As we discuss all the time, athletic development does not follow a fixed linear path. It is a journey where two athletes of the same age can start at completely different points even though they might end up in the same place. For coaches, this creates some problems: how do you know where to start with an athlete you inherit and how do you track their progress? Read more
My concepts of training are based on study of past training methods, sports science research, best practice, and practical experience working with all levels of athlete. When developing a training system you learn through deliberate practice, through trial and error, you learn in the trenches, not just in a book, a classroom or a laboratory. You learn from your mistakes and your successes. Read more
Baseball is a sport that oscillates between tradition and modern analytics. Coaches like Paul Davis of the St. Louis Cardinals try to find a balance in the middle. As a developmental pitching coordinator and coach he has to understand the science of movement and the art of coaching. On this episode Davis joins us to walk through his approach to developing pitchers as athletes. Read more
Vern has a few quotes he is famous for, and perhaps none more so than telling coaches to “Train movements, not muscles.” This is one of the foundations of his philosophy and it helps to take a step back and look at why it is so important. Therefore on the question we address on this episode of the GAINcast is:
This Episode’s Question: Why is it so important to train movements instead of muscles? And how do we do that?
Movement is the key to sport. As Vern always says, we need to train movements, not muscles. On this week’s podcast we are joined by Shawn Myszka to discuss motor learning, movement analysis, and improving movement through specific strength exercises. Read more
PLAY first! – That is where it all starts. Sport is not supposed to be work it is play. Start with free play that is natural and instinctive; it does not require coaching or supervision. In free play the children, not the adults, determine the structure so they follow their instincts and explore all dimensions of movement with the only limitations their imaginations. Read more
