Can speed Be Taught?

What we are doing with our team is seeking to bring in a track coach to work with them.

The young man I have my eye on was not only a great track and field man and football star in HS with my son by ut is now is the track coach and works with the HS football team---he has offered to work with our team this fall if we can work out our schedules

Hamilton Ticats.
I assume you knew Angelo Moscca and Nobbi Warkowksi.

When you say speed do you mean foot speed, bat speed, ball speed?

All of these can be coached to improve, so the answer is yes. Are you going to take a 7.2' 60 guy and make him a 6.5? No. You can improve FB velocity through a combination of training programs and technique, same with bat speed. So the resounding answer is "of course it can be taught" I have no idea what you are talking about with "fight or flight"

Great move TR. Based on my personal experience many kids do not have very good running fundamentals and with some work with a good sprint coach they can improve their speed. We are going to do the same thing this fall with the HS team.

BTW don't come here posting 6 places trying to sell something. If you have something to add to the discussion of baseball, great. If not pay to advertise or go away.

We had a track coach 1 year. I am not sure it helped a lot, He was the Canadian Olympic men's track coach. He was a client and offered to help. He made some adjustments but the fastest kid on the team had the worst form.

Here is the best thread I have seen on this topic on the high school baseball web. Pay particular attention to PGStaff's comments in this thread and look for a link to the PG site that details the techniques he is talking about.

Lowering 60 time

Coach Dave - If your purpose here is to share information then great. If it is about developing or directing traffic to some other website, we would appreciate if you would not do that. Our forums are for the free flow of information from our posters to our readers with NO strings attached or alterior motives. Thanks.

There are so many physical traits that can affect your speed. Many you can't do much about. You can learn proper form to max your potential. In BB it is important to clean up things like foot work, Arm drive and when to get into your stride as opposed to drive segment. BB spikes are not the best foot wear to max speed especially if you wear size 13 plus.
I wonder how many ML players can run sub 7s. I see some that look like 8+. If you hit the ball hard you can cruise.
I was always amazed at how fast 300lb football players were for the 1st 30- 40 yds.

My purpose is to share information. The problem is I have a couple of photos that I don't think I can copy and paste adequately on this page that would illustrate what I am talking about.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:
Here is the best thread I have seen on this topic on the high school baseball web. Pay particular attention to PGStaff's comments in this thread and look for a link to the PG site that details the techniques he is talking about.

Lowering 60 time

Coach Dave - If your purpose here is to share information then great. If it is about developing or directing traffic to some other website, we would appreciate if you would not do that. Our forums are for the free flow of information from our posters to our readers with NO strings attached or alterior motives. Thanks.

Cleveland Dad
My purpose is to share information. The problem is I have a couple of photos that I don't think I can copy and paste adequately on this page that would illustrate what I am talking about.

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
There are so many physical traits that can affect your speed. Many you can't do much about. You can learn proper form to max your potential. In BB it is important to clean up things like foot work, Arm drive and when to get into your stride as opposed to drive segment. BB spikes are not the best foot wear to max speed especially if you wear size 13 plus.
I wonder how many ML players can run sub 7s. I see some that look like 8+. If you hit the ball hard you can cruise.
I was always amazed at how fast 300lb football players were for the 1st 30- 40 yds.

Bobblehead Doll
You are absolutely right which is why I would like to send you a couple of pictures to analyze so you can see that there is very little [significant but little] that form and mechanics play. I have a picture of a junior college sprinter who ran 10.4 in the 100 meters and a guy who is simply running for his life from a vicious dog. Speaking of football players...I would love for someone to clock a player [like baseball scouts up the first base line in game situations]clock a football player for 20-30 or 40 yards in a competitive situation such as trying to run a player down and see what the difference their time would be as opposed to scouts clocking times at a combine or pro day workout.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Dave:
My purpose is to share information. The problem is I have a couple of photos that I don't think I can copy and paste adequately on this page that would illustrate what I am talking about.

Fair enough Coach. Thanks for your contributions!

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Hamilton Ticats.
I assume you knew Angelo Moscca and Nobbi Warkowksi.

I played with these guys. I was on the 1972 Grey Cup Team. Great Guys.

quote:

Originally posted by ClevelandDad:

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Dave:
My purpose is to share information. The problem is I have a couple of photos that I don't think I can copy and paste adequately on this page that would illustrate what I am talking about.

Fair enough Coach. Thanks for your contributions!

My e-mail address is in my profile. I would love to send the information and pictures to you so you can read and analyze if for yourself. I don't believe you should have to pay for something you already have the natural ability to perform.

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
We had a track coach 1 year. I am not sure it helped a lot, He was the Canadian Olympic men's track coach. He was a client and offered to help. He made some adjustments but the fastest kid on the team had the worst form.

Ha! You should have seen former Washington Redskins Darryl Green's form. His arms literally crossed the mid-line of his chest yet in his latter years he ran 4.28 in the 40. The pictures I want to send will illustrate why.

I see Angelo once in a while . He lives in Niagara on the Lake. That poor guy has real bad knees and can hardly walk. still as finny as ever. Nobbi was the Ticat QB scout and I had him introduce himself to me when he saw me working out in college. Yes both great guys.
Hamilton used to workout pre season at our local university. I sat with several alumni watching the workouts.
I knew quite a few players from those days. Used to train with Ed Learn of the Montreal Als. Those were great days.

quote:

Originally posted by BOF:
When you say speed do you mean foot speed, bat speed, ball speed?

All of these can be coached to improve, so the answer is yes. Are you going to take a 7.2' 60 guy and make him a 6.5? No. You can improve FB velocity through a combination of training programs and technique, same with bat speed. So the resounding answer is "of course it can be taught" I have no idea what you are talking about with "fight or flight"

Great move TR. Based on my personal experience many kids do not have very good running fundamentals and with some work with a good sprint coach they can improve their speed. We are going to do the same thing this fall with the HS team.

BTW don't come here posting 6 places trying to sell something. If you have something to add to the discussion of baseball, great. If not pay to advertise or go away.

Ha! Why is everyone so uptight. Wow! I have some information that I want to send so that you can read and analyze it for yourselves and you people get all bent out of shape. "Fight or Flight" [I'm a junior college health teacher if you read my profile] is the body's natural reaction to anything we or it perceives as a threat to its well fair. The pictures I wanted to share with you would show a junior college sprinter [10.4 in the 100 meters] and a guy running for his life from a vicious dog. I wanted you to compare the running mechanics. Wow! Chill out. Sit down! Relax! Take a deep breathe before you jump to conclusions. My e-mail address is available on the profile.

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
What we are doing with our team is seeking to bring in a track coach to work with them.

The young man I have my eye on was not only a great track and field man and football star in HS with my son by ut is now is the track coach and works with the HS football team---he has offered to work with our team this fall if we can work out our schedules

TRhit! What I am talking about is not about track exclusively. I think that is great bringing in a track coach to help the kids but the information I wanted to send so you and the track coach could read and analyze if for your self will be available if you e-mail me. I am new at this and don't know if I could attach information to this message or I would do so. Let me see if I can send you this information from former University of Houston Track Coach Tom Tellez: This is an article I wrote on the subject - Can Speed Be Taught
For those of you who are hard working parents and coaches looking for the best information available on speed development....do I have news for you. Speed is the most overused, misapplied and misunderstood term relating to sports. Speed is defined as rapidity in moving, going, traveling, proceeding, or performing; swiftness; celerity: the speed of light; the speed of sound. I've heard the term used to describe activities where great change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) is required. I know of well meaning coaching using hills or ramps to increase one's speed. Then there are the parachutes, bungee cords, so-called "speed shoes" along with the various methods (machines) designed to train fast twitch muscles. Coaches and trainers even go so far as to run in sand (slow-twitch muscle activity) to increase speed. Then there is the much overemphasized use of the arms. Folks! (Parents) Save your money. Coaches! Save your time. The great former University of Houston Track Coach Tom Tellez known for coaching and training such great Olympians, World Record Holders and World-Class Sprinters as Carl Lewis, LeRoy Burrell and Mike Marsh said that speed (maintenance phase) is 18 percent of the race and that speed is related to stride length and stride frequency. When I watch such athletes in football, basketball, s****r, baseball/softball and tennis perform; I see more change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) than speed. According to Coach Tellez, acceleration is 64 percent of the race and deceleration is 12 percent. It sounds like to me that we should spend more time teaching kids how to accelerate. Finally, back to the issue of speed and whether it can be taught? No! It does not need to be taught. It is a subconsious action of the brain referred to as "fight or flight". In emergency situations we run faster, react quicker and explosively, jump higher and demonstrate greater strength than we ever thought possible. We need to consider what we do naturally. Tell me what you think?

I agree with most here - you can definitely work on improving your speed.

Proper physical training - and improved running technique - will help. Sometimes it helps alot.

But speed is one thing - and running bases is another.

Running bases - stealing bases - requires alot more than just speed. Instinct - footwork - body movement. They are alot harder to improve than just flat out speed.

The other thing about speed in baseball - you need to get to top speed as soon as possible. 3 steps hopefully. That is where alot of speed training really helps IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Dave:

quote:

Originally posted by BOF:
When you say speed do you mean foot speed, bat speed, ball speed?

All of these can be coached to improve, so the answer is yes. Are you going to take a 7.2' 60 guy and make him a 6.5? No. You can improve FB velocity through a combination of training programs and technique, same with bat speed. So the resounding answer is "of course it can be taught" I have no idea what you are talking about with "fight or flight"

Great move TR. Based on my personal experience many kids do not have very good running fundamentals and with some work with a good sprint coach they can improve their speed. We are going to do the same thing this fall with the HS team.

BTW don't come here posting 6 places trying to sell something. If you have something to add to the discussion of baseball, great. If not pay to advertise or go away.

Ha! Why is everyone so uptight. Wow! I have some information that I want to send so that you can read and analyze it for yourselves and you people get all bent out of shape. "Fight or Flight" [I'm a junior college health teacher if you read my profile] is the body's natural reaction to anything we or it perceives as a threat to its well fair. The pictures I wanted to share with you would show a junior college sprinter [10.4 in the 100 meters] and a guy running for his life from a vicious dog. I wanted you to compare the running mechanics. Wow! Chill out. Sit down! Relax! Take a deep breathe before you jump to conclusions. My e-mail address is available on the profile.

This is an article I wrote on the subject:
For those of you who are hard working parents and coaches looking for the best information available on speed development....do I have news for you. Speed is the most overused, misapplied and misunderstood term relating to sports. Speed is defined as rapidity in moving, going, traveling, proceeding, or performing; swiftness; celerity: the speed of light; the speed of sound. I've heard the term used to describe activities where great change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) is required. I know of well meaning coaching using hills or ramps to increase one's speed. Then there are the parachutes, bungee cords, so-called "speed shoes" along with the various methods (machines) designed to train fast twitch muscles. Coaches and trainers even go so far as to run in sand (slow-twitch muscle activity) to increase speed. Then there is the much overemphasized use of the arms. Folks! (Parents) Save your money. Coaches! Save your time. The great former University of Houston Track Coach Tom Tellez known for coaching and training such great Olympians, World Record Holders and World-Class Sprinters as Carl Lewis, LeRoy Burrell and Mike Marsh said that speed (maintenance phase) is 18 percent of the race and that speed is related to stride length and stride frequency. When I watch such athletes in football, basketball, s****r, baseball/softball and tennis perform; I see more change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) than speed. According to Coach Tellez, acceleration is 64 percent of the race and deceleration is 12 percent. It sounds like to me that we should spend more time teaching kids how to accelerate. Finally, back to the issue of speed and whether it can be taught? No! It does not need to be taught. It is a subconsious action of the brain referred to as "fight or flight". In emergency situations we run faster, react quicker and explosively, jump higher and demonstrate greater strength than we ever thought possible. We need to consider what we do naturally. Tell me what you think?

quote:

Originally posted by BOF:
When you say speed do you mean foot speed, bat speed, ball speed?

All of these can be coached to improve, so the answer is yes. Are you going to take a 7.2' 60 guy and make him a 6.5? No. You can improve FB velocity through a combination of training programs and technique, same with bat speed. So the resounding answer is "of course it can be taught" I have no idea what you are talking about with "fight or flight"

Great move TR. Based on my personal experience many kids do not have very good running fundamentals and with some work with a good sprint coach they can improve their speed. We are going to do the same thing this fall with the HS team.

BTW don't come here posting 6 places trying to sell something. If you have something to add to the discussion of baseball, great. If not pay to advertise or go away.

Here is an article I wrote on the subject:
For those of you who are hard working parents and coaches looking for the best information available on speed development....do I have news for you. Speed is the most overused, misapplied and misunderstood term relating to sports. Speed is defined as rapidity in moving, going, traveling, proceeding, or performing; swiftness; celerity: the speed of light; the speed of sound. I've heard the term used to describe activities where great change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) is required. I know of well meaning coaching using hills or ramps to increase one's speed. Then there are the parachutes, bungee cords, so-called "speed shoes" along with the various methods (machines) designed to train fast twitch muscles. Coaches and trainers even go so far as to run in sand (slow-twitch muscle activity) to increase speed. Then there is the much overemphasized use of the arms. Folks! (Parents) Save your money. Coaches! Save your time. The great former University of Houston Track Coach Tom Tellez known for coaching and training such great Olympians, World Record Holders and World-Class Sprinters as Carl Lewis, LeRoy Burrell and Mike Marsh said that speed (maintenance phase) is 18 percent of the race and that speed is related to stride length and stride frequency. When I watch such athletes in football, basketball, s****r, baseball/softball and tennis perform; I see more change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) than speed. According to Coach Tellez, acceleration is 64 percent of the race and deceleration is 12 percent. It sounds like to me that we should spend more time teaching kids how to accelerate. Finally, back to the issue of speed and whether it can be taught? No! It does not need to be taught. It is a subconsious action of the brain referred to as "fight or flight". In emergency situations we run faster, react quicker and explosively, jump higher and demonstrate greater strength than we ever thought possible. We need to consider what we do naturally. Tell me what you think?

quote:

Originally posted by itsinthegame:
I agree with most here - you can definitely work on improving your speed.

Proper physical training - and improved running technique - will help. Sometimes it helps alot.

But speed is one thing - and running bases is another.

Running bases - stealing bases - requires alot more than just speed. Instinct - footwork - body movement. They are alot harder to improve than just flat out speed.

The other thing about speed in baseball - you need to get to top speed as soon as possible. 3 steps hopefully. That is where alot of speed training really helps IMO.

Hi Jim,
I don't know why everybody is so uptight on this subject but you are absolutely right regarding base running. The key to running speed in any situation [sports or not] is one's ability to distribute speed over distance. Below is an article I wrote which will give you on information on speed. You will discover that we spend very little time in the speed mode before we naturally slow down or decelerate.
Can Speed Be Taught?
For those of you who are hard working parents and coaches looking for the best information available on speed development....do I have news for you. Speed is the most overused, misapplied and misunderstood term relating to sports. Speed is defined as rapidity in moving, going, traveling, proceeding, or performing; swiftness; celerity: the speed of light; the speed of sound. I've heard the term used to describe activities where great change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) is required. I know of well meaning coaching using hills or ramps to increase one's speed. Then there are the parachutes, bungee cords, so-called "speed shoes" along with the various methods (machines) designed to train fast twitch muscles. Coaches and trainers even go so far as to run in sand (slow-twitch muscle activity) to increase speed. Then there is the much overemphasized use of the arms. Folks! (Parents) Save your money. Coaches! Save your time. The great former University of Houston Track Coach Tom Tellez known for coaching and training such great Olympians, World Record Holders and World-Class Sprinters as Carl Lewis, LeRoy Burrell and Mike Marsh said that speed (maintenance phase) is 18 percent of the race and that speed is related to stride length and stride frequency. When I watch such athletes in football, basketball, s****r, baseball/softball and tennis perform; I see more change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) than speed. According to Coach Tellez, acceleration is 64 percent of the race and deceleration is 12 percent. It sounds like to me that we should spend more time teaching kids how to accelerate. Finally, back to the issue of speed and whether it can be taught? No! It does not need to be taught. It is a subconsious action of the brain referred to as "fight or flight". In emergency situations we run faster, react quicker and explosively, jump higher and demonstrate greater strength than we ever thought possible. We need to consider what we do naturally. Tell me what you think?

Dude,

I assume - since you quoted my post - you are responding to me.

My name is Paul - not Jim. You can also call me itsinthegame if you like.

I dont understand the quoting of my post - and the regurgitation of your previous stuff.

I am not an idiot - I read it the first time. I dont need it posted 50 ******* times to comprehend it.

If you want to do that stuff - please leave my posts out of it.

Thanks.

If all you want to do is share the information then the pictures can be pasted onto this site by simply adding a link to them on your site.

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
I see Angelo once in a while . He lives in Niagara on the Lake. That poor guy has real bad knees and can hardly walk. still as finny as ever. Nobbi was the Ticat QB scout and I had him introduce himself to me when he saw me working out in college. Yes both great guys.
Hamilton used to workout pre season at our local university. I sat with several alumni watching the workouts.
I knew quite a few players from those days. Used to train with Ed Learn of the Montreal Als. Those were great days.

Goes Garney Henley sound familiar, Dave Fleming, Ian Sunter (kicked the FG that won the 72 Grey Cup) and Tony Gabriel? Then there was the great Chuck Ealey. I still have my ring.

quote:

Originally posted by CADad:
If all you want to do is share the information then the pictures can be pasted onto this site by simply adding a link to them on your site.

I'm not sure how to do this so here is the article. E-mail me and I will send you the pictorial illustrations.
For those of you who are hard working parents and coaches looking for the best information available on speed development....do I have news for you. Speed is the most overused, misapplied and misunderstood term relating to sports. Speed is defined as rapidity in moving, going, traveling, proceeding, or performing; swiftness; celerity: the speed of light; the speed of sound. I've heard the term used to describe activities where great change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) is required. I know of well meaning coaching using hills or ramps to increase one's speed. Then there are the parachutes, bungee cords, so-called "speed shoes" along with the various methods (machines) designed to train fast twitch muscles. Coaches and trainers even go so far as to run in sand (slow-twitch muscle activity) to increase speed. Then there is the much overemphasized use of the arms. Folks! (Parents) Save your money. Coaches! Save your time. The great former University of Houston Track Coach Tom Tellez known for coaching and training such great Olympians, World Record Holders and World-Class Sprinters as Carl Lewis, LeRoy Burrell and Mike Marsh said that speed (maintenance phase) is 18 percent of the race and that speed is related to stride length and stride frequency. When I watch such athletes in football, basketball, s****r, baseball/softball and tennis perform; I see more change in direction (acceleration/deceleration) than speed. According to Coach Tellez, acceleration is 64 percent of the race and deceleration is 12 percent. It sounds like to me that we should spend more time teaching kids how to accelerate. Finally, back to the issue of speed and whether it can be taught? No! It does not need to be taught. It is a subconsious action of the brain referred to as "fight or flight". In emergency situations we run faster, react quicker and explosively, jump higher and demonstrate greater strength than we ever thought possible. We need to consider what we do naturally. Tell me what you think?

Absolutely. Garney became a professor. He was very talented. I remember all of them but Garney the most.

http://cfl.ca/page/his_greycup_recap1972

Coach Dave - why do you keep posting the same words that sound like a big advertisement?

I will say it again. If you are here with profit motives in mind, then please contact the site owner Mn-Mom and arrange to pay for legitimate advertising. Otherwise, please do not try and sneak things in on the sly. The site is about giving information freely. Those that seek to exploit our goodwill for their own personal gain are not welcome here.

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Dave:

quote:

Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
I see Angelo once in a while . He lives in Niagara on the Lake. That poor guy has real bad knees and can hardly walk. still as finny as ever. Nobbi was the Ticat QB scout and I had him introduce himself to me when he saw me working out in college. Yes both great guys.
Hamilton used to workout pre season at our local university. I sat with several alumni watching the workouts.
I knew quite a few players from those days. Used to train with Ed Learn of the Montreal Als. Those were great days.

Does Garney Henley sound familiar, Dave Fleming, Ian Sunter (kicked the FG that won the 72 Grey Cup) and Tony Gabriel? Then there was the great Chuck Ealey. I still have my ring.

Every once in awhile - you think someone has something new to offer.

And you keep an open mind - and you check it out.

And - 99 times out of 100 - you dont even have to go the next step - because they blow it up themselves.

Coach Dave - you are not talking to children here - or an unsuspecting public.

You have found a website with alot of very intelligent and caring folks - that love the game - and that have alot of very different experiences. They dont take too kindly to ShamWow BS.

Additionally - If you post that ******* novellete one more time - I am going to wipe out every one of your posts.

Your move.

That's right, now that Billy Mays is gone we are not putting up with that cheap version of Billy that hawks the ShamWow!!!!

Is Billy Mays related to Willie Mays? and if so what position does Billy play?

You made me chuckle TR.... and if you are serious; Billy Mays was the bearded guy famous for his 'infomericals' ... no relation to Willie; in any sense.

So why is he so revered by people?

There have been many like him some even better

quote:

Originally posted by TRhit:
Is Billy Mays related to Willie Mays? and if so what position does Billy play?

He was a pitcher of course....He had a number of pitches: Oxi-clean, Orange Glo,Awesome Auger, Quick Chop, Omni Dual Saw, Simoniz Fix It!,

He may have also played some outfield too:
Flies Away

quote:

So why is he so revered by people?

NO KIDDING! I have thought this a hundred times over the last couple weeks as I saw this guy's mug on TV after his death.

I guess it is enough, if you want to be lionized in pop culture, to be ubiquitous and annoying.

Not to speak ill of the dead, but really - WHY was this dude's death such a big deal?

.
"In a world of the celebrity, the hierarchy of publicity has replaced the hierarchy of talent."

44
.

Coach Dave:

Not trying to be uptight, quite often we see lot of "new guys" pop in here trying to sell stuff. This is great but it should be cleared with the site owner. There are contributors here that help fund the site as well as provide valuable feedback.

Back to the question. Increasing speed can be taught and you are right it is not all about arms and top speed. That said there are well known and accepted methods of improving one's "speed" and acceleration is a huge part of this. A good program will include "overs and unders" and form improvement in running. A good speed coach will understand this and develop a program that combines all of these training principles.

Baseball specific training has undergone a huge change in the past 10 years including weight training, which most now recognize must focus on speed and acceleration development as part of a good weight training program. Which is why you see any good program include Olympic type compound lifts as the core to the weight training, together with other ballistic types of activities.

The one thing I have not seen you mention is flexibility, which is quite often lost in many of the programs I have seen. If you don't have full range of motion you will never reach your speed potential and be prone to injury.

I will take a look at your stuff and give you some feedback. As others have posted here there are some of us who are quite knowledgeable about baseball specific training and a bunch of rehashed gobbledygook will become quickly exposed for what it is.

Welcome to HSBBW!

quote:

Originally posted by BOF:
Coach Dave:

Not trying to be uptight, quite often we see lot of "new guys" pop in here trying to sell stuff. This is great but it should be cleared with the site owner. There are contributors here that help fund the site as well as provide valuable feedback.

Back to the question. Increasing speed can be taught and you are right it is not all about arms and top speed. That said there are well known and accepted methods of improving one's "speed" and acceleration is a huge part of this. A good program will include "overs and unders" and form improvement in running. A good speed coach will understand this and develop a program that combines all of these training principles.

Baseball specific training has undergone a huge change in the past 10 years including weight training, which most now recognize must focus on speed and acceleration development as part of a good weight training program. Which is why you see any good program include Olympic type compound lifts as the core to the weight training, together with other ballistic types of activities.

The one thing I have not seen you mention is flexibility, which is quite often lost in many of the programs I have seen. If you don't have full range of motion you will never reach your speed potential and be prone to injury.

I will take a look at your stuff and give you some feedback. As others have posted here there are some of us who are quite knowledgeable about baseball specific training and a bunch of rehashed gobbledygook will become quickly exposed for what it is.

Welcome to HSBBW!

Hello Good Buddy. I am about providing information and receiving it as well. I don't know it all is why I research and put what I research into practice [both me and the players that I train at the college (free)]. Unless I have some documented research (theory) to sell, I remain in the hypothesis category and collect field study. This is why I provide information that have been put into practice and my players have had a lot of success and are trainers themselves. E-mail me. I have a picture of a sprinter in competition and a person running for their life [vicious dog]. Look at the difference in their mechanics [synchronization of arms and legs]. I think you will be amazed. I agree 100% with you regarding compound lifting (open kinetic chain) and specificity training. Players should strength train movements that they are going to perform in their sport and as you said...core and legs are a big part of it. The arms and hands just direct force produced from the ground up which is why I did not that arms are not important but must be deemphasized. Do you remember Fred Lynn (former California Angles)? I was always amazed how he would rotate his hips to the extent that the bat would be the last thing that came through. Man! He had a sweet swing. I believe that is where Ken Griffy Jr. got his swing from. I scanned from one of my books on strength training compound lifts using a medicine for "overhead athletes". That is what the author called people like baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball and tennis players. You can place football players in this category as well. These are players that ultimately end execution with their arms over their head. If you e-mail me I will send them to you in a form of an attachment along with the sprinter/runner and a great article concerning the University of Houston's former-great track coach Tom Tellez who trained the likes of Carl Lewis and Mike Marsh former world record holders in the 100 meter dash. As for the stretching that I did not mention...look at this link regarding Stretching And Strengthening Exercises: http://www.mensfitness.com/fit...trength_training/167
I love these to the extent that I have actually trained athletes and have had parent question after the workout...I notice their was no stretching. I tell them...the stretching is in the exercise. I have a few strength training (compound lifts) that my athletes do which not only take care of primary movers (muscles) but stabilizing muscles as well. After the workout during cool down I take the kid through more of the traditional stretch and that is compound in nature (8 minutes) and then we are done. No muscle injuries during competition and no muscle tightness. Most importantly, the muscle is stronger and balanced. I discovered through study and research...the stronger the muscle (balanced) the more flexible the athlete. Of course this has gone from theory to practicum which is why I am telling this. Hope to hear from you and I understand about the guys but people still need to stop jumping to conclusions. There are people like me who love to help. My reward ($$ for my time) will come later (in the form of clinics) when people see the value of what I do and what I am willing to share. I am a college professor of Health and Physical Education. I've played for Frank Kush (Arizona State University 1967-70), Paul Brown (Cincinnati Bengals 1970-71)and Jerry Williams (Philadelphia Eagles and Hamilton Tiger-Cats [CFL 1971-74]). I learned a few things from some great coaches. Wonderful sharing information with a sensible person.