Training in winter requires a special dedication
What I consider ‘winter weather’ in Texas is fairly pleasant in comparison to other states and countries. Especially in the European countries where they train outdoors and in all types of weather to keep athletes well-accustomed to the elements. This prevents injury and illness going into the games because the athletes are used to the weather from practicing as they play. Now if it’s freezing cold and raining hard, well that’s usually a different story. Personally, having done this for a living for some time, I have had some interesting weather experiences. Note: This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Crazy funny cold day story
I remember one from last year like it was yesterday. It was a fairly cold day in the low 40’s or so, and I was all set to train two girls who were 7 or 8 years old. Just as I was leaving the house, it started to rain. I thought about canceling because I only live 7 minutes from where I train, but I knew the families driving in lived 45 minutes away, so I didn’t want them to have to drive for nothing. They were pulling up just as I was, and I asked, “Do you guys want to train under that pavilion? We can do volley drills.” The dads agreed, “No, let’s work on the grass. No problem.” I thought to myself with a half-smile and shock, “This will be a great story to tell.” So the girls got out of the car and the dads said “We will be right back we are going to Starbucks for coffee.”
I told the girls jokingly “So we are out here in the cold rain playing soccer and your dads are warm in the car heading for some hot coffee.” And we all laughed and agreed this would be a practice session to remember. Before they left, I let those two girls know what tough players they were and how coaches love that kind of attitude. For me, that was a great memory because that’s how athlete’s do it! We love to play so much that we will play in cold rain or scorching heat. As long as you take care of yourself before, during and after sessions you will be okay!
Why we train outdoors
That is one reason why Global Fútbol Training athletes train outdoors as well – to mimic the conditions of play for our athletes. However, that does not mean that players [& parents!] shouldn’t also dress warmly. Again, for me this works because I live in Texas. It gets cold here, but we don’t have snow build up like in the Michigan, New York or even Europe.
I have put together a list of 8 must-have workout items for cooler weather this winter. These items will not only help you stay warm & able to play but are also perfect for warding off illness and are ideal for parents to consider as they stand on the sidelines supporting the athletes. For your convenience, I have already linked to these items on Amazon for a quick shopping list start!
Before you go
A few essential considerations that you should remember as you deal with winter weather include a resource bag [with items listed below], a winterized car, & additional safety items for winter weather travel, including flashlights, road flares & an extra cell phone battery, if possible.
What should go in your resource bag
Newspaper [to stuff in your soccer shoes after a ‘wet’ practice] – these will help dry out your shoes more quickly after training. (You should also Winterize your shoes. You can find many tutorials on the internet for how to waterproof your shoes. You can use Scotchguard Outdoor Water Shield
A soccer bag [or a plastic grocery bag] – I am all about going the inexpensive route, but too often the bags get discarded so for an inexpensive, one-time purchase that can repeatedly be used, I recommend purchasing a reusable shoe bag.
Hand Warmers. I recommend Hot Hands. I have used them for years. They work, last a long time, & are not merely for your hands – they go great in shoes before training too!
After-game [warm] shoes.
Gloves – I have used soccer-labeled / marketed gloves for years. I have also tried ‘working man’ gloves. Some of the best I have seen on the market are wool gloves. Wool can get wet and yet remain warm.
An additional pair of socks
An additional pair of clothes
Sunscreen – yes – in Winter. The wind and rain can be hard on your face. Sunscreen not only protects your skin but adds a layer of protection from the elements.
Lip Balm – I personally recommend Aquaphor. This stuff is so good they use it on prematurely born baby skin to protect it at early birth so you can imagine how effective it is on us!
BONUS – for parents – a POP UP TENT
Extra long soccer studs for wet ground.
RELATED: The best transition workout gear for Fall
Before you train:
– Waterproof your shoes [see above].
– Layer your clothes – use thermal layers that help regulate your body temperature.
– ‘Break’ the HotHands Hand Warmers to begin their activation. Place them in your gloves and training shoes.
– Place your shoes beneath the heater in the car. This will give you warm, soft shoes.
– Hydrate! Don’t go for the cold sports drinks. Stick with room temperature water.
RELATED: Tips for soccer boots & foot care
During Warm Up:
– Wear your jacket! I cannot tell you how many athletes show up, warm from their car ride, and get out without a jacket. Why do you think NBA players, MLB pitcher and NFL quarterbacks wear jackets while they warm up and while they are on the bench? They know that keeping their muscles warm is essential to good performance and muscle safety. The same is true for soccer players. Your leg muscles stay warmer due to muscle mass & movement, but the upper body must stay warm as well.
– Pull your soccer socks up over your knees. Who cares if you look uncool? You’ll look cooler than everyone else when you’re warmed up and scoring goals around their frozen movements. 🙂
During Training / Games:
– Use another pair of Hot Hands
– Drink lukewarm water or sports drink.
After the Training / Game:
– Remove the wet socks/shoes.
– Stuff your shoes with the newspaper & place them in the soccer bag.
– Put on dry socks & shoes.
– Keep your ears covered with a beanie – especially if your hair is wet.
– Keep the jacket on – even if you’re warm in the car.
That’s it! Keep your athlete warm & dry as they train so that they can remain healthy and able [& ready!] to compete!
8 workout items for cooler weather [easy shopping list]:
1. Hand Warmers: Hot Hands
2. Thermal Wear
3. Protective Wear: Soccer Jacket
4. Skin & Lip Protectant: Aquaphor Lip Repair
5. Waterproof your shoes: Beeswax
6. Socks: Darn Tough Road Warrior Micro Crew Ultralight Athletic Socks
7. Head Gear: Half Headband Ear Protector
8. Gloves: Smartwool Ph.D. HyFi Training Glove
