What To Do When You Get Back Home From An Overseas Season

As a former overseas athlete, I know firsthand the importance of taking advantage of the offseason. While it's crucial to rest and recover, it's equally essential to plan for the future. Here are some tips that I've found helpful in making the most of the offseason:

Stay in Shape

During the offseason, it can be tempting to take a break from training and let yourself go. I mean, who doesn't love a good Netflix binge and a bag of chips? But before you know it, you're six bags deep and have forgotten what a treadmill looks like. That's why staying in shape is crucial for maintaining your fitness and preparing for the next season. I've found it helpful to work with a personal trainer to develop a workout plan that's tailored to my needs. They can help you identify areas where you need improvement and create a workout regimen that targets those areas. Whether it's lifting weights, working on agility drills, or improving your cardio, staying in shape during the offseason can help you avoid injuries and perform at your best.

Pro tip: If you're feeling unmotivated, try signing up for a fitness challenge or making a bet with a friend to see who can stick to their workout plan the longest. Nothing like a little friendly competition to get the blood pumping!

Review Your Performance

After a long season, it's important to take a step back and evaluate your performance.Take some time to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to improve your game. I've found it helpful to meet with my coaches from the prior season to help me identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to address them. By focusing on your weaknesses and turning them into strengths, you can take your game to the next level.

Pro tip: If you're not sure where to start, try reaching out to other athletes in your sport for advice. You'd be surprised how willing they are to help out a fellow player.

Add to Your Game

During the offseason, I've always tried to use my time to develop new skills that will help me improve my game. Attend exposure camps or clinics to learn new techniques or work with a coach to enhance your development. If you are a shooter, work on driving. If you're a slasher, work on your shot. Just develop something new. Whether it's improving your shooting accuracy or learning new defensive techniques, developing new skills during the offseason can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Pro tip: If you're feeling adventurous, try picking up a completely new sport or activity. I used to play soccer in the offseason to work on my foot speed. It was a new activity that wasn’t repetitive and I greatly improved my foot speed, while having fun.

Network

Building relationships with other athletes and coaches is crucial for advancing your career. Seems to be a recurring theme here, but it is by far the most important thing you can do. Use the offseason to network with other athletes and coaches. Attend industry events and conferences to meet new people and build relationships that can help you advance your career. Take up golfing as a way to meet people who may be able to help you develop different revenue streams. Don't be shy, introduce yourself, and see where the conversation takes you..

Pro tip: Don't forget to follow up with the people you meet and stay in touch. Send a thank-you email or message after the event and keep them updated on your progress.

Rest and Recover

Last but not least, it's important to prioritize rest and recovery during the offseason. After a long season of training and competing, your body and mind need time to recover and recharge. I've found it helpful to take a break from the intensity of my sport and engage in activities that help me relax and rejuvenate, like a vacation. Take your mind off the season. You don't need to travel to a far-off exotic location to have a good time. Take a road trip with friends, go camping, or just explore your own city. The important thing is to take a break from basketball and enjoy some downtime.

Pro tip: Don't feel guilty about taking time off. Remember, rest and recovery are just as important as training and competition. Take the time to reset and come back stronger for the next season.