I have been away this week and as usual, it is great to be back home. It is extra special being home because my oldest daughter has her 11th birthday this weekend. I can't believe she is 11 years old already. It is going to be a great day for her. I am so excited for her.
I have to admit... I just attended one of the greatest events I have ever been to. I spent 4 awesome days at the Michael Jordan Senior Flight School. I was a guest of one of the attendees.
Not only did I hang out with Michael Jordan and listen to him speak about his experiences as a player (he also taught us some of the skills he that made him the greatest basketball player of all time), I also met some of the greatest coaches and players of today and from the past.
Doc Rivers, the coach of the world champion Boston Celtics, is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Each day he took time to chat and take pictures. He even took a minute of his time to recorded a special message to my daughters, who watched the Celtics on their run to the championship. What a classy man!
I was able to meet and take photos with some of the other great coaches and former players; Doug Collins, Bill Walton, Jay Bilias, Lenny Wilkins, John Thompson Sr and John Thompson Jr, Mike Fratello, and others. I will post them on my blog soon.
These coaches are all so passionate about the game. During one of the sessions Michael Jordan spoke to the group, I was sitting behind Chuck Daly and watching him draw up plays for his team that played later in the morning. All these coaches were great competitors.
Lessons Learned From Michael and The Coaches
These guys all play to win. It doesn't matter if it is sports or business. They prepare and compete to be successful.
During one of Michael's talks ,he mentioned how the pressure is enormous when you are in front of 10's of thousands of people and you are expected to take the winning shot or foul shot. He mentioned how it is important to be able to always fall back on the routine practiced thousands of times over and over. Successful people can block out the outside noise and trust the routine and knock down the winning shot. Business is no different. When he is negotiating and if he doesn't know exactly what he wants out of the deal and he didn't practice his routine of what to say and how to respond it simply becomes a gamble- so he said to always prepare.
Building The Foundation
Michael also soke about the fact that his game reached the level it did was because he attended college for 3 years and learned the foundation of the game. He learned how to improve his skills on a daily basis. He was taught things the NBA doesn't focus on. So when he became an NBA player his foundation skill set was in place. He also mentioned he doesn't agree with many of the these players going straight to the NBA out of high school. Just for the reasons he mentioned...learning the basic foundational skills needed to improve their game each year.
I was so glad to hear Michael talk about foundational skills and why it is do important to build that big foundation. I have been speaking about this for years. I don't care what sport, business, or activity you are involved in- having the foundational skills to build from is essential. I am a great example of this in the business world. It has taken me many years to build my foundation of business due to the fact I was never exposed to it when in school or college. I had to learn totally on my own by going to business seminars, buying books, and listening to Cd's. I now have learned many successful business strategies to improve my businesses and to help others grow theirs- but only because I took the time to learn and hire other coaches that helped me grow my businesses.
Michael mentioned several times that he would not have been successful if he didn't have coaches always teaching him and helping him recognize things he wasn't seeing. Here is the greatest player in the world telling you, you need to have a coach if you want to be successful in anything. HUMM, I think it worked for Michael- don't you?
Yours in Speed
Lee
PS: If I were you, I would take Michael's advice and become a part of a coaching program so you can learn from other successful people. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/... be coached yourself plus, benefit from all the great interviews and information shared each month to all the Speed Insider Members.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Congratulations To All The Olympians!!
I have to say I really enjoyed the competition and the excitement of the Olympic Games this year. When I look past the inconsistent judging, scoring, and officiating it was an exciting Olympics.
Here are some of my immediate thoughts on the games:
Michael Phelps was inspiring. He set a goal and didn't waiver. He went after a record that was set at a time when the training of athlete wasn't as strong. The competition wasn't as strong, the media coverage and expectations were not as intense. He didn't waiver- He just went out and got the job done. Congratulations Michael and the Phelps family.
Usain Bolt. Are you kidding me!! I absolutely love watching incredible displays of speed. It doesn't get any better than what Usain did. I have said for many years. The human being that is taller with incredible fast twitch and mechanics is going to be the sprinter of the future-you just saw it. Way to go Usain!
USA Basketball. You proved who has the most talent. The gold medal game was played by the USA team way under their potential and they still found away to get it done. Please don't think I don't think the Spanish team is a great team- they are. I love the way they shoot, drive to the hoop, and create spacing on the floor.
USA Men's Volleyball. Congratulations to all the players, families, and especially the coaches- namely Hugh McCutcheon. You showed the true spirit of team, focus, and mission. You competed and won on the biggest stage when the worst of tragedies blanketed your team. I am proud and sad. My condolences go out to the families for their loss.
South Korea with a Big Win Over Cuba. South Korea pulled off a big upset defeating the Champs- Cuba. This is what makes the Olympics so great. You never know what can happen.
Darra Torres. I have hope. I am only 42- really I can do it. Well maybe not but while watching a 41 year old whip up on the young pups was pretty inspiring. She looked great, swam fast, and competed with dignity and class all the way. Way to go Darra!
Japanese Softball. Of course I was upset seeing the USA team get defeated but once again- this is why the Olympics are so great. You can witness greatness, upsets, world records, misery, and elation almost every day. The USA softball team got beat. It was an upset. The Japanese team was ready and they played well. Great Job!
China is Golden Gymnasts. There is not doubt which country has the best gymnasts in the world. But man o man. USA came to compete and they did awesome. The men had some outstanding performances. Of course the women had some big highlights, mixed in with a few disappointments. Super job to all gymnasts.
Matthias Steiner in Weightlifting. The big German showed incredible strength winning the gold. But what was most touching is his dedication to his wife Susan who was killed last year in a car accident. Congratulations Matthias and I am sorry for you loss.
Nadal. He is an amazing athlete and tennis player. He did what many athletes in his development couldn't do. He stayed strong and kept pursing Federer even though for many years Federer kept winning majors. Nadal deserves to be the Worlds #1 player. You're the man Rafael!
USA Women's Soccer. You did it! You beat a world powerhouse in soccer. I love the fact they never gave up and didn't let injuries or excuses stop their charge at Gold. You deserve to be the Olympic Champions.
Well, they are just some of the highlights that I remember. There were so many others.
What I admire the most about these Olympic Athletes is they put their country on their backs if only for a while and represent them with loyalty and pride. The results are not always what is hoped for- but the effort is to be admired. ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE OLYMPIANS. I can't wait until I get to see you shine once again in 4 more years.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I would love to hear your thougths on what moments you remember the most. I will be sharing some special thougths and training concepts to my Speed Insiders Members soon. You don't want to miss this information. To become a Speed Insiders Member go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up and get 2 months FREE membership.
Here are some of my immediate thoughts on the games:
Michael Phelps was inspiring. He set a goal and didn't waiver. He went after a record that was set at a time when the training of athlete wasn't as strong. The competition wasn't as strong, the media coverage and expectations were not as intense. He didn't waiver- He just went out and got the job done. Congratulations Michael and the Phelps family.
Usain Bolt. Are you kidding me!! I absolutely love watching incredible displays of speed. It doesn't get any better than what Usain did. I have said for many years. The human being that is taller with incredible fast twitch and mechanics is going to be the sprinter of the future-you just saw it. Way to go Usain!
USA Basketball. You proved who has the most talent. The gold medal game was played by the USA team way under their potential and they still found away to get it done. Please don't think I don't think the Spanish team is a great team- they are. I love the way they shoot, drive to the hoop, and create spacing on the floor.
USA Men's Volleyball. Congratulations to all the players, families, and especially the coaches- namely Hugh McCutcheon. You showed the true spirit of team, focus, and mission. You competed and won on the biggest stage when the worst of tragedies blanketed your team. I am proud and sad. My condolences go out to the families for their loss.
South Korea with a Big Win Over Cuba. South Korea pulled off a big upset defeating the Champs- Cuba. This is what makes the Olympics so great. You never know what can happen.
Darra Torres. I have hope. I am only 42- really I can do it. Well maybe not but while watching a 41 year old whip up on the young pups was pretty inspiring. She looked great, swam fast, and competed with dignity and class all the way. Way to go Darra!
Japanese Softball. Of course I was upset seeing the USA team get defeated but once again- this is why the Olympics are so great. You can witness greatness, upsets, world records, misery, and elation almost every day. The USA softball team got beat. It was an upset. The Japanese team was ready and they played well. Great Job!
China is Golden Gymnasts. There is not doubt which country has the best gymnasts in the world. But man o man. USA came to compete and they did awesome. The men had some outstanding performances. Of course the women had some big highlights, mixed in with a few disappointments. Super job to all gymnasts.
Matthias Steiner in Weightlifting. The big German showed incredible strength winning the gold. But what was most touching is his dedication to his wife Susan who was killed last year in a car accident. Congratulations Matthias and I am sorry for you loss.
Nadal. He is an amazing athlete and tennis player. He did what many athletes in his development couldn't do. He stayed strong and kept pursing Federer even though for many years Federer kept winning majors. Nadal deserves to be the Worlds #1 player. You're the man Rafael!
USA Women's Soccer. You did it! You beat a world powerhouse in soccer. I love the fact they never gave up and didn't let injuries or excuses stop their charge at Gold. You deserve to be the Olympic Champions.
Well, they are just some of the highlights that I remember. There were so many others.
What I admire the most about these Olympic Athletes is they put their country on their backs if only for a while and represent them with loyalty and pride. The results are not always what is hoped for- but the effort is to be admired. ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE OLYMPIANS. I can't wait until I get to see you shine once again in 4 more years.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I would love to hear your thougths on what moments you remember the most. I will be sharing some special thougths and training concepts to my Speed Insiders Members soon. You don't want to miss this information. To become a Speed Insiders Member go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up and get 2 months FREE membership.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lessons Learned From The Highly Successful
Brennen is crawling! I know...what's the big deal. Well, to you it really doesn't mean much but to the Taft Family it is pretty cool to see him develop. I have been meaning to video his stages of development as a teaching tool on how we move. It is amazing how he slowly develops the ability to balance. He even sits up easily without falling over on his "noggin". Jae and Bailee get the biggest kick out him. He is a fun little boy to watch.
Returned Home From A Great Coaching Session
I arrive home early this morning from my coaching and Mastermind group. This time we met in Arizona. Boy, was it a good one. Let me explain. I have been moved up to the top mastermind group because I am developing my businesses at a fast rate and I needed to be challenged with some high rollers. The mastermind group I am a part of has some highly accomplished business people in it. One member, Craig Duswalt, was Axel Rose's personal manager. He now owns a successful talent agency. Another member, Francine Ward, is a highly accomplished author, attorney, and business women...she is incredible. The list goes on and on of wonderful personalities and business minds.
The learning point for me from this two day intensive mastermind was all successful people are disciplined in their business. This mindset of being disciplined is apparent in the best athletes in the world as well. We are all witnessing some of the world's greatest athletes on the greatest stage- the Olympics. These athletes have been disciplined enough to train hard for 4 years to compete at the Olympic Games.
The key points I learn from highly motivated and goal driven people is that they do what has to be done even when they don't feel like it. When they are tired or just not up to doing work, the top successful business people get it done. The best athletes that are aiming for a high goal get up and train even when the sun has not risen yet.
What I have noticed with many top achievers is they schedule everything. They allow for flexibility but for the most part everything is scheduled. For example; they will not only schedule daily work tasks, but free time and errands as well. They will put distinct time frames to each appointment. So, if an article needs to be written and they only allow 30 minutes on the schedule, then they are done with the task when the 31st minute comes.
I have adopted this mindset in my business life with some modifications to fit my personal style. I must tell you, if I had used this method of disciplining myself as a young high school or college athlete I can only imagine what I could have accomplished. I don't like to look back, but if this method was used in my business life many years ago I would be sitting on the beach writing this blog from my beach front home in Hawaii.
So, the lessons I learned from being around highly successful people have charged me up to do even a better job of disciplining myself. Being around these successful people is like the athlete that chooses to play with the older more talented athletes. You are forced to play at a higher level or you will be buried.
I personally love the challenge.
Yours In Speed,
Lee
PS: If you are ready to take action and discipline yourself, then visit http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and become a member of a fast pace program that will help you grow your programs and businesses. Don't settle for less than you can accomplish.
Returned Home From A Great Coaching Session
I arrive home early this morning from my coaching and Mastermind group. This time we met in Arizona. Boy, was it a good one. Let me explain. I have been moved up to the top mastermind group because I am developing my businesses at a fast rate and I needed to be challenged with some high rollers. The mastermind group I am a part of has some highly accomplished business people in it. One member, Craig Duswalt, was Axel Rose's personal manager. He now owns a successful talent agency. Another member, Francine Ward, is a highly accomplished author, attorney, and business women...she is incredible. The list goes on and on of wonderful personalities and business minds.The learning point for me from this two day intensive mastermind was all successful people are disciplined in their business. This mindset of being disciplined is apparent in the best athletes in the world as well. We are all witnessing some of the world's greatest athletes on the greatest stage- the Olympics. These athletes have been disciplined enough to train hard for 4 years to compete at the Olympic Games.
The key points I learn from highly motivated and goal driven people is that they do what has to be done even when they don't feel like it. When they are tired or just not up to doing work, the top successful business people get it done. The best athletes that are aiming for a high goal get up and train even when the sun has not risen yet.
What I have noticed with many top achievers is they schedule everything. They allow for flexibility but for the most part everything is scheduled. For example; they will not only schedule daily work tasks, but free time and errands as well. They will put distinct time frames to each appointment. So, if an article needs to be written and they only allow 30 minutes on the schedule, then they are done with the task when the 31st minute comes.
I have adopted this mindset in my business life with some modifications to fit my personal style. I must tell you, if I had used this method of disciplining myself as a young high school or college athlete I can only imagine what I could have accomplished. I don't like to look back, but if this method was used in my business life many years ago I would be sitting on the beach writing this blog from my beach front home in Hawaii.
So, the lessons I learned from being around highly successful people have charged me up to do even a better job of disciplining myself. Being around these successful people is like the athlete that chooses to play with the older more talented athletes. You are forced to play at a higher level or you will be buried.
I personally love the challenge.
Yours In Speed,
Lee
PS: If you are ready to take action and discipline yourself, then visit http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and become a member of a fast pace program that will help you grow your programs and businesses. Don't settle for less than you can accomplish.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
I Want Your Input
Hey There!
I hope everything is well. Can you believe it? My daughters started school this past week. In NY, where I grew up, we always started after labor day. I am still adjusting to the Indiana schedule.
The kids are great! They love school, their teachers, and seeing their classmates. Since the girls have been at school all day, Brennen is wondering where everyone is. He loves it when his big sisters come home. Today he is fighting a little cold. It is so tough when baby's have a cold- it is like a snot-fest....
Anyways, I have been writing articles for a long time and I have been writing my blog for quite some time now. I usually write information based off topics that are floating around in the industry, articles I read, questions I get from my readers, and training or coaching issues to me are important. I would like to more write articles from the questions I receive from you...so I need your help. Here is what need...
1. Send me questions you have about a training topic or even a business-related topic .
2. What would you like for me to share with you (My speed techniques, strength programs, program design, how I structure my business...)
3. Would you like to learn more about key components in setting up speed clinics for coaches? Speed or sport camps for athletes?
4. Would you like to learn more about sport specific training topics?
5. Would you like to learn more about training young athletes.There is some confusing stuff out there...
6. Would you be interested to learn more about setting up a training facility for athletic performance on a shoe string budget? I have literally opened four facilities with little cash.
I am serious. I want you to ask me your most pressing questions. If I don't happen to know the answer, then I will give you some great resources to find the answer. This will be a great learning experience for the both of us.
I look forward to reading your questions. Be suare to email them to Info@SportsSpeedEtc.com.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: Talk about questions. ..I receive some great questions on a monthly basis from my Speed Insiders Members. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and see what other benefits my Speed Insiders receive. You can even try it out for 2 months FREE. You will be glad you did.
I hope everything is well. Can you believe it? My daughters started school this past week. In NY, where I grew up, we always started after labor day. I am still adjusting to the Indiana schedule.
The kids are great! They love school, their teachers, and seeing their classmates. Since the girls have been at school all day, Brennen is wondering where everyone is. He loves it when his big sisters come home. Today he is fighting a little cold. It is so tough when baby's have a cold- it is like a snot-fest....
Anyways, I have been writing articles for a long time and I have been writing my blog for quite some time now. I usually write information based off topics that are floating around in the industry, articles I read, questions I get from my readers, and training or coaching issues to me are important. I would like to more write articles from the questions I receive from you...so I need your help. Here is what need...
1. Send me questions you have about a training topic or even a business-related topic .
2. What would you like for me to share with you (My speed techniques, strength programs, program design, how I structure my business...)
3. Would you like to learn more about key components in setting up speed clinics for coaches? Speed or sport camps for athletes?
4. Would you like to learn more about sport specific training topics?
5. Would you like to learn more about training young athletes.There is some confusing stuff out there...
6. Would you be interested to learn more about setting up a training facility for athletic performance on a shoe string budget? I have literally opened four facilities with little cash.
I am serious. I want you to ask me your most pressing questions. If I don't happen to know the answer, then I will give you some great resources to find the answer. This will be a great learning experience for the both of us.
I look forward to reading your questions. Be suare to email them to Info@SportsSpeedEtc.com.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: Talk about questions. ..I receive some great questions on a monthly basis from my Speed Insiders Members. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and see what other benefits my Speed Insiders receive. You can even try it out for 2 months FREE. You will be glad you did.
Friday, August 8, 2008
It Is Great To Be Home
It has been an extremely busy summer. The bad news is I spent most of the summer away from my family while doing lots of work at the Speed Academy in NY. The good news is I was doing lots of good work at the Speed Academy in NY. I must admit- it has been so nice being back home with my wife Jenn, little son Brennen and my girls Jae and Bailee.
In just the short time home I have had so much fun taking time to go to the playground at the girls school and just playing with the girls. Usually when we go over to the school I will give them obstacle courses so they can see how fast they can get it done. They always want to be timed.
I have been taking them to the local new water park. I also just signed up to be there coach for volleyball at the YMCA. I can't wait. Then coming this fall the elementary school assistant principal wants me to be the director of the girls intramural programs. I am going to meet with him on Monday to see how much of a time commitment it is. I would love to help with the intramural (I definitely want to coach the girls more than direct the program- but if I can help I will) but if my travel schedule is fairly heavy (Like it is in November) I will have to have lots of help to cover me when I am gone.
At this stage in my life I love the direction our businesses are going, I love the fact my daughters are getting involved with lots of athletic, arts and crafts, community events, and social events. It is what life is about for me. I like being busy but because I own my businesses I can make choices as to when I work and when I play.
Let's take yesterday and today for example. Both Bailee and Jae had a friend spend the night. They played water fights for a couple hours yesterday and then came in and did some projects. They watch "So You Think You Can Dance" to see who the winner was, then headed off to bed. This morning I made Pancakes (each girl wanted their first initial made out of a pancake, lucky for them I am an expert pancake initial maker or is it initial pancake maker). Then after lunch Jenn is going to take them to the water park (I will head over later after I get some more work done and then do a quick workout at the Gym). I can't think of a better time.
I started my day by getting up early, going for my usual walk (it helps loosen my up and gives me good thinking time to get set for the day). I came back and did some writing, and work on a really big project soon to be launched, then made breakfast. After breakfast the girls went outside and had round 2 of the water fights- this was a great time for me to get some more work done.
I know I am going on and on about stuff you probably don't care about. I just wanted to share with you why it is so good to be home.
It took a lot of work, and there still is lots more to go, but I have set my life up to be how I want it. I control what goes on. There are things that I have to do that I don't particularly care about doing, but 95% of my life is set up how I want it. Because I invested so much time in learning how to get to this point and run my life and business the way I want it- I can choose to do things the way I want them. I created http://www.speedinsiders.com/ so I can provide you with great information each and every month and allow me to do things on my schedule.
Don't worry, next time my blog will have stuff you want to read about. Thanks for letting me share a little about my home life with you.
Yours In Speed,
Lee
PS: If you want to learn more about how to create programs that will set your athletes up for SUCCESS and create a successful business strategies you want to go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to get 2 FREE months to see why so many people love being a Speed Insiders member.
In just the short time home I have had so much fun taking time to go to the playground at the girls school and just playing with the girls. Usually when we go over to the school I will give them obstacle courses so they can see how fast they can get it done. They always want to be timed.
I have been taking them to the local new water park. I also just signed up to be there coach for volleyball at the YMCA. I can't wait. Then coming this fall the elementary school assistant principal wants me to be the director of the girls intramural programs. I am going to meet with him on Monday to see how much of a time commitment it is. I would love to help with the intramural (I definitely want to coach the girls more than direct the program- but if I can help I will) but if my travel schedule is fairly heavy (Like it is in November) I will have to have lots of help to cover me when I am gone.
At this stage in my life I love the direction our businesses are going, I love the fact my daughters are getting involved with lots of athletic, arts and crafts, community events, and social events. It is what life is about for me. I like being busy but because I own my businesses I can make choices as to when I work and when I play.
Let's take yesterday and today for example. Both Bailee and Jae had a friend spend the night. They played water fights for a couple hours yesterday and then came in and did some projects. They watch "So You Think You Can Dance" to see who the winner was, then headed off to bed. This morning I made Pancakes (each girl wanted their first initial made out of a pancake, lucky for them I am an expert pancake initial maker or is it initial pancake maker). Then after lunch Jenn is going to take them to the water park (I will head over later after I get some more work done and then do a quick workout at the Gym). I can't think of a better time.
I started my day by getting up early, going for my usual walk (it helps loosen my up and gives me good thinking time to get set for the day). I came back and did some writing, and work on a really big project soon to be launched, then made breakfast. After breakfast the girls went outside and had round 2 of the water fights- this was a great time for me to get some more work done.
I know I am going on and on about stuff you probably don't care about. I just wanted to share with you why it is so good to be home.
It took a lot of work, and there still is lots more to go, but I have set my life up to be how I want it. I control what goes on. There are things that I have to do that I don't particularly care about doing, but 95% of my life is set up how I want it. Because I invested so much time in learning how to get to this point and run my life and business the way I want it- I can choose to do things the way I want them. I created http://www.speedinsiders.com/ so I can provide you with great information each and every month and allow me to do things on my schedule.
Don't worry, next time my blog will have stuff you want to read about. Thanks for letting me share a little about my home life with you.
Yours In Speed,
Lee
PS: If you want to learn more about how to create programs that will set your athletes up for SUCCESS and create a successful business strategies you want to go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to get 2 FREE months to see why so many people love being a Speed Insiders member.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Could What We Do Now Affect What We....
So here it is, a beautiful morning, the sun shinning and my girls are getting ready for basketball camp at the YMCA. I was getting some work done when my son Brennen was fussing. I walked over to him to pick up when I suddenly sneezed. OH MY GOODNESS! It was like someone stuck a 12 inch knife in my lower back. I dropped down and for about 10 seconds my breath was taking away. The first thought that went through my head was #$%!#$! I then realized I had to get up and pick up Brennen. About 60 seconds later it actually felt much better, but I knew my plans for the day had changed. My plans were to work out and clean out some old stuff around the house. Well, not today.
This leads me into what this blog is about....Are the things we have our athletes do now affect them physically when they are older?
This is certainly not the first time I have written on this subject and it won't be the last. The field of strength and conditioning, which I am so grateful for and admire the purpose, has taken a weird spin in many cases and could seriously be at fault for the post athletic career injuries. Let me explain further...
I see a need for strength and conditioning in high schools, colleges, professional sports and of course private businesses. Strength and conditioning has allowed many athletes with lesser athletic ability to reach their true potential. It has totally changed around athletic teams and programs and given a sense of pride to individual players. Yet, there seems to be a greater disconnect between what its true role is in athletics and sports performance.
Without question, I see the role of strength and conditioning as being a conduit for greater sports performance on the field, court, or track. I don't see it as a competition within the weight room itself. I know many strength coaches form competitive situations in the wt room to "bring out the best" of the athletes and hopefully urge them to lift more pounds. I am not sure I agree with that concept, I'm not totally against it but I am not going to sell it to others either.
Let me give you a quick example of how I feel some coaches totally miss the role of strength and conditioning; One coach at the high school level, he is a head football coach and does the strength training for his team, set a standard of every player that is going to make varsity has to have a 400lb squat- otherwise they play JV or don't make the team. Going back to my original statement- Strength and conditioning is a conduit for greater athleticism and improved sports performance. This is why I feel strength training can be dangerous and cause serious health issues when athletes get older.
Let me go back to the statement I made about competition in the wt room. I don't want to be mis-understood. I love setting up situation where the athletes can compete against one another- but never at the risk of injury or poor training habits. For example; I use to love to have push up, pull up, or dip competitions. I would even do medicine ball throws, standing broad jumps, and even for fun put 100 pounds on the bar and see who could do the most. This competitions were set up as a fun day or a semi-monthly occasion that the athletes would look forward to. What I am opposed to is when athletes have to compete against each other to get on the 400lb squat board and they only way 130lbs and they are a freshman in high school. There needs to be better judgement in cases like this. Anyway- i think you get why I don't like certain competitions.
Getting back to what I feel strength and conditioning is all about. At the end of the day there are 2 major things that I am concerned with when it comes to training the athletes at the Lee Taft Speed Academy. The first is making sure they remain healthy and have a less chance of getting injured while they practice and play their sports. The second is that they can perform at the highest level possible.
I can accomplish both of them following one simple rule of thumb. Does the program I am using with the athletes pass my RISK/REWARD test? If the exercises I am using to help them stay healthy and produce better performances on the field, court, or track have greater risk of injury with not much reward in terms of performance that exercise is out the window in a hurry. There are way too many positive ways to accomplish my two primary goals without putting the athletes at risk to ever go near a high risk exercise.
The other important point that has been lost in the field of strength and conditioning is the role we truly play as strength coaches. I am not so egotistical to think my program is more important than the sport the athlete plays. Athlete come to me to play better and stay healthy, not to set records in my wt room.
Strength coaches that own their own business are always trying to outdo the "guy next door" and create a market niche for themselves. In doing so they invent new and different spins on old exercises that simply put a higher risk than reward on the athlete. I am all for thinking outside the box and using different exercises to stimulate the athletes, but not if it increases the risk factor.
The final point I want to make is we don't put enough thought into what our program might be doing to cause future health issues and discomfort in our athletes. I know when an athlete learns to do a single leg squat under complete control and balance or does a front squat with great form he or she is protecting themselves against injury as well as improving performance- yet not hurting themselves 20 years down the line. I also know when I have the athletes perform low level jumps, leaps, and hops with proper form they are not being put at a high risk now nor in the future. I also know that when I have the athlete perform a one arm one leg tubing row the chances of them learning how to generate strength, power, increase balance, and force through proper loading of all the joints goes way up- so does the transfer to the field, court, or track- but the risk factor stays really low. But I also know that when an athlete gets under a 400 plus back squat the risk of injury increases a lot. I am not against the big squatting I just think not enough coaches understand why, when, and with whom they should be allowing to perform this lift (I could have chosen any higher risk lift, I simply used the 400 lb back squat because of the example I gave of the high school coach forcing his players to be able to perform this amount to make the varsity team).
Let me finish my saying, all in all I appreciate what the strength and conditioning field has done for athletics. I think it will continue to help many athletes reach their potential. I just would like more coaches to respect their role better and appreciate what most athletes naturally bring to the table. It is our job to not put them at risk and it is our job to give them greater opportunities.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I recently had a couple tremendous interviews with two leading motivational coaches. The information they gave was so inspiring. My hand is still tired because of all the note taking I did. If you want to get you hands on this information sign-up TODAY for my Speed Insiders Membership. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ now so you don't miss out on these great interviews and much more.
This leads me into what this blog is about....Are the things we have our athletes do now affect them physically when they are older?
This is certainly not the first time I have written on this subject and it won't be the last. The field of strength and conditioning, which I am so grateful for and admire the purpose, has taken a weird spin in many cases and could seriously be at fault for the post athletic career injuries. Let me explain further...
I see a need for strength and conditioning in high schools, colleges, professional sports and of course private businesses. Strength and conditioning has allowed many athletes with lesser athletic ability to reach their true potential. It has totally changed around athletic teams and programs and given a sense of pride to individual players. Yet, there seems to be a greater disconnect between what its true role is in athletics and sports performance.
Without question, I see the role of strength and conditioning as being a conduit for greater sports performance on the field, court, or track. I don't see it as a competition within the weight room itself. I know many strength coaches form competitive situations in the wt room to "bring out the best" of the athletes and hopefully urge them to lift more pounds. I am not sure I agree with that concept, I'm not totally against it but I am not going to sell it to others either.
Let me give you a quick example of how I feel some coaches totally miss the role of strength and conditioning; One coach at the high school level, he is a head football coach and does the strength training for his team, set a standard of every player that is going to make varsity has to have a 400lb squat- otherwise they play JV or don't make the team. Going back to my original statement- Strength and conditioning is a conduit for greater athleticism and improved sports performance. This is why I feel strength training can be dangerous and cause serious health issues when athletes get older.
Let me go back to the statement I made about competition in the wt room. I don't want to be mis-understood. I love setting up situation where the athletes can compete against one another- but never at the risk of injury or poor training habits. For example; I use to love to have push up, pull up, or dip competitions. I would even do medicine ball throws, standing broad jumps, and even for fun put 100 pounds on the bar and see who could do the most. This competitions were set up as a fun day or a semi-monthly occasion that the athletes would look forward to. What I am opposed to is when athletes have to compete against each other to get on the 400lb squat board and they only way 130lbs and they are a freshman in high school. There needs to be better judgement in cases like this. Anyway- i think you get why I don't like certain competitions.
Getting back to what I feel strength and conditioning is all about. At the end of the day there are 2 major things that I am concerned with when it comes to training the athletes at the Lee Taft Speed Academy. The first is making sure they remain healthy and have a less chance of getting injured while they practice and play their sports. The second is that they can perform at the highest level possible.
I can accomplish both of them following one simple rule of thumb. Does the program I am using with the athletes pass my RISK/REWARD test? If the exercises I am using to help them stay healthy and produce better performances on the field, court, or track have greater risk of injury with not much reward in terms of performance that exercise is out the window in a hurry. There are way too many positive ways to accomplish my two primary goals without putting the athletes at risk to ever go near a high risk exercise.
The other important point that has been lost in the field of strength and conditioning is the role we truly play as strength coaches. I am not so egotistical to think my program is more important than the sport the athlete plays. Athlete come to me to play better and stay healthy, not to set records in my wt room.
Strength coaches that own their own business are always trying to outdo the "guy next door" and create a market niche for themselves. In doing so they invent new and different spins on old exercises that simply put a higher risk than reward on the athlete. I am all for thinking outside the box and using different exercises to stimulate the athletes, but not if it increases the risk factor.
The final point I want to make is we don't put enough thought into what our program might be doing to cause future health issues and discomfort in our athletes. I know when an athlete learns to do a single leg squat under complete control and balance or does a front squat with great form he or she is protecting themselves against injury as well as improving performance- yet not hurting themselves 20 years down the line. I also know when I have the athletes perform low level jumps, leaps, and hops with proper form they are not being put at a high risk now nor in the future. I also know that when I have the athlete perform a one arm one leg tubing row the chances of them learning how to generate strength, power, increase balance, and force through proper loading of all the joints goes way up- so does the transfer to the field, court, or track- but the risk factor stays really low. But I also know that when an athlete gets under a 400 plus back squat the risk of injury increases a lot. I am not against the big squatting I just think not enough coaches understand why, when, and with whom they should be allowing to perform this lift (I could have chosen any higher risk lift, I simply used the 400 lb back squat because of the example I gave of the high school coach forcing his players to be able to perform this amount to make the varsity team).
Let me finish my saying, all in all I appreciate what the strength and conditioning field has done for athletics. I think it will continue to help many athletes reach their potential. I just would like more coaches to respect their role better and appreciate what most athletes naturally bring to the table. It is our job to not put them at risk and it is our job to give them greater opportunities.
Yours in Speed,
Lee
PS: I recently had a couple tremendous interviews with two leading motivational coaches. The information they gave was so inspiring. My hand is still tired because of all the note taking I did. If you want to get you hands on this information sign-up TODAY for my Speed Insiders Membership. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ now so you don't miss out on these great interviews and much more.
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