Choosing 1 of 10 Programs to Individualize the Training Process
In designing programs for my players, I discuss with the player, the medical staff, and the coaching staff the areas they see as major ones to work on. All 10 programs are based on the emphasis given to each of the three key areas of weight room programming: neural, mechanical, and metabolic.
Programming Sport Specific Conjugate
Have you ever asked the question, "How should I adjust conjugate for X sport?” Find your answer? If not, here's what I've found to be the most productive and efficient way to adjust things.
How to Avoid Pitfalls with Exercise Selection and Progression
You found a new fancy-looking exercise on the 'gram, so you do it. Then, you have your athletes do it. But you don't know the exercise's common technique flaws or how to fix them — all you know is how the person looked and how you felt doing it.
5 Things I Learned in the Transition From Intern to Strength Coach
Becoming a strength and conditioning coach is not the path for everyone. However, for those ready for the challenges, here is some advice from a young coach.
Finding Your Way into the Strength and Conditioning Industry
My hope is that this article will help new coaches or aspiring coaches with their transition into strength and conditioning by highlighting some barriers and providing a personal example of how those barriers can be overcome.
The Waverly Project: Phase I and II
In phase I of Nate Harvey's Waverly Project, it's all about movements; getting them down properly before moving on. Phase II is where the work really comes in for student athletes.
What's Most Important?
This is a question that we need to ask ourselves as many times as possible year after year because everything we do on a daily basis needs to be grounded on our answer.
Does the 225 Bench Press Repetitions Test Even Matter?
In a published journal article, we examined 31 football players on the 225 Test (and we also collected some velocity data, so hold on to your hats for future publications from this data set) to see if this test made any difference in playing time.
The End of My Era as a Strength and Conditioning Coach
I have left collegiate strength and conditioning because I'm concerned with where we're going as a profession. I still want to be a positive force for the profession, but I'm not sure how to help. I'll try to keep being a voice of change for positivity.
Caught in the Middle
It's a double-whammy when you're the last person standing from the most recent rounds of strength staff layoffs. You'll have to deal with new head coaches and new staff members. What do you do in that situation? Follow these tips, and you'll have a good grip on the handle if this happens to you.
Do You Have a Task- or Process-Oriented Mindset?
A couple of years ago, I was fixated on all the wrong things. The big picture was out of scope. I urge you to take the time to slow down on accomplishing tasks and enjoy the process. Build relationships and make memories — you'll regret it if you don't.
The Education Disconnect
A third-year sports coaching strength and conditioning major told me he had learned more about exercise technique in two 10-minute sessions under my instruction than he had over the entirety of his degree to that point. How can we ensure these students are getting the best education?
Interview: Brewers' Aaron Hoback's Individualized Template
If you're looking for sets and reps, you're in the wrong place. But if you wanted some insight on players' knowledge bases, individualized programs, and how new technologies are becoming more reliable, from Aaron Hoback, athletic trainer for the Milwaukee Brewers, you're right where you should be.
We Pick Things Up and We Put Them Down
A coach once asked me, "Why do you lift?" My reply: "If aliens landed here and saw a basketball game going on, they wouldn't have any clue what was happening. But if they saw lifting, they could at least wrap their heads around what they were seeing."
LISTEN: Table Talk Podcast #34 with Ross Kolodziej
Before the Buckeyes face off against the Badgers, University of Wisconsin's head strength and conditioning coach Ross Kolodziej joins Dave for a late-night Table Talk Podcast episode.
Is This the Right Fit?
Not every job is going to be the right fit for you, no matter how hard you try to make it work. Know who you are, what you believe in, what you are willing to sacrifice, and what you will and will not do.
Specialized: The Baseball Training Manual
I'm no wizard when it comes to baseball, but I'm about to blow your mind: My team lifts heavy, keeps volume down on max effort work, does a lot of speed work, and I don’t condition the strength out of them.
To Hell With Ankle Mobility...
In the strength industry, we’re putting too much emphasis on the side dishes. We’re combining the main course and the dessert. When’s the last time you smeared your cupcake frosting over your fat juicy steak and mushrooms?!
WATCH: Matt Rhodes' Problems with Sports Coaches
Strength coaches have a lot of problems to deal with. Some of those problems come from the strength coaches themselves, but don't even get him started on the sports coaches... too late, though. We got him talking about them.
What You Will Gain From a Strength and Conditioning Internship
You'll learn a lot from your strength and conditioning internship — but there are some things you might glean over. Keep these points in mind, and you'll get even more out of your internship than you thought possible.
My Biggest Mistakes as a Strength and Conditioning Coach
These are just a few of my mistakes, and I've made many more than the ones listed here. Remember, mistakes are just lessons, so if you haven’t made any mistakes, you haven’t learned any lessons.
How to Effectively Train Core Strength
My idea of developing core strength is by both locally and globally training all the musculature that is attached to the hips, specifically by focusing on programming planks.
Items Every Weight Room on A Tight Budget Needs
Not everyone has been there — there being a facility on a tight budget — but I have. If you're feeling the financial squeeze but desperately need new equipment, these should be more than enough to get your weight room by.