Speed kills. Imagine a scenario where a coach says “my athlete is just too fast.” Oh, you can’t? That’s because it will never happen. Speed is a skill (you gotta learn it – and earn it!). It’s not something you either have or you don’t. Sure, genetics play into it, but I’m certain that high … Read More
Coaching Young Athletes
Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Change
Note from Amanda: Today’s post is from Coach Kevin. This guy has blown us away with his work ethic, passion for people and coaching. He’s inspiring SOS members on a daily basis, has an incredible attitude and he’s hungry to learn. Plus, he’s just a lot of fun to be around. Today he’ll share with … Read More
Why Are Lower Back Stress Fractures Common in Young Athletes?
It seems to be happening more and more these days. I’m talking about young athletes who are suffering from back stress fractures. We’ve received multiple referrals from local clinicians in the last year to help athletes with their rehabilitation process after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in their lower back. I’m feeling pretty sure … Read More
8 Weeks Until Fall
Here comes fall. It happens every year. August 1st rolls around and we get a whole bunch of frantic phone calls from parents and athletes. “Hi, I’m trying to make the varsity soccer team and I haven’t trained at all for two to three months. Can you help me get in shape and three and … Read More
Summer Training for High School Athletes – 5 Dos & Don’ts
Lets be honest, everyone is thinking about summer right now. Sure, school is technically still going on. However, we all know that while you’re squirming around in your desk pretending to be taking notes on simple squamous epithelium, your brain is fully committed to Tommy Bahama beach chairs, farmer’s tans, Yeti coolers, bon fires, wireless speakers … Read More
3 Simple Strategies to Improve Your Conditioning Program
If there is something I’ve learned about training fighters over the last few years, it’s what NOT to do. The mistakes I’ve made haven’t been major, but they did provide me with some serious insight on how to better design programs for all athletes, not just fighters. As I often say, I’m happy with 80% of … Read More
Invest in Yourself
We hope you enjoy this guest post by Kyle Ryan, Intern Extraordinaire at SOS! We think he’s wise beyond his years with this one! Plus…his mom trains at SOS and we love her too so we know where he gets his smarts and strength from! 🙂 Invest In Yourself Every Day. You’re likely familiar with the … Read More
5 Ways to Become a Better Coach
I’ve been coaching for roughly 14 years. I’ve trained professional athletes, weekend warriors, kids, teenagers, collegiate athletes and everyone in between. I have learned a ton along the way and love sharing my experiences in hopes that I can help younger trainers shorten the learning curve and become a better coach. Today I’m going to … Read More
Why You Can’t Train In Season
At the beginning of each sports season, I find myself having similar discussions with parents, coaches and athletes regarding the importance of in-season training. I know why you can’t train in season, but it’s my job to teach you why you can train in-season. In-season training improves performance and generally keeps kids healthier. I’ve even … Read More
Wall Sits Stink {and What to do Instead}
The wall-sit is a very common exercise used by athletes and coaches as a regression to the squat, or as a lower body strengthening exercise. You won’t see me selecting wall-sits for my athletes at Skill of Strength. Today I’ll share with you why I have beef with wall-sits and what I use instead! Frankly, I … Read More