Ice, Ice, Baby!

[Hawks Coach]

I play during practice with my team, sometimes go for two hours if we are really short that day. Definitely feel it the next day, but I take steps to help.

Major hydration before. I have a 32 ounce water cup that I fill with ice at noon every day, refill with water all afternoon. Helps prevent a lot from even starting.

I do tend to get a chance to stand and stretch while talking to parents, players, assistant coaches. I do think it helps, but stretching is really a personal preference. I stretch more after than before - learned that at a coaching clinic, works for me.

I hit a sports drink right out of the gym - not sure if it matters, but it does in my mind anyway.

I usually need 1 - 2 hours to settle once I get home after intense activity, so I watch some tube or read - more chance to drink a couple more 16 oz glasses of water. I am an unabashed super hydration freak. It really helps me.

I also shower, not sure if it helps with any pain other than the pain my wife would inflict if I didn't rinse off before bed.

I am not a big pain killer fan, but that is just a personal thing. Never done the meds thing that much - I actually probably should on those nights where I can tell in advance my body will feel it the next day. Maybe I will think of it sometime!