Why is Football Practice at 6am or 7pm?

If you’ve ever asked, “Why are we practicing before the sun’s even up? Or Why are we practicing so late?”—the answer is simple: safety. More specifically, heat safety. Early morning practices or practices later in the evening are one of the best ways to protect athletes from exertional heat illnesses, and that decision is often based on something called the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT. So, why is football practice at 6am?


What is WBGT?


WBGT is a scientifically validated way to measure heat stress on the body. Unlike the regular temperature or heat index, WBGT considers:

  • Air temperature
  • Humidity
  • Wind speed
  • Sun exposure
  • Cloud cover


All of these factors affect how well your body can cool itself—especially during intense activity like football practice in full pads.


How Is WBGT Measured?


Athletic trainers, coaches, and sports medicine staff use handheld WBGT devices or weather apps that estimate WBGT based on real-time data. Measurements are typically taken on the field, in the sun, where athletes are actually practicing—not in the shade or air conditioning.


What Do the Readings Mean?

WBGT guidelines break down into zones:

  • 🟢 < 82°F – Normal activity
  • 🟡 82–86.9°F – Add hydration breaks and monitor athletes
  • 🟠 87–89.9°F – Limit gear, increase rest, modify activity
  • 🔴 90–92°F – No full pads, shorten or delay practice
  • ⚫️ > 92°F – Postpone or cancel practice. Too dangerous to continue.

WBGT is the gold standard for preventing exertional heat illness in athletes

Why is Football Practice at 6am or 7pm?


Because WBGT is lowest in the early morning hours—before the sun and humidity spike. Practicing at 6 AM may not be fun, but it’s smart. It helps keep athletes safe, reduces the risk of heat stroke, and ensures that football can continue throughout the summer. If you can’t swing a 6 am practice, a practice later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day is also a good idea.

When you understand WBGT, those early wake-up calls or late nights make a whole lot more sense. That’s why football practice is at 6am