Two weeks ago on our podcast we talked about specific development, what we look for in specific strength exercises, and what to keep in mind as a coach. On this week’s episode we take the same approach to general development. Read more
With the year winding down, Nick and I thought we would take a look back at our own performance in 2015. We discuss what new things they tried last year, what worked, and what failed. We also discuss topics that interest us now and where are thoughts are heading for 2016. Read more
Nick and I talk all the time about the simple exercise classification scheme we have taken from Bondarchuk. We try to focus more energy on the specific developmental exercises (SDEs) where the competition movement and strength training converge. But what do we look for when we choose an “specific strength” exercise from this category? And what are some of our favorites? On this week’s episode we dive into those questions. Read more
We often talk about traditional periodization methods and Bondarchuk’s approach on the podcast, but these are hardly the only ways to put together a training plan. One method is block training and on this week’s podcast guest coach Tony Ciarelli describes how he has adapted block training to his throwers. Read more
Athletes have limited time and energy, therefore at a certain point coacheshave to prioritize what they want to accomplish in training. This means separating the things that are nice to do with the things that we need to do. In this week’s episode we discuss both categories and how put different elements of training in each category. Read more
Back in February I was a guest on Robbie Bourke’s All Things Strength podcast and recently Robbie invited Derek Evely on to discuss a bit more about coaches development, training, and more. Read more
Getting old sucks. I looked around at our national team this summer and realized I have literally been throwing longer than some of the athletes have been alive. Everyone wants to go out on the town after the final event and when I was their age I could do that and then throw a personal best in the morning off of no sleep. But now all I can think about is that it will set my training back for days. As we get older our body does not act the same as it used to. This is just one example. It is still possible to improve, but you have to fight harder and harder for every inch.On this week’s episode we talk about how to fight for those inches. Read more
On this week’s episode we answer another listener question. This time our neighbor from the north Nathan Lennie asked us about issues that arise from taking an elite athlete’s program and applying it to a younger athlete. Read more
I organized a Swiss Hammer fall training kick off event two weeks ago and invited along a special guest Nicola Vizzoni. Vizzoni has impressed many with the longevity of his career, winning major medals a decade apart. But what impresses me more is how he won those medals. At both the 2000 Olympics and 2010 European Championships he was up against a wall. In Sydney he was about to be knocked out of the competition in the third round and then responded with a personal best to take silver. In Barcelona he had been knocked off the podium and responded with a season’s best on his final attempt for a medal. During our Q&A with him he credited his performance under pressure to his coach, whose attitude during the competitions put subtle pressure on him without making him panic. Read more
Knowing where you are going as a coach is essential, but you also have to know how you are going to get there. For example NFL players need to be explosive and need to train explosivity. But how should they do that? Olympic lifting? Jumping? Medicine ball work? Something else? Each method has its benefit, but they all come with costs too and as a coach you have to search for the ways to get the most benefit for the lowest price. And on this week’s episode we start by taking a look at this analysis with Arizona Cardinals strength and conditioning coach Buddy Morris. Read more
