With all 32 teams having released their schedules for offseason training camps, which include voluntary minicamps, organized team activities (OTAs), and mandatory minicamps. The training sessions will formally begin on April 21. This is the beginning of one of the most critical, yet overlooked, periods where players must prepare to return to action in a safe and healthy manner.
The offseason program begins with voluntary minicamps between April 21-23. After that, a long stretch of OTA workouts will roll through much of May and June. These sessions provide an opportunity for coaches to assess players, test out strategies, and build team chemistry before the training camp.
Voluntary Minicamps Schedule
The voluntary minicamp is scheduled from April 21 through April 23. This three-day ordeal provides players—including newly-drafted rookies—one of their first chances to engage in voluntary workouts with their teammates and coaching staff. There’s no better time for new acquisitions to get on board. Simultaneously, returning athletes are able to re-enter their training routines.
In this time, athletes are able to concentrate on training and conditioning. Just like rookies in the NFL, they’ll quickly learn the playbook under the watchful eyes of their coaches. Participation is not required, and yet most of the players still show up. They’re looking to get a leg up on the competition and demonstrate loyalty to their proposed home.
Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
After the voluntary minicamp, teams will enter into OTA season. These OTAs would be held between May 19 – June 5. The OTA schedule differs slightly by team but typically includes 10 practices filled with individual and position-specific skill development, as well as team-building activities.
For example, teams will conduct OTAs on the following dates: May 19, May 21-22, May 27, May 29-30, and June 2-5. These workouts enable players to simulate game situations safely while developing IQ and executing plays. While participation in OTAs is technically voluntary, players are expected to attend. Coaches use these practices to evaluate player performance and readiness.
Clubs will participate in two additional OTA sessions on designated dates. These dates are May 27-28, May 30, June 3-5, and June 16-18. These sessions give players their first chance to develop chemistry on the field, all while adjusting to new offensive and defensive schemes.
Mandatory Minicamps
The required minicamps run from June 10—12 for all clubs. Unlike the voluntary sessions, attendance at these training camps is mandatory for all players with a contract. This portion of offseason training is important as it serves as the capstone for the team’s preparations before the coming summer break.
With each three-day mandatory minicamp, we’ll see coaches implement more structured drills and practices. This tactic allows them to review player performance in a somewhat more challenging context. Players be held accountable and need to demonstrate knowledge deriving plays. They have to start getting them right too, as they make those moves heading into next season.
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