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.

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.

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.

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.

Setting Your Athletes Up For Success

Hello!

It has been a long few days of travel and learning. I just returned from Las Vegas where I attended a mastermind exclusive seminar with my mastermind coach James Malinchak. He taught me and the rest of the group about advanced marketing techniques. It was OUTSTANDING! I learned so many secret techniques being used by top marketers and you would never know they are being used. I can't wait to share these techniques with my mastermind and coaching members, as well as my Speed Insiders. These techniques will make a huge difference in your marketing.

As I have said many times, you need to find a mastermind group or form one of your own. The ideas you will learn from others are valuable to your business and personal growth.

Setting Your Athletes Up For Success

The most important thing you can do as a coach is set your athletes up for success each and every time you train them. Many times coaches and trainers are un-knowingly setting their athletes up for failure.

When an athlete comes to you as a part of your sports team or as an athlete joining your athletic development program it is your responsibility to set them up for success. You need to do what ever you can (ethically) to give them success. Success comes in many different sizes and shapes though.

If you have an athlete that wants to make the 7th grade soccer team, it is your job to do what ever you can to safely and ethically help them do so. It might be making them faster or stronger or simply have more confidence in their ability. Now if a college athlete comes to you wanting to be drafted to a professional team, then you have to put a program together that will set this individual up for success. Don't mis-understand me, I am NOT saying hand them success. You have to teach them to work for their success. What I am talking about is you as their coach making the correct decisions during training to lead them toward a successful outcome. I also believe, if the athlete fails, it is your job to teach them failures are a step in the process of being successful.

Why am I writing about this topic anyway? I know many coaches want to do the best they can but they forget the goal is to have success on the court or field not necessarily in the weight room or agility room. Of course, you want them to be successful in the training room, but not at the cost of success in the sport.

I have seen many programs spend so much time in the weight room or doing "Plyos" that they over-train the athletes to the point of poor performances in their chosen sports. This is not setting an athlete up for success.

A smart coach who is working backwards from the final desired outcome to the start of the training program will recognize what is needed for success. Let me give you some examples of what this means to me.

1. Ultimately, I want the athlete to be strong, powerful, mobile, and well conditioned through out the season but especially at the end of the season.

2. I am not concerned about "beating their last weight lifted" in the weight room. I want an athlete that has the strength and power needed to perform safely and well at the end of the season.

3. I always look at the risk reward scale. If having an athlete attempts a new max lift has a higher risk of injury, but has little improvement in performance, versus doing an exercise that will challenge the nervous system (balance, body awareness, power output/force production), movement economy, and transfer to sport participation with low risk of injury, I will go the lesser risk exercise every time.

4. I always consider the fact that many high school athletes don't sit dormant when they are not training with me or playing their sport. They are involved in other activities as well that add to the fatigue factor. So, I always use less volume with greater focus and intensity on skill development.

These are just 4 things, of many, I consider. The fact this method has proven well for me for so many years, I tend to believe it works. I have had state champions in many sports, athletes go on to earn scholarships, and play professional sports. I think much of this success is because of what I didn't do (put them at high risk) as well as what I did do.

I believe athletes bring a lot to the table. They have natural abilities. It is my job to bring out the best I can in each athlete so they can go to the next level. It is also my job to back off and realize my job is only one step in their progression to being a better athlete. They have to put lots of practice in, eat well, hydrate well, sleep well, handle emotions, and many other social needs. I don't want to over-play my part and dominate the athletes time and energy. I simply want to set them up for success by giving them what they need and so should you.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: A quick tp all of my Speed Insiders and Mastermind Members...I have an amazing interview coming soon with a man they call "Mr. Unstoppable." You do not want to miss this interview. He will make you realize how lucky we all are and the true abilities we have. If you want to listen to this exclusive interview go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up now.

The Speed Formula Is.....

Family Update

The toughest part about the Lee Taft Speed Academy being in NY yet having my home in Indiana is the time away from my family. My daughters will be attending a volleyball camp at the YMCA and I hate not being there to drive them to it every day. I get so much joy out of watching them play. Sometimes they don't even know I am watching. My girls are doing 4-H projects and are having a great time working on them. Obviously, I will be missng this too. It won't be long though. At the end of July I will be heading back to Indiana to be home with them again.

What is the True Formula for Speed?

I bet if you were to search for products on speed development you would come across several hundred. The truth be told, many of them are good resources. The reason I say this is because, even though each one may be focusing on what they consider to be the key to speed, it is still good information.

I believe products are often dismissed as poor if the product doesn't meet the demands of the potential buyer. That certainly isn't a good reason to call the product poor. It just isn't what the buyer wanted.

To switch gears a little bit, I want to talk about what really is the speed formula. The truth is "it depends on the type of speed and the issues the athlete may have".

When I am coaching a basketball player to be quicker on the basketball court, I need to make sure he or she can accelerate in all direction, change directions quickly and under control, make sharp and speed cuts, and retreat all with great speed and quickness. So in this case the components that are going to be most important are; body mechanics as it relates to the speed skill (change of direction, cutting, accelerating...), force production and force reduction ability, and of course stride length (both linear and lateral). Stride frequency is harder to control and I would rather have more power and stride length resulting in greater speed anyway.

If I am coaching a sprinter, then my concerns change. I no longer need to focus on lateral or change of direction skills. My technique work needs to be geared toward efficiency while accelerating and at top end speed.

What if I am coaching hockey players. I really must emphasize explosive acceleration and deceleration.

Do I believe all athletes should be taught proper mechanics of accelerating, sprinting, lateral quickness, change of direction skills, jumping, and all the other movement skills- ABSOLUTELY! I don't believe we teach athletes to be well rounded movers any more. Believe me, when an athlete has developed the ability to be coordinated in all directions both in acceleration and deceleration, then they will have a greater foundation to be better at their chosen sport.

Getting back to my title, I believe there are many formulas to improve speed. The constants are strength and power, technical mastery, tactical and strategic mastery, and concentration and relaxation. But, I feel each situation demands a different formula. I need to know what the athlete brings to the table before I start coaching them. I want to know how they move and what their movement background is. Coaching speed is a mix of science and art. Good coaching is understanding when to put more emphasis on the most needed (science or art).

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are really looking forward to improving your knowledge in multi-directional speed training then go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and become a Speed Insiders Member. Read what one member had to say about her membership as a Speed Insider:

“My favorite part of being a Speed Insider is the knowledge that Lee passes onto us every month. It is so invaluable. I can use it immediately with my athletes and clients.”

-Kris Massaro

Just Get It Done!!!

As you may or may not know, My wife and I own several businesses together. We have staff who takes care of various aspects of our businesses, but we are the decision makers and take the credit for our failures or successes.

We are often frustrated when we are not getting results fast enough on certain areas of our business. Don't get me wrong, we are patient and understand creating a foundation for the future of our businesses, but there are time when things need to get done ASAP.

We not only have businesses we run but we also have a wonderful family. We have 3 children, Jae, Bailee, and Brennen. They deserve our time even more than our businesses, but as you have probably felt before business keeps calling all day and all night long. It is always on your minds it is easy to forget to take the time and just go play with our kids. But then again our kids are great at reminding us we need to spend more time with them and that is a good thing!

The purpose of this blog is to talk about getting things done. My frustrations in business arise when things are not getting done. Those who are in my http://www.speedinsiders.com/ membership or the exclusive members of my coaching and Mastermind group know I work really fast. Before writing this blog I have already written an article and drafted a 4 page sales copy letter for a program we are offering at the speed academy. It is only 11am and it is Sunday. I know if I can get things done quickly I will continue to build momentum in my business. Plus, it allows me to do others things not related to business for the rest of the day.

Getting back to my wife and I. We had a long phone call this morning that was not all lovee dovee. It was about getting our butts in gear and getting things done. To be honest with you, we did have legitimate reasons for being behind on some of our work; My father's passing, Jenn and the girls had many events and activities, and we have all done a lot of traveling recently. But, business and opportunity doesn't wait for any one for any reason. So our talk this morning was basically about holding each one us accountable for getting STUFF done.

You Know- it isn't a coincidence people who work right and work fast have great results. People who make excuses and try to be perfect get little if any results. Before Jenn and I hung up the phone- she made a guarantee to me a project that has been hanging over our heads for months will be finished by the end of the week. I made a promise to my elf that I would have an article written, this blog written, the sales copy done, and a proposal to a sports complex finished by the end of the day today. You see, this is how we need to be each and every business day.

Success isn't a mistake or luck. It comes from deliberate and consistent action. We made a decision and promise to each other that we would get things done now.

My wish for you is that you would find the motivation, regardless of if it is coaching, writing a book, shooting a video, or whatever, to get your projects done so you can feel the rush of success in your life.

I'll be talking to you soon- have a great week!

Yours in Speed,

Lee