Highlights of the episode:
- Tip #1 Focus on what your talents are
- Tip #2 Create a training schedule
- Tip #3 Have a support team around you
- Free workout for aerobic capacity
The Australian Football League (AFL) is a high-performance, fast-paced, and competitive sporting league that attracts thousands of young footballers from across the country. The league comprises 18 teams, with each team consisting of a squad of players selected through an annual draft process. The AFL draft is the most important event for young footballers looking to secure a place in the league, and it is highly competitive.
If you’re an aspiring AFL player, you need to be prepared to put in the hard yards to stand out and catch the attention of scouts and recruiters. In this blog post, we’ll discuss three tips for footballers wanting to get drafted in the AFL, including insights from industry experts and former players.
Tip #1: Focus on What Your Talents Are
One of the most important things you can do as an aspiring AFL player is to identify your talents and work on developing them. This is a key piece of advice shared by AFL player and coach, Brendan McCartney, during a recent interview on the “AFL Exchange” podcast.
McCartney stressed the importance of players knowing their strengths and weaknesses and working on their skills to become an asset to a team. He also advised against trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, saying that it’s better to excel in one or two areas rather than trying to be average at everything.
To identify your talents, you can start by reflecting on your playing style, strengths, and weaknesses. Think about what you bring to a team, whether it’s your speed, agility, tackling ability, or kicking accuracy. It’s also helpful to get feedback from coaches, teammates, and even opponents to identify areas you excel in.
Once you’ve identified your strengths, focus on honing those skills through targeted training and practice. For example, if you’re an excellent tackler, you could work on improving your speed and agility to become even more effective in that area. By focusing on your strengths, you’ll become a standout player that recruiters will take notice of.
Tip #2: Create a Training Schedule
Another key tip for aspiring AFL players is to create a training schedule that will help you improve your skills and fitness levels. This is particularly important in the lead-up to the draft, as recruiters will be looking for players who are in top physical condition.
Former AFL player and current commentator, Nick Riewoldt, discussed the importance of a training schedule during a recent episode of the “AFL Exchange” podcast. Riewoldt emphasized the need for players to have a structured approach to their training, with clear goals and benchmarks to work towards.
When creating your training schedule, it’s important to consider a range of factors, including your current fitness levels, the areas you want to improve in, and the time you have available to train. You may want to consult with a coach or personal trainer to help you design a program that will help you achieve your goals.
Your training schedule should include a mix of strength and conditioning work, as well as skill-based drills and practice games. It’s also important to include rest and recovery time to allow your body to recuperate between sessions.
Tip #3: Have a Support Team Around You
The journey to becoming an AFL player can be challenging, both physically and mentally. That’s why it’s essential to have a support team around you to help you stay motivated, focused, and on track.
During a recent episode of the “AFL Exchange” podcast, former AFL player and current coach, Brad Scott, emphasized the importance of having a support network. Scott highlighted the value of having people around you who can provide encouragement, guidance, and support during the ups and downs of the draft process.
Your support team could include family members, coaches, mentors, and even other players in your local football community. These people can offer advice
Free workout for aerobic capacity
Maintaining good physical health is crucial for leading a healthy life. Among the various aspects of fitness, aerobic capacity is an important parameter that measures the ability of the cardiovascular system to supply oxygen to the muscles during physical activity. A high aerobic capacity is associated with better endurance, improved cognitive function, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
While many people may think that they need to spend a lot of money on gym memberships or expensive equipment to improve their aerobic capacity, there are many simple and effective exercises that can be done at home for free. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best free workouts for aerobic capacity that you can start doing today.
1. Running or jogging
Running is one of the best exercises for improving aerobic capacity. It’s free, can be done anywhere, and requires no equipment other than a good pair of shoes. Start with a few minutes of jogging and gradually increase your time and distance over a few weeks. Remember to warm up before you start and cool down at the end of each session.
2. Jumping jacks
Jumping jacks are a classic aerobic exercise that can be done anywhere and requires no equipment. They work out the whole body, including the heart and lungs, and are great for improving cardiovascular fitness. Start with a few sets of 10-20 jumping jacks and gradually increase your repetitions as you get more comfortable.
3. Dancing
Dancing is a fun and effective way to improve aerobic capacity. It can be done at home, in a dance class, or at a party. Dancing is a full-body workout that requires coordination, balance, and stamina. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories while having fun.
4. Cycling
Cycling is a great low-impact exercise that can be done indoors or outdoors. You can use a stationary bike or a regular bike and cycle at your own pace. Cycling is a great way to improve aerobic capacity, build leg muscles, and improve overall fitness.
5. Stair climbing
Stair climbing is a simple yet effective exercise that can be done at home, in the office, or anywhere with a set of stairs. It works out the leg muscles, increases heart rate, and improves cardiovascular fitness. Start with a few sets of climbing up and down the stairs and gradually increase the number of repetitions as you get more comfortable.
In conclusion, improving aerobic capacity is crucial for maintaining good physical health. The above exercises are simple, effective, and free ways to improve your aerobic capacity. Incorporate these exercises into your daily routine, and you’ll soon see an improvement in your endurance, energy levels, and overall health. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Also, remember to stay hydrated and take breaks when necessary. With consistent effort and determination, you can improve your aerobic capacity and live a healthier life.
Jack McLean is the founder of Prepare Like a Pro. He loves coaching people so that they can reach their personal/professional goals and become the best that they can possibly be. He is currently the Strength & Rehab Coach of Melbourne Football Club and has worked as Strength & Conditioning Coach at Hawthorn Football Club. Jack is a Level 3 Australian Strength & Conditioning Association and Professional Coach and a Level 1 Australian Weightlifting Federation Coach.
