Great Sports Performance Training does NOT include... (Part 1)

Hello Everyone!

(This series is inspired by real conversations I've had with athletes recently. These are real topics that need clarification.)

Great speed, strength, and power training (sports performance) does NOT include...puking.

If you are learning new speed skills, moving weights properly in the weight room, and developing into a more complete athlete, there is no room (or point) in getting sick during training. And puking should not be your indicator of whether you had a great workout or not.

Getting sick during or after a workout is a physical sign that you've pushed your body to the point where it thinks it needs to empty it's stomach contents so there is less need for blood in the digestive system and therefore more blood can go to the muscular and aerobic systems (for survival). This is a scenario that rarely ever happens in a game setting (at any level of competition).

It's important to understand the difference between speed and agility training and conditioning.

Speed and Agility: individual skills. One specific event/moment. Example: The speed needed to run past your man. The agility needed to defend a play.

Conditioning: being able to repeat the speed and agility of your sport throughout the course of an entire game. Keeping your level of skill throughout your playing time. Example: Repeatedly being able to transition from offense to defense on the soccer field or basketball court. Being able to give it your all on every play during a football drive.

Spending time here is not needed to make you a better athlete.

You don't learn anything when you puke during training. You don't get faster or stronger when you're getting sick. Anyone can run bleachers and suicides until they puke. Very few people can teach you how to perform your sport at a faster, quicker, stronger, and more powerful level.

If you are 4 or less weeks from your first game, then it's important your conditioned enough to be able to play. This may be the time where you have a challenging, game-like conditioning session, that causes some tummy discomfort (but again, your goal shouldn't be getting all the way sick).

If you are in your off-season you should be focusing on LEARNING how to be a faster, quicker, stronger and more powerful athlete. It's the time to fine tune your movements so you can develop into a more complete athlete.

Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart and Akron General Sports Performance