Relaxing by the pool, eating an ice cream cone, binging on Netflix; for most, summer is a calming break, a time to lose commitments and just relax. For some dedicated athletes, however, the vacation is an opportunity to train for their sport.

Sophomore Andrew Meredith trains during the summer with the football team, whose summer schedule begins in May and ends in August. The training consists of three-hour practices, in which the team conditions, scrimmages other schools, learns techniques and bonds.

“When everyone comes to the practices, we play better during the season,” Meredith said. “Personally, it has helped me to excel as an athlete.”

Senior Chase Betta, who spent his past summers on a traveling lacrosse team, will train with the University of Colorado at Boulder lacrosse team this summer. He agrees that training is essential to get better as an individual player.

“I like training during the off-season because it helps me grow in ways I cannot during the season”  Betta said. “If you are serious about your sport, I think it is essential to train and or play other sports to keep you sharp and in shape.”

Summer and off-season training is not only helpful for developing skill, it also prepares athletes for the upcoming season, said junior Cate Selna, who trains for basketball with her summer team and on her own.

“It makes it less of a shock to go back to a rigorous exercise every day in school,” Selna said.

According to the International Youth Conditioning Association, off-season training is highly important in getting stronger and preventing injuries.

“Fall sports can be really physically demanding, so it is really good to strengthen yourself before the season begins,” Meredith said.