Being able to get into an athletic position is one of the best predictors of overall athleticism? My answer to that question last week from an athlete is most definitely YES!
It's hard to believe but there is a huge correlation between the two; A proper athletic position and overall athleticism. By simply putting an athlete that I train in an athletic position I will be able to asses their:
- Hip abductor and adductor mobility
- Core strength/Core stabilization
- Quadricep and Hamstring Flexibility
- Quadricep and Hamstring strength
- Rhomboid and Latissimus Dorsi Strength - Mid and Upper Back Strength
- Body Control
- Balance in static hold position
From the article below (Be sure to read it, it's excellent!) you may be able to use this, putting an athlete in an athletic position, as a precursor to determining athleticism without ever making them move. Give it a try yourself next to a mirror and asses your strength and/or weaknesses today!
To read one of the most efficiently and well-written articles on "The Athletic Position" CLICK HERE
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
SPECIALIZATION KILLING SPORTS IN AMERICA!!!!!!!
Specialization is growing at an astronomical rate in adolescent sports throughout America today. Personally, I believe this is the single largest contributor to young children dropping sports prematurely (and more importantly exercise altogether) on top of a growing epidemic of overuse injuries. Specialization is also contributing to the obesity rate skyrocketing. Children are learning to hate the sport they play because of having to participate in it 365 days per year. Parents are to blame.
Yes, as supportive as many parents are, they are crippling their children with unnecessary pressure and outlandish expectations. Almost on a daily basis, I have a parent (commonly the Father) walk through our doors (At Velocity Sports Performance) with dreams of their child turning professional in their chosen sport. The majority of the time it is the sport choice of the parent, not the child, because one of the parents played the given sport in high school and/or college. Most are telling me that the child has the potential to play at the next level (@ age 8 or 9) yet when taking the athlete through a formal evaluation, the athlete cannot preform a simple loco motor skill (such as a jumping jack).
Notice when collegiate coaches speak about the skill level of a particular athlete. Rarely they find an athlete that is amazing at the sport and not an impressive overall athlete. Majority of elite level athletes have unbelievable overall athleticism. Athleticism is something that crosses over many sports. For example, true athletes are ones that complete a collegiate career playing basketball and then decide after graduating to pursue a career in beach volleyball, without ever picking up a volleyball. Many professional athletes have never played their chosen sport until late in their sporting career.
Probably the largest reason not to specialize: burnout!!!!!!!!!! We'll save that post for the future though...
In the meantime, check out this great article on specialization : CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
Yes, as supportive as many parents are, they are crippling their children with unnecessary pressure and outlandish expectations. Almost on a daily basis, I have a parent (commonly the Father) walk through our doors (At Velocity Sports Performance) with dreams of their child turning professional in their chosen sport. The majority of the time it is the sport choice of the parent, not the child, because one of the parents played the given sport in high school and/or college. Most are telling me that the child has the potential to play at the next level (@ age 8 or 9) yet when taking the athlete through a formal evaluation, the athlete cannot preform a simple loco motor skill (such as a jumping jack).
Notice when collegiate coaches speak about the skill level of a particular athlete. Rarely they find an athlete that is amazing at the sport and not an impressive overall athlete. Majority of elite level athletes have unbelievable overall athleticism. Athleticism is something that crosses over many sports. For example, true athletes are ones that complete a collegiate career playing basketball and then decide after graduating to pursue a career in beach volleyball, without ever picking up a volleyball. Many professional athletes have never played their chosen sport until late in their sporting career.
Probably the largest reason not to specialize: burnout!!!!!!!!!! We'll save that post for the future though...
In the meantime, check out this great article on specialization : CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE
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