I haven't posted in a couple of months, and I wanted to write up an article on something a little different than normal. A while back (maybe two years ago) I was in a conversation about including different types of plyometric exercises in training programs for my athletes. I can't remember exactly what I said, but I … Continue reading Categorizing Plyometric and Stretch Shortening Cycle Exercises

A while ago I posted about communication and how there seems to be a pervasive issue of frustration resulting from an inability to communicate effectively. Experience has taught me that a lack of ability to speak in precise terms often leaves folks feeling misunderstood or just straight up annoyed. In most pedagogical contexts, whether you're lecturing, … Continue reading Coaching: An Operational Definition

Organizing training for your teams during the season can be chaotic at the best of times. It requires a good deal of collaboration and your time in order to be available for as many team activities as you can make it to. Naturally, the competitive season is where most people are going to be on heightened alert. … Continue reading In-Season Periodization

I have been listening to quite a few James Smith podcasts and interviews in recent months. I've shared some of his ideas via links with friends of mine, and some of those people aren't even in Strength & Conditioning. The amazing thing is that without exception, he seems to make two very distinct impressions: It … Continue reading Communication > Frustration

Since May 10th I have been in four different cities. Orlando, Chicago, Toronto, Raleigh. Each trip was for a different purpose: a professional convention, weightlifting competition (social event for me this time), visiting friends and family, and then back to where I live now. To those who travel regularly for work this might seem like a pretty … Continue reading The “Art” in Building Relationships

When was the last time you or one of your athletes PR'd but you couldn't explain why?  OR Have you ever done everything you can to prepare for a meet or competition and feel like absolute garbage the day of? When talking with other coaches, weightlifters or even team sport athletes, I feel like these themes of … Continue reading A Problem With Periodization

I wrote an article a long time ago about using power outputs to track and monitor athlete progress. If you're unfamiliar with the idea of power outputs or why they can be a useful metric to keep on your athletes, please catch up on the old post. Today, I'm just uploading the workbook that I … Continue reading Downloadable Excel Workbook for Power Output Monitoring

Last time I wrote about this, I had an outline for implementing session and drill RPE strategies that I finally have some experience with. Today I am going to give to you my workbook that I (and my soccer coaches) use on Excel to lay out weekly training plans. That previous article has been one … Continue reading Session RPE and Drill RPE Excel Workbook and User Guide

In the past I have talked about the positive influence correct breathing (diaphragmatic) has on posture, as well as the relationship between neck position and spinal curvatures. Additionally, I wrote an article in which I attempted to explain the relationship between trunk rigidity/stabilization and increased efficiency and cleanliness of movement. Along with these points, I want … Continue reading Neck and Shoulder Pain – Movement Considerations