passion is another sport, then below are some tips to help you get back into the swing of things before the new season starts, and maximise your sporting potential;
- Start your training NOW!
- The longer you wait the less fit you will be by the time the season starts
- The less fit you are the more chance there is that you will injure yourself
- Get a Functional Check-Up!
- Get your Osteopathic or Chiropractic Check up
- This is NOT about pain, this assesses whether you are functioning at your optimum potential and minimise potential sports injuries
- Start slow and build up
- For example, incrementally increase your training intensity
- If you are into running then start with a short run and up the distance in a structured format
- Build up your strength and stamina gradually
- Train for Hockey
- Hockey is all about speed and power
- If you want to be winning those 50/50’s then you need to be quick off the mark
- Stay Hydrated!
- Especially in this heat, it can be easy to overdo it
- Make sure you drink enough water to prevent dehydration and to avoid over-heating
- Warm up
- Don’t forget to warm up your body before doing high intensity work
- Do functional rather than static stretching
- Work the joints and not just the muscles
If you are dusting off the stick and giving your astros a clean, then don’t forget that your body needs a bit of care and attention too. You are likely to be a bit sore as you start your new training regime – that is completely normal. But if you have any long-standing niggles or aches then pop into Reflex Spinal Health to get them checked out before they end your season, before it even gets going.
If you suffer from a sports related injury we can help! Our award winning team of Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Massage Therapists are experienced and can effectively get you back to the top of your game ASAP. As well as manual therapy we also offer K-Laser therapy, Sports Massage, biomechanical gaitscan analysis, kinesiotaping and sports specific rehabilitation programs. However, the plan that you need is designed specifically to help you get back as quick as possible and to get you feeling great and back to your sporting potential in the quickest time.
