No matter what your sport is, cardio is likely an essential part of the game and a necessary component of any exercise plan. Work up your endurance slowly by challenging yourself to long distance runs. Lengthy treks will gradually build up your stamina and toughen you up for hard practices. Sprints are also a great idea, especially if you’re going for a fast-paced sport like soccer or field hockey. Run in short bursts, alternating sprints with periods of jogging to catch your breath. By the time the weather starts cooling down, you’ll be the fastest on the field without breaking a sweat.

Too many chicas ignore the importance of strength training, and that’s just silly – working out with weights can make you up to 50% stronger! Add a couple small dumbbells (5-10 lbs.) to one of our fun circuits.  Can’t find anything to lift? Try sit-ups, push-ups and squats as resourceful alternatives You’ll be totally toned and ready for anything Coach throws at ya.

Homework in the summer? Nah, we’re not talking about biology or math. Fact is, all really great athletes study the pros. Observe how real teams work together – steal some of their moves or buff up on the rules. It never hurts to be knowledgeable. Bonus: You can get all this from watching a few games on TV – Don’t ya wish real homework was that easy?

Sure, running, training and studying is great, but nothing replaces the real thing. Call up your teammates and plan a low-key backyard scrimmage. It’s a relaxed way to get in some practice without the pressure of actual games and a real coach.

Most importantly, start the season with the right attitude. Be ready to put in some hard work and try as hard as you can. Don’t show up with a big head no matter how great you are. Overconfidence is not attractive to a coach or your teammates. Whether you’re rocking a varsity jersey or killin’ it on JV, it’s all about attitude. With hard work and a positive outlook, you’ll go farther than plain old talent could ever take you.