FAST YOUTH ATHLETE

This is a very controversial topic, but one I often encounter as a fitness professional. Some football coaches believe that if they start conditioning the team as early as possible the team will be better prepared for the season. This is not the case…we have to remember that most teams are attempting to become stronger and faster. The energy systems that most coaches use for conditioning are not applicable to football. Let’s take a look at the three energy systems and which one is used in the sport of football. Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP, is the immediate usable form of chemical energy for muscular activity. Any forms of chemical energy that the body gets from food must be converted into ATP before being used by muscle cells. ATP stores in muscle is limited and will deplete in 1 to 2 seconds unless restored. Resynthesis of ATP must occur immediately for muscular activity to continue. There are three systems available within the body to replace concentrations of ATP. Anaerobic Phosp...

1. Hi Coach Mora. It’s great to have you hear at Fast Youth Athlete. Could you tell us about your background and how you became involved in coaching? My father was a coach so I grew up in the business. I can honestly say it is all I ever wanted to do. Being around the athletes as a youngster really made a positive impression on me; I respected the hard work, commitment, teamwork, and competitive drive they routinely demonstrated. My favorite time as a kid where hanging out with my Dad at practice, being on the sidelines at games, and spending time in locker room before and after games…I loved the intensity. When I ended my playing career at the University of Washington I became a Student Assistant as I finished my degree. Upon graduation I accepted a position with the San Diego Chargers working with the coaching staff, that job lead quickly to the position of Defensive Backs Coach at the age of 24. 2. Could you walk through the recruiting process when you coached in Colle...