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Text By: Sean Ross
Photos By Jeff Lawrence
Only a small percentage of athletes are fortunate enough to make it to the professional level. The vast majority of amateurs have important obligations such as school, jobs, and families that limit training time necessary to improve their performance. Often 'weekend warrior' athletes suffer major injuries as a result of poor training or lack of training because it isn't as fun as playing the game. The numerous outside obligations make it crucial that the athlete practice 'training economy' to maximize his or her physical preparation and avoid wasted time and effort. This article will describe some of the most common mistakes that coaches and athletes make in training and hopefully put some on the right path.
1) BIG EGOS
Perhaps the biggest overall deterrent to an athlete's development in strength and speed is the inflated ego. Most coaches are well educated on game strategy, individual skills, and calling plays. Most have played the game for years and have attended many college courses and clinics to increase their knowledge. But when it comes to strength and conditioning, most are not qualified at all. The attitude of "we've been doing it this way for years and it works just fine" prohibits more advanced training principles to be utilized. Hopefully this type of coach or athlete will not choose a cardiovascular surgeon that practices techniques from 1982 if he is faced with a life threatening surgery. It's not about what works, it's about what works best.
2) POOR TECHNIQUE
The overwhelming majority of strength and conditioning programs place proper techniques as an insignificant factor. Their primary concern is lifting as much weight as possible. The power clean and squat are two of the most popular exercises, but are also probably the most butchered when it comes down to doing it properly. Athletes should be shown the proper way to parallel (femur parallel to the floor) squat with just their bodyweight before adding a bar and weights. This may take several weeks for some athletes but often he or she is pressured by coaches and peers to add more weight. As a result, the athlete puts himself at risk for year from improper technique/excessive weight and never receives full benefits that squat or clean was intended. PS...if your coach can't properly parallel squat himself, don't expect him to be able to show you the correct techniques. Strength and conditioning coaches don't have to be built like T.O., but they should have enough passion in what they are coaching that they practice what they preach. You wouldn't want a Spanish teacher that can't speak Spanish himself, would you?
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