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When it comes to the workouts that Christian McCaffrey does, it’s not just about burning calories. His big achievement is to improve his speed so that he can improve his game out on the field. He is training more like a track athlete so that he continue his streak of being a powerful running back. There are muscle groups that only certain exercises can help to make a difference in and the dead lift is one of them. It’s actually a very important one. Key Takeaways: McCaffrey is giddy with the results, claiming he “absolutely” feels faster now than when… read more

When coaching younger athletes, it isn’t out of the norm for there to be some complications surrounding communication disconnection. These disconnections directly impact how the coach can connect with the child, ultimately hindering or improving their level of skill retention during practices. Many coaches chalk these miscommunications as kids not listening, or a child being uncoordinated. In reality, it is up to the coach to take the time and find ways to effectively communicate with every child to bridge the gap of disconnection. Key Takeaways: Communication disconnect is often a limiting factor in how positive or negative our interactions are… read more

In order to run more quickly there are certain muscle fibers that must be worked out in order to increase speed. Training those certain muscle fibers can be done with resistance training. The muscles that are used for speed are different than those that are used to build strength. Increasing your strength training, which is what a lot of athletes try to do, can actually slow you down because you are not training the right parts of your muscles. Key Takeaways: Isometric band training is the single most effective way to quickly increase speed of muscle contraction? Isometric training using… read more

Coach Jamie Smith wants to help athletes through their process by combining methods to improve physical preparation and the ability to adapt to different physical skills. He believes that combining both predictable and unpredictable training approaches is the best way to tax the athletes appropriately and help them reach their goals. In addition, athletes should be taxed both physically and psychologically for the best effect. Read on to learn more about Coach Jamie Smith’s approach to training. Key Takeaways: Coach Jamie Smith believes that the best workouts combine predicable and unpredicatable situations for the athlete. He thinks that adding unpredictability… read more

If your team is unable to improve their 40 time, it might be you holding them back. The general wisdom is that you should push down hard on the ground if you want to improve your sprint time, but there is more that you can be doing. For example, exercising your hip flexors properly can make you sprint faster, and that can make all the difference in the game. Consider adding this hip flexor workout to your training regime. Key Takeaways: If your team is close to improving their 40 time, consider that you might be holding them back. Working… read more

This exercise that is perfect for ball players that are on the field, gets a lot of weird looks because of how strange of an exercise it looks. But, if you are weak in any of the areas these movements focus on then it will for sure show up on the field. The movements are designed to strengthen your core as well as your hip and shoulder rotation, all of these things are important for your performance. Key Takeaways: Few exercises work as many attributes of athleticism at one time: shoulder mobility, hip mobility, torso rotation, core strength and muscular… read more

Many people employ words of wisdom from strength and conditioning coaches into their own programs. This can work out well, but sometimes the context is different enough that the implementation is a bad idea. Here are some examples of general advice that might not work for your own setting. For example, using medicine balls is a time-honored tradition, but they can be dangerous for use with young children. Consider advice carefully before implementing it in your own programs. Key Takeaways: Sometimes implementing suggestions from big names in your field can lead to success, but not always. There are some ideal… read more

There are two different types of fibers within your muscles, it can be hard to know how to train your muscles for speed rather than strength, and a lot of athletes become frustrated when they can’t figure out how to up their speed while they’re training, it’s often that the strength builds and not the speed. Use resistance bands gives your the right amount of resistance to train the muscles in the right way in order to improve your speed. Key Takeaways: Slow-twitch muscle fibers provide power and endurance, but speed comes from fast-twitch muscle fibers. You can hone your… read more

Jackie Bradley seemingly channeled his inner spider man when he caught a ball that should have been one of the most epic hits, he instead decided to make sure that he had an epic catch instead. He also made it sound like it was no big deal, he simply just tracked the ball and then jumped in an effort to catch it. He was able to do so and robbed Trey Mancini of a great hit, although not completely intentional. Key Takeaways: The Orioles and Red Sox were tied in the 11th when Jackie Bradley Jr. robbed Trey Mancini of… read more

If you are a young athlete and are getting bored of your workouts, you’ll have to be creative to keep them engaging and fun. First, switch up your routine. Try to change the number of reps and sets per exercise you do, and change the amount of weights you’re lifting. Next, do different types of exercises and work out different muscles daily. This will not only let your muscles heal properly, but it’ll make for a fresher routine. Finally, for cardio purposes do something fun like play tag or play dodgeball. Key Takeaways: To keep workouts engaging, you need to… read more

Many athletic people all the way from high school all the way up to the professional level tend to ignore some very important muscles that will help with your running speed. A lot athletes tend to think that working out the muscles all over your body will aid in improving your running speed. What really happens most of the time though, is that you overwork certain muscles and don’t work out your hip flexors enough, those muscles are responsible for your stride, the very thing that will improve your running speed. Key Takeaways: Data shows that athletic training, whether it… read more

Perryman was at a weak moment when two large football players crashed together and caused a great deal of pain to his knee. He tried to play it off like it was no big deal but he was hurting. An MRI later revealed that he had torn his LCL and ripped his hamstring completely off. He figured his career was over and he had just signed a contract with the chargers. It wasn’t long after that, that the chargers extended his contract leaving him quite emotional. He is determined to get back in there though and is going above and… read more

Experienced weight lifters should spend more time lifting weights that vary in size. You can still partake in a training regimen that is high in intensity, as long as you lift weights at 85% your 1RM or more. You should ideally aim for 1-6 repetitions per set, since this will end up maximizing your strength. More volume is usually attained when trainers introduce this variable approach instead of sticking to the same weight each session. Key Takeaways: The heaviest weight of the set should be saved for last rep. using varied weights to work up to the final heaviest helps… read more

People usually think that space and equipment are needed to train for speed and power, but sometimes space and equipment will be limited. With speed training, the ability to change directions and have agility is important, and this can be done with limited space. First 5-10-5 training is a great agility drill. The individual goes 5 yards, sprints 10 yards in the opposite direction and then sprints 5 more yards back in the opposite direction. This is a great agility drill that can be done with limited space. The name of this drill is called pro agility, and it can… read more

Due to increased competition, it is critical to be quicker and faster than the competition. AQSpeed programs are critical for any athlete who wants to increase their speed. Athletes tend to ignore half of the muscles that make them faster. Traditional programs are also not always developing muscles for speed. The AQSpeed program is difference because it will improve these ignored muscles, optimize them for maximum speed, engage the fast twitch muscles and interact with the nervous system in a new way. Key Takeaways: There is more competition than ever, and athletes need to improve more to succeed. AQSpeed is… read more