Time Management for Student Athletes

 

This resource stems from a question submitted to the Ask PCA blog. Responses come from our experts including PCA Trainers, who lead live group workshops for coaches, parents, administrators and student-athletes.

“With my kids headed back to school, can you provide any tips, guidelines or frameworks that can help student-athletes establish good time management skills?”

The easy answer is to tell the student-athlete to take advantage of absolutely every free second they may possibly have. There are precious minutes found during breaks or lunch, after school, before practice, while waiting for a ride home after practice or games, and bus rides to and from games. Use those minutes to read a chapter, knock out a few problems, or think through an assignment to organize your thoughts. Every minute counts!

The important thing in any of these instances is to be prepared to take advantage of those moments. Always bring books you may need, a notebook or a notepad everywhere you go. Throw these things in a backpack and, just like the commercial says about that credit card, don’t leave home without it.

Another good idea is to make sure you have a planner and get in the habit of using it. Writing things down tends to “lock them in” much more than entering them somewhere electronically. Review the planner two or three times a day (morning, lunch, evening) and stay on top of what’s next. This is a technique that will be useful throughout life to track tasks and appointments.

At home make wise use of time and limit TV and phone time. Eliminating distractions and having a good place to do your work will enable work to be completed as efficiently as possible.

Perhaps most important is to work hard at staying healthy. It is important to be at your best on the fields of play – and in the classroom. Try to eat well, have a balanced diet, and stay hydrated.