Transitioning from Indoor to Outdoor Facilities

As the Philadelphia Phillies report to spring training in Clearwater, FL the level of anticipation for the spring sports season begins to rise. One of my favorite spring time activities is meeting up with friends and family at the ball park on a warm, sunny day. Nothing beats hearing the crack of the bat, the “smack” of the ball as it hits the catcher’s mit, the smell of fresh cut grass and concessions and joining in the cheers of 40,000+ fans.

I also begin to look forward to driving along the roads the Newtown and Yardley on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Athletes of all ages pack the local fields playing the game they love. Whether it is softball players at the Edgewood Road Softball Complex in Yardley, the baseball players at the Northampton Athletic Complex and the soccer players at the Yardley Makefield Complex on River Road, I get excited to know thousands of young athletes are blessed to have the opportunity to participate in some of the best athletic organizations in the area.

As a healthcare provider, I also develop a sense of concern as the area transitions from winter to spring sports. As a Certified Athletic Trainer, I have seen firsthand how the elements (i.e. weather and field conditions) of Pennsylvania can negatively affect young athletes. Unlike the Philadelphia Phillies, many local athletes do not have the privilege of traveling to sunny Florida weeks in advance of the season.

They don’t have as much opportunity to train in an environment similar to which they will be playing in during the season. Rather, athletes in Newtown and Yardley are often forced to train in indoor venues (i.e. school gyms, indoor turf fields) because the fields are not game ready. Therefore, players train on the hard indoor surfaces in a 70° climate and then play a high intensity game in 40 degree weather on a soft, muddy field. What does this increase the risk of? You
guessed it – injury.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way around this for athletes in Pennsylvania. So, instead of worrying about what I cannot control, I thought I’d share some ideas of what I can control. Below is a list of suggestions to help athletes adjust and prepare for the transition from indoor to outside venues.

1.Make sure your cleats are “broken in.” Every opportunity you have, begin to wear your cleats outside on the field surface which you will be playing. Ensure they fit well and feel comfortable on the playing surface.

2. Arrive to the field early on game day.  Give yourself time to adjust to the
temperature. If possible, walk the field to assess for “soft spots,” uneven spots,
etc. Since you haven’t had much opportunity to practice on the field, take time
to learn the “lay of the land.” This will also give you a chance to anticipate
the speed of the game/ball.

3. Wear adequate clothing while warming up. Keep your muscles as warm as possible as long as possible. If allowed, wear gear (i.e. Under Armour) underneath your uniform during the game.

4. STRETCH! If you usually hold your stretches for 10 seconds. Hold them for 30 seconds! If you usually do a 10 yard dynamic warm-up, do it for 20 yards.  

5. Stay loose. If you are not starting, do not just sit on the bench. Stand on the side lines, in the dugout etc, stretch and keep moving as much as possible. Do not let you muscles cool down!

The start of the spring sports season is exciting. Do everything you can to stay healthy and on the field! Performance Spine and Sports Medicine of Newtown is always here to provide additional tips on injury prevention and to help you stay on the field! We wish you the best of luck in your upcoming season and Go Phils!