FAST YOUTH ATHLETE

What is the Number 1 Reason that athletes do not get any faster? This is a reoccurring them with many of the athletes we train. We often ask them what they have been doing for speed training and the usual reply is gassers or 40 yard sprints. However, they do not understand why they have not seen their 40 yard time’s decrease. Coaches we consult with often do not understand why their sled sprints, multiple sprints, and laps are not translating to faster teams. The biggest problem is they are not training for speed at all. Speed training must be about running at your fastest speed, recovering fully, and running again. Many athletes or coaches usually run their athletes in a state of fatigue for fear that the athletes will just be standing around. Also, they think that is what will make them tough. The problem is they create well-conditioned teams that are not very fast. We ensure that our athletes get the required rest periods in between sprints to ensure every effort is their faste...

Four Games Left: A Coach’s Story I have to thank my youngest son Micah for helping me to decide what I would write about this week. It is something that helps me to relate to our athletes. Many athletes on this journey of football run into difficult patches. It may be that they are not getting much playing time, are injured, team is losing, or they are not getting recruited. The easy decision is to quit or become negative. And, I can’t say I did not contemplate quitting or start crying at home due to my circumstances. However, none of these negative reactions will help. In fact, they will just further delay your blessings and make you unproductive. The answer is to become hopeful, ask your coach questions, continue to practice with tremendous effort, and never lose heart. This is my story and I hope it helps another athlete stay encouraged for the next chapter of their life. My story begins in beautiful Miramar, FL where the best football team ever assembled resided. I pla...

Is the weight room helping or hurting you during the season? 1    1.    Manage outside stressors The body does not know the difference between a weight, practice, long night of studying, or lack of nutrition. It just knows that the body is stressed and adjustments need to be made. We believe in holding our athletes accountable for their lives outside the field or weight room. Our sheet holds the athletes accountable for sleeping 8 hours a night, eating for performance, managing stressors, stretching, and staying hydrated. Feel free to email us to receive a copy of our M.A.P (Mental Advantage Plan) regeneration sheet. 2   2.  Program Design We structure weight room with activity that will not add soreness to the athlete. We do not change the exercises around during the in season, so the body will not get sore while being introduced to a new stimulus. We do not load the back as much during the season as many athletes compress the spine during...