Posts by Team
Dumbbells or Machines? Istvan Javorek
The benefits of dumbbell training by Istvan Javorek
Dumbbell training is generally safe.- Does not need a large practice area.
- Is easy to teach (compared to barbell lifts).
- Can be done simultaneously and very efficiently with a large number of athletes.
- Is dynamic with a large range of motion (actually the range of motion is unlimited).
- A large range of
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LTAD- USA versus UK
I had the pleasure of meeting Mauro deGennaro, Director of Athletics at Hoboken High School, last week. We were talking about his schedule of training for his football team this autumn, and he was saying that they were going to be training easy in the week because of the amount of contact in the game. How many games a season do they play?
9. That’s right 9. His 14 year old Freshman play 9 football games a season, then move to another sport next term.
Read MoreSpeed Training: co-ordination versus strength.
Adjusting the dials for your athlete
When looking at a new athlete and their running, I try to assess whether we can improve speed through co-ordination training or strength training, or both.
I use the analogy of having two dials with the athletes: they both are necessary, but we adjust one at a time according to the athlete’s needs.
Read MoreHistory of Educational Gymnastics in British schools
Educational Gymnastics in Britain A popular conception of gymnastics today is of young girls in sparkly leotards with hair kept up in tightly bound buns. This is a relatively new concept, with gymnastics originally being an all-male outdoor pursuit. Gymnastics has originated from several different sources, but all had the underlying principle of healthy movement.…
Read MoreWhat is physical literacy?
What is Physical Literacy? Physical Literacy is a term gaining currency to help promote the need for children to be given the opportunities to move. Physical education has been squeezed out of the school curriculum, competitive sports have taken over and many children are disheartened and therefore disengaged. “Partly through lack of sufficient activity, some children…
Read MoreOpen letter to British Weight Lifting
Open letter to the Chief Executive of British Weight Lifting Dear Mr Metcalfe, I am writing to you on behalf of my club members who have concerns and questions about what BWL is doing and what benefits they would get if they join and what the club gets from its membership. Excelsior Athletic Development Club…
Read MoreHow to change habits: part 3
“Good habits formed at youth make all the difference”
s Aristotle gets it right again. In the 2 previous blogs we have looked at the importance of lifestyle in athletes’ lives and how to use goal setting to set plans.
How to change habits: part 2
“Living without an aim is like sailing without a compass.”
compass Alexandre Dumas.
In part 1 I set the scene of how athletes need help in adopting behaviours that will improve their sporting performance. Today I will look at how to set goals that will get them started.
How to change habits: part 1
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle’s quote is often used, but it is hard to follow. When working with athletes, it is often the intangibles that make the difference to the overall outcome of the training programme.
Handy videos for parents of sports children
Trustworthy information to help parents I don’t profess to know everything, but I am lucky enough to know enough great coaches and experts that I can draw upon for advice. This means I can give the best advice to parents of our club members and individual athletes. Here are two great examples of conversations I…
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