Though it’s still early August and the air is far from crisp, it’s not too early to begin getting your junior high or high school student athlete ready for fall school sports. Football, volleyball, soccer, cross country, and cheerleading are all exciting, fun activities, and although younger children generally do not start their season until school begins, for some older kids, tryouts may only be two short weeks away. Here are my tips for parents to help their athletes get the most out of their sports experience:

- Make sure your child has high-quality, well-fitting footwear (use orthotic inserts if necessary) that is appropriate for their sport.

- Begin conditioning early! Fall sports are some of the most varied and extreme in their physical demands (especially with rigorous two-a-day practices) , and the better conditioned your child is, the easier they will be able to adapt with less risk of injury.

- Emphasize good nutrition, especially when eating breakfast. A Cadillac doesn’t run well on cheap gas! With the proper fuel, your child will have the energy to perform their best, both on the field and in the classroom.

- Get your child in the habit of stretching after exercise. This relaxes muscles and helps to improve flexibility, prevent soreness, and avoid injury.

- Stay hydrated! This is important for all athletes, but even more so if your child’s sport is played outside in the heat. If your athlete is engaging in intense, prolonged exercise for more than an hour at a time, it’s a good idea to provide them with sports drink in addition to water.

- Use sunscreen. Though everyone should get in the habit of using sunscreen daily, it’s especially important if your child will be spending more than 10-15 minutes outside, such as is the case for those participating in soccer, football, and cross country.

Sports provide us with exercise, fun, the chance to compete, and the opportunity to learn and grow. With the right preparation, you can help insure your student athlete remains healthy for many seasons to come. Keep moving, my friends!

- Alan