Players of different sports practice different things.  Most athletes practice outside of scheduled team practices to improve their skills. 7th-grade soccer player Kipton Walden tells us to practice 2 days a week. Some things he does in the off-season are dribble the ball and shoot soccer balls. Other athletes, such as 7th-grade volleyball player Aubree Carver, tell us, “Somethings I do in the off-season are rest my body and watch volleyball and just overall things I can do in the off-season. I also practice about 3 times a week.”

Off seasons vary for different sports; some last 1 month and others last 5 months. Most athletes have goals for these periods, such as 7th-grade girls soccer player Brinkley Greer, She tells us “My short-term goals are getting better on my footwork”. Since football has a longer off-season, they can have bigger goals, as 7th grader Garrett Pearson tells us, “I would like to prepare to win this year’s state championship.”

In the off-season, players work on their weaker areas. 8th-grade softball player Sophia Walden tells us “I usually hit in my backyard because it helps me stay controlled”.Working on your weaker areas makes you better for the upcoming season. Sophia Walden practices in her backyard because it helps her stay controlled and other athletes just put in time and train

Success is accomplished in different ways for different sports. For volleyball player Carver, success in her sport is about being consistent with skills. 8th-grade basketball player Izek Reed states, “I described success as winning and putting in my best effort. ” He also explains how achieving success isn’t easy but he achieves it by winning and putting in my best effort.”

This is how athletes at BGJHS practice and improve when not in season!