Stretching can be a great part of any athletes workouts. Just like anything else, however, there's a right and wrong way to do it. A lot of new research has come out talking about the effectiveness of stretching for athletes. We won't spend a lot of time analyzing all of it here but it is worth looking into.
Some basic rules and guidelines that can help you use stretching to its fullest potential follow.
1. Stretching is great! Alwyn Cosgrove said, "How can something that makes you feel better be bad for you?" I agree.
2. Static stretching should be done after a workout and not before. Static stretching is the kind where you hold a position that is uncomfortable for a period of time. Research has shown that stretching before a workout tends to relax the muscles at a time when they need to be rigid and explosive. One study actually showed that stretching can undo the good that comes from a warmup.
3. Stretching shouldn't hurt. Static or Dynamic stretching shouldn't be painful. Most of the stretching I've seen is performed incorrectly. You'd think the people doing it are going through torture! Pain is an indication that there's something going wrong. It may be that you need to learn more about how to do it. Don't continue through pain. Talk to your coach or a physician.
4. When a muscle is flexed it can't stretch. It seems like this would be a common sense idea but I've personally seen people stretching that try to force flexibility. Remember, flexibility comes because a muscle is relaxed. Strength comes because it is tense. Both have their place. When you try to do both at the same time pain or injury is usually the outcome. Don't have other people push on you when you stretch until you've learned how to relax your muscles. Even then, be careful with partner stretches.
5. Stretching isn't a very effective warm up. I'm not saying it's evil. There's just more effective ways to get ready to work. Dynamic warm ups are much more effective. Move the joints. If there's tightness keep moving them until the tightness goes away. That means the muscle is warm. Progress from slow movements that make the muscles mobile to explosive movements where you are functioning at 100%.
Stretching should be a part of every athletes improvement plan. However, doing it right and at the right time makes it effective.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
WE SET OUR OWN LIMITS
One thing I've learned about people is that they like results. Whether it's kids or adults, we want to see improvement in things we think should improve. We also place limits on how far those improvements should go. Most of the time we do it without knowing it but we all do it in one form or another.
I like to remind myself of this fact every now and then just to shake things up. Having high expectations and pushing those expectations is a great way to improve our situations.
Have you ever heard about the guy that broke the 4 minute mile. Probably not. His name was Roger Bannister. In his day every "expert" had proved that running a sub 4 minute mile was impossible. Everyone thought running a sub 4 minute mile would kill you. Nobody had tested the body to the extent that would make running that hard possible. On May 6, 1954 Bannister recorded the first sub 4 minute mile with a time of 3:59.4. 46 days later John Landy ran a 3:57.9. 3 years later 16 runners had logged a sub 4 minute mile. The current world record is 15 seconds faster.
I relate this back to the subject of limits. We believe change takes time, so it does. Think about the limits you see around you. Keep in mind, some limits are set for our safety, while other limits do nothing but hold us down and keep us from reaching our potential. Can you tell the difference between the two? Do you have the courage to reach past your current limits?
I like to remind myself of this fact every now and then just to shake things up. Having high expectations and pushing those expectations is a great way to improve our situations.
Have you ever heard about the guy that broke the 4 minute mile. Probably not. His name was Roger Bannister. In his day every "expert" had proved that running a sub 4 minute mile was impossible. Everyone thought running a sub 4 minute mile would kill you. Nobody had tested the body to the extent that would make running that hard possible. On May 6, 1954 Bannister recorded the first sub 4 minute mile with a time of 3:59.4. 46 days later John Landy ran a 3:57.9. 3 years later 16 runners had logged a sub 4 minute mile. The current world record is 15 seconds faster.
I relate this back to the subject of limits. We believe change takes time, so it does. Think about the limits you see around you. Keep in mind, some limits are set for our safety, while other limits do nothing but hold us down and keep us from reaching our potential. Can you tell the difference between the two? Do you have the courage to reach past your current limits?
Thursday, December 11, 2008
CHECK THIS OUT!
This kid is serious about improving. He's d0ing it for wrestling but the principles of hard work apply. He does a lot of the exercises that we've introduced.
Check it out here. http://www.alwyncosgrove.blogspot.com/
Check it out here. http://www.alwyncosgrove.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
ACTIVITY VS. ACCOMPLISHMENT
One of my favorite quotes is from John Wooden. "Don't mistake activity for accomplishment."
The world is full of activities. I think it's safe to say that we are probably the most active people in history. We're constantly finding the new thing to do or read or listen to.
Kids are especially active. They go to practice, then to class, then lift weights, then play in the band, then they go to their churches, and then they find they have an extra hour or two and fill it with something else to stay busy. They do exactly what they're told because they are told to do it. At the end of their high school career they have been an active participant in their schools, church, and community and accomplished nothing!
If you'd like to argue that being active is an accomplishment, I'd say, you're right! That's the problem. A lot of people believe being active is a substitute for accomplishing something. I learned the difference very early in life, thanks to my parents and their determination to teach me how to work.
My mom and dad used to make me pull weeds in the back yard. My back yard was an acre of dirt and woodchips. Weeds grew everywhere. The first time I went out to work in the yard I was grumpy that I had to do it. I pulled weeds until I had spent the time I was supposed to and then I went off to do something fun.
The next Saturday my dad asked me to help him pull the weeds in the back yard again. This time he gave me a specific area to work on. It took me about half an hour to finish because I knew that the faster I worked the less time I'd have to spend. I was happy to get the task over because I had other things I wanted to do.
Working in the yard became a tradition I dreaded. However, one Saturday, I did something I hadn't done before. I looked back on the area I had weeded and noticed how much better it looked than the area I hadn't done. As I looked over the yard something happened in me that hadn't happened before. I imagined how a clean back yard would look and how hard it would be and I challenged myself. I decided I wanted to weed the entire back yard. I wanted the entire thing to look good.
I must have spent 5 hours pulling weeds. I remember the discomfort in my arms and back but that was just a sacrifice to accomplish my goal. I imagined how the field would look when it was done and I pushed harder. I worked through lunch. I got sunburned. I still remember the acid taste in my mouth from the weeds.
As I reached the last few feet of weeds I was exhausted. I kept telling myself that I was almost done. Just one more. When I pulled the last weed, I stood up and looked back over the yard and I knew I had accomplished something. The feeling of setting a challenge and doing it was awesome. After that experience I couldn't see a weed come up in the yard without feeling like my work was being undone.
The sign that a person has challenged himself is ownership and responsibility. He doesn't need to be told what to do. He'll do whatever he thinks will help him reach his goal. When my football players decide to accomplish the task of playing in a State Championship game they will make the sacrifices that need to be made because they are working on a goal, not because I'm making them do it.
The world is full of activities. I think it's safe to say that we are probably the most active people in history. We're constantly finding the new thing to do or read or listen to.
Kids are especially active. They go to practice, then to class, then lift weights, then play in the band, then they go to their churches, and then they find they have an extra hour or two and fill it with something else to stay busy. They do exactly what they're told because they are told to do it. At the end of their high school career they have been an active participant in their schools, church, and community and accomplished nothing!
If you'd like to argue that being active is an accomplishment, I'd say, you're right! That's the problem. A lot of people believe being active is a substitute for accomplishing something. I learned the difference very early in life, thanks to my parents and their determination to teach me how to work.
My mom and dad used to make me pull weeds in the back yard. My back yard was an acre of dirt and woodchips. Weeds grew everywhere. The first time I went out to work in the yard I was grumpy that I had to do it. I pulled weeds until I had spent the time I was supposed to and then I went off to do something fun.
The next Saturday my dad asked me to help him pull the weeds in the back yard again. This time he gave me a specific area to work on. It took me about half an hour to finish because I knew that the faster I worked the less time I'd have to spend. I was happy to get the task over because I had other things I wanted to do.
Working in the yard became a tradition I dreaded. However, one Saturday, I did something I hadn't done before. I looked back on the area I had weeded and noticed how much better it looked than the area I hadn't done. As I looked over the yard something happened in me that hadn't happened before. I imagined how a clean back yard would look and how hard it would be and I challenged myself. I decided I wanted to weed the entire back yard. I wanted the entire thing to look good.
I must have spent 5 hours pulling weeds. I remember the discomfort in my arms and back but that was just a sacrifice to accomplish my goal. I imagined how the field would look when it was done and I pushed harder. I worked through lunch. I got sunburned. I still remember the acid taste in my mouth from the weeds.
As I reached the last few feet of weeds I was exhausted. I kept telling myself that I was almost done. Just one more. When I pulled the last weed, I stood up and looked back over the yard and I knew I had accomplished something. The feeling of setting a challenge and doing it was awesome. After that experience I couldn't see a weed come up in the yard without feeling like my work was being undone.
The sign that a person has challenged himself is ownership and responsibility. He doesn't need to be told what to do. He'll do whatever he thinks will help him reach his goal. When my football players decide to accomplish the task of playing in a State Championship game they will make the sacrifices that need to be made because they are working on a goal, not because I'm making them do it.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
UNDERSTANDING WEIGHT ROOM ETIQUETTE
If you've ever gone to a real gym you know what I'm talking about when I say the words "weightroom etiquette." Everyone works out just a little different but everyone functions under the same set of rules. Right now our etiquette stinks. So, pay attention! These rules work anywhere although some of them are specific for us.
Rule 1. Clean up after yourself. Put your weights back where you found them and in the correct order. If you sweat on the equipment, grab the disinfectent and a paper towel and wipe it up.
Rule 2. Don't stand around and talk.
Rule 3. No headphones. Music is great but for safety's sake you need to be able to hear others.
Rule 4. Wear appropriate gear. Good shoes (No sandals), shorts or sweats (no spandex), t-shirts (no tank tops), long hair tied back, no jewelry.
Rule 5. Stack the weights correctly. Weights on the weight tree should have the labels out. Weight on the bars should have the labels in. It makes taking the weight off or putting it on easier.
If you will follow these rules you'll be helping us keep the weightroom clean and running smoothly.
Rule 1. Clean up after yourself. Put your weights back where you found them and in the correct order. If you sweat on the equipment, grab the disinfectent and a paper towel and wipe it up.
Rule 2. Don't stand around and talk.
Rule 3. No headphones. Music is great but for safety's sake you need to be able to hear others.
Rule 4. Wear appropriate gear. Good shoes (No sandals), shorts or sweats (no spandex), t-shirts (no tank tops), long hair tied back, no jewelry.
Rule 5. Stack the weights correctly. Weights on the weight tree should have the labels out. Weight on the bars should have the labels in. It makes taking the weight off or putting it on easier.
If you will follow these rules you'll be helping us keep the weightroom clean and running smoothly.
Friday, November 21, 2008
IN THE END ALL THAT MATTERS IS WORK
There's a thousand things you can do to make yourself better as an athlete. With all the study I've done I haven't found anything that is a shortcut to hard work. Drills, exercises, schemes, and meetings are all just tools in the toolbox you use to build something. Working hard and working smart are the key.
Yesterday afternoon I had 15 football players in the weight room running through Alwyn Cosgrove's complex series. It was tough. I added my own kettlebell series and it was harder. The one thing I noticed was that the kids weren't there because I was telling them to be. They were there because they have internalized the secrets of success. Get strong, get fast, learn the game, execute.
If I were the coach of another team I'd be really nervous. We're going to do very well next year with kids like this.
Yesterday afternoon I had 15 football players in the weight room running through Alwyn Cosgrove's complex series. It was tough. I added my own kettlebell series and it was harder. The one thing I noticed was that the kids weren't there because I was telling them to be. They were there because they have internalized the secrets of success. Get strong, get fast, learn the game, execute.
If I were the coach of another team I'd be really nervous. We're going to do very well next year with kids like this.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
8 workouts a week
I am starting a new program idea for all athletes that want to improve and become better overall athletes. It's called 8-A-WEEK.
Every athlete should participate in 8 workouts a week. If all physical activity is considered a workout and those workouts are well structured then 8 workouts a week will bring the results we want.
In those 8 workouts the athletes need to plan to strength train at least 2 times a week if they are in season and 4 times a week if they are out of season. They also need to plan to include mobility, agility and endurance workouts.
For the athletes that are in season practice is considered a workout if the activities in practice fit the workouts. For example: Basketball practice includes a ton of running. They also include agility and speed because the kids are moving through traffic and dribbling a ball. Each athlete can become a better athlete if they will follow these guidelines.
I'm not including too much information here but those that have questions can email me or come and see me.
Every athlete should participate in 8 workouts a week. If all physical activity is considered a workout and those workouts are well structured then 8 workouts a week will bring the results we want.
In those 8 workouts the athletes need to plan to strength train at least 2 times a week if they are in season and 4 times a week if they are out of season. They also need to plan to include mobility, agility and endurance workouts.
For the athletes that are in season practice is considered a workout if the activities in practice fit the workouts. For example: Basketball practice includes a ton of running. They also include agility and speed because the kids are moving through traffic and dribbling a ball. Each athlete can become a better athlete if they will follow these guidelines.
I'm not including too much information here but those that have questions can email me or come and see me.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Supplements
If you are a normal football player you want to get bigger, faster and stronger. The one thing that you have 100% control over that will help you achieve all of these goals is your nutrition. Here's some steps on what to do.
1. Eat healthy. - It's amazing what cutting out fast food will do. Chips, sugary foods, and soda are things that you don't want in you if you are really serious about improving. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. There are a ton of great carbohydrates in those. You should also eat a lot of protein. Eggs, peanut butter, fish, meat, and beans are just a few great protein sources.
2. Eat often. - The body is a machine. It takes what it needs out of the food you give it and it gets rid of what it can't use. Eating huge meals 3 times a day will overstock your stores of nutrients and isn't very efficient. Eating what your body needs every 2-3 hours is a better way to make sure your body processes what you eat. Again, eating a protein source every 2-3 hours is very important.
3. Supplement your nutrient stores. - The word supplement means to include more of what you need to a supply you already have. Think of your body like a bank. Most people walk around without sufficient nutrients in their bank. (Think of the last time you had a protein source for breakfast.) I only suggest two supplements for beginning high school athletes. Both of them are needed and both are safe. A protein supplement and creatine. I won't spend a lot of time right now going over the benefits and arguing about why they are are important but they are almost a mandatory thing in today's world.
I'm very careful about recommending anything without adding this instruction. If you are going to start using supplements come and talk to me so I can help you. Don't guess and don't experiment.
If you'll do what I'm asking I can guarantee that you'll see and feel the results.
1. Eat healthy. - It's amazing what cutting out fast food will do. Chips, sugary foods, and soda are things that you don't want in you if you are really serious about improving. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. There are a ton of great carbohydrates in those. You should also eat a lot of protein. Eggs, peanut butter, fish, meat, and beans are just a few great protein sources.
2. Eat often. - The body is a machine. It takes what it needs out of the food you give it and it gets rid of what it can't use. Eating huge meals 3 times a day will overstock your stores of nutrients and isn't very efficient. Eating what your body needs every 2-3 hours is a better way to make sure your body processes what you eat. Again, eating a protein source every 2-3 hours is very important.
3. Supplement your nutrient stores. - The word supplement means to include more of what you need to a supply you already have. Think of your body like a bank. Most people walk around without sufficient nutrients in their bank. (Think of the last time you had a protein source for breakfast.) I only suggest two supplements for beginning high school athletes. Both of them are needed and both are safe. A protein supplement and creatine. I won't spend a lot of time right now going over the benefits and arguing about why they are are important but they are almost a mandatory thing in today's world.
I'm very careful about recommending anything without adding this instruction. If you are going to start using supplements come and talk to me so I can help you. Don't guess and don't experiment.
If you'll do what I'm asking I can guarantee that you'll see and feel the results.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Thoughts on Payson
Nobody likes to lose, especially me. But if you play as hard as you can and you lose, there's no shame in that. We played hard. We were prepared and had a great attitude. At the end of the night they were the better team.
One thing I learned from the game is that our team was well conditioned. They had a lot of heart and had taken the steps to be mentally tough. We will be more experienced when we take the field again next fall.
I want to say a word about our seniors. All of them were contributors this year. Their contributions were on and off the field. I want to wish them well. We will continue what they started.
For now, we will clean out the locker room and start the process of building for next year.
One thing I learned from the game is that our team was well conditioned. They had a lot of heart and had taken the steps to be mentally tough. We will be more experienced when we take the field again next fall.
I want to say a word about our seniors. All of them were contributors this year. Their contributions were on and off the field. I want to wish them well. We will continue what they started.
For now, we will clean out the locker room and start the process of building for next year.
Friday, November 14, 2008
2nd Round of the Playoffs
The bags are packed. The gear is stowed. And now all you can do is wait. I'm sure every team reviews the week and wonders if there was more they could have done to prepare. After all the scheming; after all the running; all that's left is to take the field and play.
I believe our kids have learned the secret to success in football at the high school level. Grit and attitude. These past few weeks have been a coach's dream. The kids have a goal and they are working toward it. They practice hard and with attitude. On Thursdays they are bored because they want to hit the other team. That's what we are looking for.
I don't want to try to predict the outcome of our game. I will predict one thing however. We will be ready to play when the kickoff happens and we will give them a war.
I believe our kids have learned the secret to success in football at the high school level. Grit and attitude. These past few weeks have been a coach's dream. The kids have a goal and they are working toward it. They practice hard and with attitude. On Thursdays they are bored because they want to hit the other team. That's what we are looking for.
I don't want to try to predict the outcome of our game. I will predict one thing however. We will be ready to play when the kickoff happens and we will give them a war.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Post-Game Thoughts on Safford
Live to play another week. That's the theme of the playoffs. The game plans worked well and when we had to make adjustments the kids played smart.
I saw something in the kids that I've been waiting for; the determination to win. It's the one thing we want to see that we can't coach. The kids have to want it.
Excellence can be coached. I believe that demanding a lot as a coach trains the kids to demand a lot out of themselves and each other. Excellence is an attitude that is taught. I wish it was built by football but it's not. Football can't teach greatness, it brings greatness out of an athlete. It forces winners to excel. It forces quiters to quit. It forces kids (and coaches for that matter) to look inside and make choices about how to handle the grind.
My goal as a coach is to prepare kids and their parents for the grind. If we can do that then we have taken the first step toward being a championship program. So what is the grind?
1. Football takes practice. Practices are long and time consuming. However, it takes time and dedication to be great. What a great lesson to learn as a kid! Parents should be ready for the time commitment as well. Like it or not, a commitment to excellence is a family affair.
2. If you work hard you should expect to win. BUT...You might work as hard as you can and not get what you want. That doesn't mean you should quit. It's tough to put in the time at practice and not get to play but quiting is the wrong answer. Tough it out. That's what men do.
In my opinion, football, if coached correctly can help our kids by demanding a lot out of them. Our kids are responding well to the demands. Kids like Matt, Jason, Trevor and others are coachable and will do whatever it takes to win.
I saw something in the kids that I've been waiting for; the determination to win. It's the one thing we want to see that we can't coach. The kids have to want it.
Excellence can be coached. I believe that demanding a lot as a coach trains the kids to demand a lot out of themselves and each other. Excellence is an attitude that is taught. I wish it was built by football but it's not. Football can't teach greatness, it brings greatness out of an athlete. It forces winners to excel. It forces quiters to quit. It forces kids (and coaches for that matter) to look inside and make choices about how to handle the grind.
My goal as a coach is to prepare kids and their parents for the grind. If we can do that then we have taken the first step toward being a championship program. So what is the grind?
1. Football takes practice. Practices are long and time consuming. However, it takes time and dedication to be great. What a great lesson to learn as a kid! Parents should be ready for the time commitment as well. Like it or not, a commitment to excellence is a family affair.
2. If you work hard you should expect to win. BUT...You might work as hard as you can and not get what you want. That doesn't mean you should quit. It's tough to put in the time at practice and not get to play but quiting is the wrong answer. Tough it out. That's what men do.
In my opinion, football, if coached correctly can help our kids by demanding a lot out of them. Our kids are responding well to the demands. Kids like Matt, Jason, Trevor and others are coachable and will do whatever it takes to win.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Building A Program Using the 4 Keys
Building something that will last takes time. Building a successful football program takes time as well. Putting the program in place is easy. Any coach can walk in with the principles of success and impliment them. So why do some programs succeed and some don't? I'm sure everyone has their own ideas on this subject but here's a few KEYs that I'd like to point out.
Key #1: Support from the kids. The kids have to want to win enough to sacrifice and make changes in their lives. They have to change their work habits, their diets, their attitudes and accept the changes with a vision of success. They are supporting the program by participation and improving themselves.
Key #2: Support from the administration. If the administration wants to win and is willing to make changes the sky is the limit. The philosophy of the high school, it's athletic programs, budgets and other aspects of success are controlled by the administration.
Key #3: A coach that builds a program using successful tools. You might think the coach is the program but in reality he only controls as much as the kids and administration let him. He can't force the kids to want to win and he can't force the administration to make changes. All of the parts of the program have to work in unison. In my opinion however the coach's work is critical in making all the parts function together.
Key #4: Supportive parents and community. Parents are the backbone of any program. A parent that supports the coach has a kid that supports the coach. A parent who vocally second guesses or questions a coach usually has a kid that does the same. An athlete that supports the coach is critical to the success of the program (Key #1) so it's critical that the parents be careful when they disagree with the coach.
Fans can be a great support to any program. I was a coach in a game where we beat the top ranked team in the state playoffs. I attribute the win to the energy of the fans. They cheered the entire game. The support I felt from them seemed to flow onto the field. They helped us keep our spirits up when it would have been easy to play timid. That's a real fan. They support. They build up. They don't tear down and critisize. I've seen negativity destroy the moral of the kids and it's impossible to succeed when the kids are doubting the coach and themselves.
These four keys are parts of every successful program. The great programs are ones that get all the parts of the program on the same page and then move in the same direction. That's how dynastys are built.
Key #1: Support from the kids. The kids have to want to win enough to sacrifice and make changes in their lives. They have to change their work habits, their diets, their attitudes and accept the changes with a vision of success. They are supporting the program by participation and improving themselves.
Key #2: Support from the administration. If the administration wants to win and is willing to make changes the sky is the limit. The philosophy of the high school, it's athletic programs, budgets and other aspects of success are controlled by the administration.
Key #3: A coach that builds a program using successful tools. You might think the coach is the program but in reality he only controls as much as the kids and administration let him. He can't force the kids to want to win and he can't force the administration to make changes. All of the parts of the program have to work in unison. In my opinion however the coach's work is critical in making all the parts function together.
Key #4: Supportive parents and community. Parents are the backbone of any program. A parent that supports the coach has a kid that supports the coach. A parent who vocally second guesses or questions a coach usually has a kid that does the same. An athlete that supports the coach is critical to the success of the program (Key #1) so it's critical that the parents be careful when they disagree with the coach.
Fans can be a great support to any program. I was a coach in a game where we beat the top ranked team in the state playoffs. I attribute the win to the energy of the fans. They cheered the entire game. The support I felt from them seemed to flow onto the field. They helped us keep our spirits up when it would have been easy to play timid. That's a real fan. They support. They build up. They don't tear down and critisize. I've seen negativity destroy the moral of the kids and it's impossible to succeed when the kids are doubting the coach and themselves.
These four keys are parts of every successful program. The great programs are ones that get all the parts of the program on the same page and then move in the same direction. That's how dynastys are built.
Friday, October 31, 2008
10 Years Behind
I'm not a history expert. I've never claimed to be. But I've read enough from others that study it to draw some conclusions about the world around me. I'd like to talk a little history in an attempt to learn from it. I'm not going to try to be exactly accurate with the dates but humor me and you'll get the point.
50 years ago sports doctors frowned on weightlifting. "It will stunt your growth, " is still a common saying from that era.
25 years ago doctors said squats were bad for your knees. Today they are used in rehab and strength training facilities around the world and doctors talk about how they are great if done right.
20 years ago high schools started doing bodybuilding workouts in an attempt to gain strength and power in their football players.
An amazing thing happened. The teams that had weights programs won games and the ones that didn't started to decline.
15 years ago research started to come out about training for sports in a specific way that were better than bodybuilding. The research set out exercises with sets and reps that would be beneficial to athletes in specific sports. That work revolutionized the athletic industry.
14 years ago Snowflake won their last State Championship in football. Soon after that the weights teacher left.
12 years ago suppliments were encouraged and funded by the BYU sports programs. Carb loading and creatine have become a common placed part of college and high school athletics.
12 years ago Blue Ridge starts an "updated" weights program and begins supplimenting their athletes diets and institutes a lifting club.
That group of athletes go on a win streak that may never be matched in the 3A.
10 years ago other programs look into what Blue Ridge is doing and start to develop weights programs that are specific to sports.
Today, every team in the east except Snowflake and Alchesay have won state championships. How long will it take us to catch up? I'm not trying to be a critic. I'm saying we can change. We need to change and we know how to change. We just need the courage to do it.
50 years ago sports doctors frowned on weightlifting. "It will stunt your growth, " is still a common saying from that era.
25 years ago doctors said squats were bad for your knees. Today they are used in rehab and strength training facilities around the world and doctors talk about how they are great if done right.
20 years ago high schools started doing bodybuilding workouts in an attempt to gain strength and power in their football players.
An amazing thing happened. The teams that had weights programs won games and the ones that didn't started to decline.
15 years ago research started to come out about training for sports in a specific way that were better than bodybuilding. The research set out exercises with sets and reps that would be beneficial to athletes in specific sports. That work revolutionized the athletic industry.
14 years ago Snowflake won their last State Championship in football. Soon after that the weights teacher left.
12 years ago suppliments were encouraged and funded by the BYU sports programs. Carb loading and creatine have become a common placed part of college and high school athletics.
12 years ago Blue Ridge starts an "updated" weights program and begins supplimenting their athletes diets and institutes a lifting club.
That group of athletes go on a win streak that may never be matched in the 3A.
10 years ago other programs look into what Blue Ridge is doing and start to develop weights programs that are specific to sports.
Today, every team in the east except Snowflake and Alchesay have won state championships. How long will it take us to catch up? I'm not trying to be a critic. I'm saying we can change. We need to change and we know how to change. We just need the courage to do it.
Payson Pre Game Thoughts
It's great to be able to coach a group of kids that are so willing to strap it up and get after it. I've had a few people ask me if I thought we would win. First, that's the stupidest question you could ask a head coach. What do you think I'll answer?
Second, I don't care about the score. That's for the fans and the reporters and the rankings. All I care about is execution, attitude, and effort. I believe we have a great game plan. I believe we have great kids that have put in the time to learn the plays and the defensive scheme. I believe our kids are hungry to show a Payson team that if Snowflake is on your schedule you don't ever want to count us out. So, we play one play at a time and win the battles we can control. At the end of the night, win or lose, we'll have what we've worked for, Respect.
PS. I think we'll win and give the newscasters something to talk about.
Second, I don't care about the score. That's for the fans and the reporters and the rankings. All I care about is execution, attitude, and effort. I believe we have a great game plan. I believe we have great kids that have put in the time to learn the plays and the defensive scheme. I believe our kids are hungry to show a Payson team that if Snowflake is on your schedule you don't ever want to count us out. So, we play one play at a time and win the battles we can control. At the end of the night, win or lose, we'll have what we've worked for, Respect.
PS. I think we'll win and give the newscasters something to talk about.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Psychology Trumps Physiology Most of the Time
Bobby Bowden, Florida State's head coach said, "When two teams are evenly matched, attitude and leadership are the key to winning." I believe that.
Attitude is the psychology of winning. The old phrase, "If you don't think you can, you're probably right," is a good reminder to always stay possitive. Our football team believes in itself and this week will be a great test of our resolve to believe no matter what. So how do you beat a team that is favored by 30 points? You have to never stop believing and play every play hard. I'm not making it up. I've seen a team that was severely outclassed on paper, almost beat a team that was favored by 55 points. The kids refused to give up and let up.
When it happens for us we'll be one of the most dominating football teams in the state. And it's right around the corner.
Attitude is the psychology of winning. The old phrase, "If you don't think you can, you're probably right," is a good reminder to always stay possitive. Our football team believes in itself and this week will be a great test of our resolve to believe no matter what. So how do you beat a team that is favored by 30 points? You have to never stop believing and play every play hard. I'm not making it up. I've seen a team that was severely outclassed on paper, almost beat a team that was favored by 55 points. The kids refused to give up and let up.
When it happens for us we'll be one of the most dominating football teams in the state. And it's right around the corner.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Post Blue Ridge Thoughts
What will it take to beat teams like Blue Ridge? Believe it or not, I know the answer to that question and it's not as complicated as you might think.
1. You have to believe you can. - If you haven't earned the right to the type of confidence that comes from lifting year round, running year round, going to camps, and learning how to play the game then it's hard to play with confidence.
2. You have to DO the things that great players do. - You have to prepare just as much if not more than your opponent. I love the phrase, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work Hard." When you're invested you tend to play with intensity and desire.
Unfortunately not enough has been expected out of the players in the past. That has started to change. As the players rise to meet the expectations then they'll earn the right to play with confidence.
3. You have to play as a team. - One thing I'm very pleased with this year is the committment of the team to play hard as a team.
So, if I had to put my finger on just one thing I'd say we will break the hold that Blue Ridge has on us when we obey rule #2 because obeying rule #2 leads to being able to obey rule #1.
I'll be at practice Monday ready to start the process of preparation so we can come out against Payson with confidence.
1. You have to believe you can. - If you haven't earned the right to the type of confidence that comes from lifting year round, running year round, going to camps, and learning how to play the game then it's hard to play with confidence.
2. You have to DO the things that great players do. - You have to prepare just as much if not more than your opponent. I love the phrase, "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work Hard." When you're invested you tend to play with intensity and desire.
Unfortunately not enough has been expected out of the players in the past. That has started to change. As the players rise to meet the expectations then they'll earn the right to play with confidence.
3. You have to play as a team. - One thing I'm very pleased with this year is the committment of the team to play hard as a team.
So, if I had to put my finger on just one thing I'd say we will break the hold that Blue Ridge has on us when we obey rule #2 because obeying rule #2 leads to being able to obey rule #1.
I'll be at practice Monday ready to start the process of preparation so we can come out against Payson with confidence.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Blue Ride Pregame
I'm excited about watching our kids play tonight. They have practiced hard all week. They look and act like they are ready to play.
As is usually the case during this time of the season, I've invited the Freshmen to come to the Varsity practices and see what they are like and prepare for next year. Even though their next sport is usually starting around the same time I feel like the experience they can gain in the weeks after their season is over is really important. You can't go out and play a pickup game of football like you can basketball or other sports. More to come later on this subject.
As is usually the case during this time of the season, I've invited the Freshmen to come to the Varsity practices and see what they are like and prepare for next year. Even though their next sport is usually starting around the same time I feel like the experience they can gain in the weeks after their season is over is really important. You can't go out and play a pickup game of football like you can basketball or other sports. More to come later on this subject.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Welcome to the new site!
Welcome to the Snowflake Football blog. After trying to use a hosted site for a few months I realized a blog will be a lot less work and get what I want accomplished.
In the future I'll have announcements, awards, weightlifting records, thoughts on the games and special stats. I think this format will help me control the ammount of content that sits idle and will be a great addition to the football program.
So, watch for daily announcements and information about Snowflake Football.
Go LOBOS!
In the future I'll have announcements, awards, weightlifting records, thoughts on the games and special stats. I think this format will help me control the ammount of content that sits idle and will be a great addition to the football program.
So, watch for daily announcements and information about Snowflake Football.
Go LOBOS!
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