There is a time of year when the whole season is decided: the pre-season.
It doesn't matter if you play in the big leagues or on Sundays with friends: how you prepare your body in the summer months will have a direct impact on everything you do in the months ahead.
Yet, it is also one of the most underestimated periods by nonprofessionals.
In this article we explore how athletes train during pre-season, what it really takes to do it right, and what tools can help you get ready for the start of the season.
Why is pre-season so important?
During the season you are focused on performance, results, recovery. But in pre-season you can work without pressure on all the aspects that will make a difference when you start in earnest:
- Building aerobic endurance
- Strengthening key muscle groups
- Improving joint mobility
- Correcting postural imbalances
- Training reactivity and speed
Those who skip this phase often pay the price in the form of injuries or drops in performance at decisive moments.
The three phases of well-done pre-season training
An effective preparation program follows a clear progression designed to rebuild condition step by step.
1. Reactivation Phase (Week 1-2)
Here we work on mobility, dynamic stretching, basic endurance and general strengthening. The goal is to “wake up” the body after the break.
2. Load phase (Week 3-5)
High-intensity work is introduced: sprints, functional circuits, role-specific training. The focus is on explosive strength and muscular endurance.
3. Refinement Phase (Week 6-7)
Near the return to the field, volume is reduced and intensity is raised. You work on quickness, responsiveness and quality of movement.
What technical tools are really needed in pre-season?
Training well doesn't just mean “working hard.” It means training smartly, with the right foundation and the right technical support.
That's why more and more athletes are choosing GEARXPro to accompany their work:
SOXPro grip socks: improve control in changes of direction and reduce the risk of slipping
Football Insole: supports the arch of the foot and improves dynamic stability
Compression & Recovery socks: essential for active recovery between workouts
During pre-season, when loads are often higher than average, these products are not a detail-they are an investment in your physical health.
Even for those who play at the amateur level?
Absolutely.
In fact, those who don't have a physical trainer, nutritionist or physical therapist on hand need even more to build a solid foundation during pre-season.
Just two structured workouts a week can make a big difference-if done methodically and with the right equipment.
📅 Get your body ready for the season ahead. Discover GEARXPro products ideal for every stage of pre-season.