Since October 9th, our boys and girls’ basketball teams have been participating in a time known as dead period, which is an interval of time in California where varying restrictions and requirements set by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) must be followed by all high school athletes. In Westlake’s case, all basketball players cannot play team organized basketball, such as during practices or training sessions held by coaches. 

 

While some players disagree with the idea, the purpose of the dead period in high school sports is to give athletes a break from their sport and provide time to situate themselves mentally, whether it’s with their education, at home, or with other extra curricular activities. However, this time could also be used to focus on building players’ strength and improve their stamina, which is the path our teams at Westlake are following. Girls varsity basketball player, Amelia Gaspar, claims, “It allows us athletes to condition our bodies and better prepare us for the season.” All teams are participating in an hour and a half long strength and conditioning sessions four times a week at Westlake’s K-8 track and field.

 

Players can still play basketball on their own free time, however. When asked if he does any additional training during the dead period, varsity player Zakk Uytingban says, “I go to the gym to play basketball to make sure I’m not rusty once the season starts.” The dead period ends on October 30th which also marks the official start of the basketball season, which the players have been working hard and preparing for.