09/23/2026
π WHAT HAPPENS AFTER FOOTBALL SEASON?
We start the playoffs this weekend, and when our playoff run comes to an end, our football season is officially finished for the year.
One of the things I want to encourage our players and parents to think about is what they can do between now and next football season to continue developing as athletes.
Football doesn't have to be the only way our kids develop football skills.
π€Ό WINTER SPORTS
Wrestling is an awesome option for football players. It develops body control, balance, leverage, hand fighting, footwork, physicality, and the ability to compete. There are programs at Bloomington North, Bloomington South, and Edgewood. We started wrestling at Edgewood and currently wrestle at South.
Basketball is another great option. The constant movement, cutting, jumping, change of direction, coordination, and conditioning all carry over to football.
π SPRING SPORTS
For athletes who don't participate in a contact sport during the winter, rugby and lacrosse are great options to consider. Both provide opportunities to develop speed, cutting, spatial awareness, ball skills, physicality, and decision-making.
β‘ PEDRONI PERFORMANCE
I'll also have offseason opportunities through Pedroni Performance focused on continuing to develop young athletes.
Jr. Mustangs 7v7 Development will provide a football-specific offseason opportunity to continue developing football skills, game understanding, and competition outside of the traditional tackle football season.
I'll also be offering my speed and athletic development programs, focusing on speed, agility, plyometrics, balance, coordination, and overall movement skills.
If your athlete is interested in wrestling, basketball, rugby, lacrosse, Jr. Mustangs 7v7 Development, or any of the Pedroni Performance programs, reach out to me and I'll point you in the right direction.
AND DON'T FORGET TO PLAY
This might be the most important one.
Stay active.
Go outside. Play football. Shoot hoops. Ride bikes. Run around with friends. Play tag. Throw a ball. Jump. Climb. Explore.
Kids don't need to spend their entire offseason in a structured training program to become better athletes.
They need opportunities to move, play, compete, experiment, and have fun.
Our goal should be to help these kids come back next football season not only as better football players, but as better overall athletes.
Let's finish this season strong, Mustangs! ππ
πΈ: Rayne Strange