The clocks are going back, the evenings are drawing in and the touchline is getting colder by the week. If you coach a grassroots side, run PE lessons or spend your weekends watching your kids play, you'll know that staying warm and dry is half the battle in a British winter. That's exactly why the Optimum Blitz Windbreaker has been one of our best-selling items over the last three months – it's a simple, dependable layer that clubs, schools and families keep coming back for. With sizes from Mini to XXXXL, the same jacket can kit out an under-7s squad, the coaching team and the parents on the sideline.
Key Features
The Blitz is a no-fuss windbreaker built for outdoor sport. According to the product listing, it offers:
- Windproof and waterproof protection – a coated nylon outer that keeps out wind and rain from first whistle to last.
- Elasticated cuffed wrists and waist – these lock in warmth, stop draughts creeping in and keep the jacket sitting securely in place while you move.
- Embroidered Optimum detailing – a clean, professional finish that looks smart on a team or coaching staff.
- Contrast trim – a sharp finishing touch that helps it stand out on the sideline.
- Five colourways – Black/White, Navy/White, Black/Red, Black/Amber and Black/Green, so it's easy to find one that sits well with your club colours.
It's a protective shell you can pull on over a training top or hoodie when the weather turns – which, in this country, is most weekends from October to March.
Where the Blitz Earns Its Keep
- Midweek club training under the floodlights. Dark, damp evenings are when players cool down fastest between drills. A windbreaker over a training top keeps muscles warmer during coaching points and water breaks.
- Matchday warm-ups and the subs' bench. Substitutes who've been standing in the wind for 30 minutes don't come on ready to play. Keeping the bench in windbreakers means they're warmer and ready when they're called on.
- Coaches and parents on the touchline. Standing still for 90 minutes is often colder than playing. Coaches, managers and parents get just as much use out of the Blitz as the players do.
- Outdoor PE lessons. Schools running football, rugby, hockey or netball outdoors through the winter term can use it as a reliable outer layer for staff and pupils alike.
- Bulk kit for teams and holiday camps. With such a wide size range and five colours, it's a practical choice when you need to kit out a whole squad or camp staff in one matching layer.
Skills to Keep Working On – Whatever the Weather
A windbreaker won't teach anyone to pass or tackle. What it does is keep players warm and comfortable enough to stay focused, so winter sessions don't turn into everyone huddling together waiting for the whistle. Here are some core skills worth prioritising in cold and wet conditions, each with a simple drill to try.
1. A proper warm-up and movement prep
Cold muscles need more time to get going, and a good warm-up helps players move well from the first minute. Keep windbreakers on for the opening part of the session and remove them once players are warm.
Drill – Gate run: Set out pairs of cones as "gates" across a grid. Players jog through as many gates as possible in 60 seconds, then repeat with side-steps, high knees and backwards jogging. Finish with short accelerations through the gates.
2. Handling and ball security in the wet
A wet ball is harder to hold, whether it's a rugby ball, netball or football for a goalkeeper. Practising in poor conditions builds confidence for matchday.
Drill – Pressure catches: In threes, one player feeds the ball to a partner from different angles and heights while the third applies light pressure. Catch with soft hands, bring the ball into the body, and switch roles every 10 catches.
3. Passing accuracy
Wind and rain punish sloppy technique. Shorter, firmer passes along the ground or into the hands are your friend in winter.
Drill – Square passing: Four players stand on the corners of a 10m square. Pass around the square, then across it, focusing on the weight and accuracy of every pass. Add a defender in the middle once the group is comfortable.
4. Footwork and balance on slippery surfaces
Muddy pitches test balance. Small, controlled steps and a low centre of gravity help players change direction without losing their footing.
Drill – Mirror footwork: In pairs, one player leads with quick side-steps, stops and changes of direction inside a small grid while the partner mirrors them. Swap the leader every 20 seconds.
5. Communication and teamwork
In wind and rain, players can't always hear each other. Clear, early calls make a big difference.
Drill – Call it first: Play a small-sided game where a pass only counts if the receiver calls for the ball by name before it's played. It builds the habit of talking early and loudly.
Choosing the Right Option
Sizes: The Blitz is available in Mini, XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL and XXXXL. The smaller sizes suit junior players, while the larger sizes cover senior players, coaches and parents. If you're ordering for a whole squad, it's worth collecting sizes from everyone first – and think about whether players will be wearing a training top or hoodie underneath.
Colours: Choose from Black/White, Navy/White, Black/Red, Black/Amber or Black/Green. Pick the trim that sits best with your club colours and the whole team will look the part on the touchline.
Availability: Stock levels vary by size and colour, and the odd combination does sell out, so check the product page for your size and colour before you order – particularly for larger team orders.
Get Your Squad Ready for Winter
Whether you're kitting out a whole club, sorting PE kit for the winter term or just want something to keep you dry on the sideline on a Sunday morning, the Blitz Windbreaker is a simple, reliable layer that does the job.
Shop the Optimum Blitz Windbreaker here, or browse our full Jackets & Windbreakers collection for more ways to keep your team warm and dry this season.
