One of the best physical predictors of success in sports is the athlete's "rate-of-force production" or how fast the athlete's muscles can produce force ( power ). The number one reason that athlete's don't reach their power potential is a weak core area . The saying "you are only as strong as your weakest link" is true in the case of the human body. The majority of powerful athletic movements are either initiated or transfer through the body's core area. Many sports injuries can also be linked to a weak core area.
Functional training should be a huge part of the athlete's strength and conditioning program. Or, stated another way, the athlete should be trained for the sport she or he will play (train movements, not just muscles). Some traditional training techniques have not focused on functional training. Here are some tips to follow:
1. The athlete's body needs to stabilized and strengthened before progressing to high-speed power exercise programs. If this is not done, the athlete is headed for certain injury when more intense exercises are introduced. Many young athletes are progressed too fast by coaches/trainers to "more glamourous" plyometric exercises ! Along the same lines, athletes should perform an exercise correctly before progressing to power exercises.
2. Most athletic core exercises should be performed in a standing position since most athletic movements are on your feet. These exercises will also involve the important hip stabilizer muscles and not just the abdominals. A great full-body core exercise is the medicine ball chop.
3. The core exercises should be multi-planar , multi-dimensional and progressive. Many athletic movements involve twisting, rotating, turning, etc. The exercises should also constantly challenge and improve (progressive) your athletic ability. Finally, the athletic training should target endurance, strength and power.
Check out the Sports Fitness Hut's "Athletic Power Program" for your iPOD !
One of the best physical predictors of success in sports is the athlete's "rate-of-force production" or how fast the athlete's muscles can produce force ( power ). The number one reason that athlete's don't reach their power potential is a weak core area . The saying "you are only as strong as your weakest link" is true in the case of the human body. The majority of powerful athletic movements are either initiated or transfer through the body's core area. Many sports injuries can also be linked to a weak core area.
Functional training should be a huge part of the athlete's strength and conditioning program. Or, stated another way, the athlete should be trained for the sport she or he will play (train movements, not just muscles). Some traditional training techniques have not focused on functional training. Here are some tips to follow:
1. The athlete's body needs to stabilized and strengthened before progressing to high-speed power exercise programs. If this is not done, the athlete is headed for certain injury when more intense exercises are introduced. Many young athletes are progressed too fast by coaches/trainers to "more glamourous" plyometric exercises ! Along the same lines, athletes should perform an exercise correctly before progressing to power exercises.
2. Most athletic core exercises should be performed in a standing position since most athletic movements are on your feet. These exercises will also involve the important hip stabilizer muscles and not just the abdominals. A great full-body core exercise is the medicine ball chop.
3. The core exercises should be multi-planar , multi-dimensional and progressive. Many athletic movements involve twisting, rotating, turning, etc. The exercises should also constantly challenge and improve (progressive) your athletic ability. Finally, the athletic training should target endurance, strength and power.
Check out the Sports Fitness Hut's "Athletic Power Program" for your iPOD !