It appears most create a “stew” and just keep adding ingredients and eventually they run out of room and it “overflows.” One of the best pieces of advice I received was take something out before adding something in. This helps me create a balance.
I just added a lot more plyo type work and cut back on the sprint work we were doing. Had I Kept everything, I would expect lots of problems.
Yes - I fall back on my Bruce Lee cup of water analogy many times. You must empty the cup before adding more water.
He also has a good one about being a sculptor and chipping away the unnecessary elements to find your masterpiece, not adding more clay.
My final piece of advice is the John Wooden quote. “The problem with new books is that we forget to read the old books.” I’ll be going through Speed Trap and CFTS again this month.
Well said by all the above. Simplicity rules. I believe Charlie said that being a good prep coach is part science and part art. The science speaks for itself. The art is what escapes most. It is knowing when to back off or push more. With my football players, I like them to hit big lifts due not just to performance, but the confidence it instills in them when they step on the field. There is far more to building athletes then just programming. Thanks to everybody on this forum for giving their thoughts and allowing me to grow through a collective experience.
You could write a book with that formula!
I would buy it.
I went up to physical therapy to visit my old therapists and atc’s and we started talking about training. (keep in mind there U of Mich grads and C mich univ grads). There exact words were I heard the new S&C coach at mich was very good. I just looked at them and asked them who told you that! They said U of mich fans. (Keep in mind they trust my opinion) So I proceded to tell them the truth (he’s a freakin moron!) They just looked at me like I just cursed the bible! I proceded to tell them that it wasnt just my opinion just look at how they played the last 2 years. Their smart people so they told me to go into detail when they get done with their patients. Wow stupidity likes to spread among its followers( im not calling the therapist stupid Im calling the followers stupid)
It is true that we do not post ‘record’ boards or place a premium on ‘weight room numbers’. Alternatively, Buddy and I and our players enjoy observing their physical preparation develop over time.
As far as the weight training is concerned, it has a higher value for the down linemen due to maximal strength being more closely linked to their positional biodynamic structure.
As for my skill players, while we certainly observe the value of improving weight room strength, particularly regarding those who necessitate it most relative to their stage of development, it yields to the premium I place on speed development, specifically regarding the energy required to practice sprinting and field based movement drills, and the developments associated with the positional work I emphasize close to camps.
It is enjoyable to modify the training at an individual basis according to the developments experienced by the players as individuals.
I have recently devised a plan for training camp and the season that will provide for up to 60 distinct training configurations in order that each of my guys may most effectively address their readiness on any given day. This is covered in a DVD I will be making available within the next few weeks.
James you gotta let me know when you do that dvd. Im very interested in what you and buddy have to say.
It’s already recorded from a lecture I gave to a class of post graduate exercise physiology students at PITT just hours after our Pro Day.
My video guy is currently editing and producing it for me. It will be available through my website when it’s done. My ‘off-season’ DVD is available there as well if you weren’t already aware.
Im sorry but what is your website again? I wrote it down but I lost the paper. Thanks in advance
In regards to bad S&C coaches, I think James Smith explained the issue best; he said: “due to the large talent pool in America, it’s much easier to recruit the best then to actually take the time to develop whoever you get.”
So really, the situation is were the management of American sports itself does not bring out the best in American Coaches (or Athletes). Now if coaches had to hang onto their athletes for 10 years+, it’s possible that would encourage coaches to think more of the development of the sport then personal gain.
Well put. Im listening to podcasts right now on college and pro S&C coaches now and they all sound the same. They all sound like they use that stupid HIT system. 1 said they do a workout twice a week in season for about 20 mins on tues and thurs. Another was talking about there testing and admitted that there test wasnt the best.
Don’t be mad because you guys are making 10%of what Barwis are making. I know how you guys are thinking “I’m a better coach then this ass hole”.
Highlander
I’m not trying to defend all college S&C coaches, but you specifically mentioned in season workouts that were only 2 mnutes in length, 2x a week.
While I’m sure there might be a better way to do things, many football coaches are completely oblivious to the physical demands of their own sport, as James points out so often. There are quite a number of S&C college coaches who have absolutely no say in the amount of time that they get with the athletes, particularly in season.
When you factor in the NCAA’s 20 hour rule, and in-house compliance people that can’t wait to self report the football program, I can see how some S&C coaches may only get 20 minutes of actual strength training 2x week in season.
Just food for thought…
Oh I totally understand that there may only be 20 min twice a week expecially in college but it was a nfl strength coach who said that. Thats what kinda amazes me. Granted it was in season but I know for a fact that other teams do way more than just 20 min twice a week.
How much more time do you need?
Mon: Main strength training session (block cleans, squats, bench press, pullups, hyper complex)
Wed: Secondary strength training session (block snatch, db floor press, db row, arm/shoulder circuit)
Can’t forget the head sport coaches role in what goes down, especially in football.
I know of 2 NFL teams who’s head coach has say about what the S&C does. I’m sure same in many colleges
Ok not to start a arguement but you cannot be serious about us being jealous of barwis. My partners and I know athletes who train under this fool and trust me none of them cant stand his workouts. Unfortunately alot of strength coaches get there position by the who you know system. I understand thats how the world works but still S&C is pretty much common sense and yeah this fool has none! His system has gotten more kids hurt more than ever at the beloved U of Mich. I spoke to Mike Gittelson privately a few weeks ago and he even admitted that he was a moron under his breathe. This is coming from a man who has a nice pension coming from U of M and is working for Rodgers equipment going across the country given speeches.
What if they win the Big 10 this year?
Cause Tate Forcier is a God! 