This is following up with the previous post.  I'm raving about the progression I chose to use.  Somehow, I figured it out.

  • Week 1: 75% - 5's Pro
  • Week 2: 80% - 3's Pro, 85% x1, 90% x1
  • Week 3: 75% - 5's Pro
  • Week 4: 85% - 3/2/1 Pro, 90% x1, 95% x1

I know I've posted this already, but it bares repeating.

In the last 4 weeks I've had guys set a few all-time PR's in the Trap Bar and the Bench Press.  Twenty seven guys hit their Bench Training Max or more for 1 rep.  Honestly, most had a little more in them.

I had a 5th year senior, starting O-Lineman Trap Bar 505x1 - All-time PR.  Same kid hit his first 315 Bench the week prior.

This past Wednesday and Thursday I had 4 guys hit all-time Bench PR's.  These were younger guys that don't get as many reps on Saturday, but it's still an in-season practice load.

The lesson I learned is that:

  1.  You can potentially get stronger in-season.  You just have to be really smart and careful about the overall workload.
  2.  There's no secret to training.  The information is already out there.  Go search for it.  Make sure your sources are good and it's not some random internet guru.  Make sound decisions using common sense and some critical thought.  Don't be afraid to screw up.  But, do a lot of thinking on the front end so you know what to do if things start to go south - have multiple back-up plans.
  3.  Giving kids the option to work up or not, gives them some "say" in their training which gets them to buy in a little more.

I need the break from work, but I'm really looking forward to getting back to work with the guys that stay in town for the summer.  It's going to be a lot of fun.

I think I mentioned this in the last post, as well.  I'm finishing the summer program.  Once I do, I'll get it up in here so people can have something to look at if they need ideas for their summer training.