Be Adaptable!

I always say I love living in Cali because I can train all year round but this weather the last couple weeks has been testing that statement! Unless the field is grass and I don’t have another option, I will usually still keep training the same.

One reason is that it would sound silly if I told guys who practice in the snow in the winter with their shirts off that I’m canceling training for a little rain. So, RAIN OR SHINE WE’RE ROLLING.

I’ve definitely been fighting a cold for 2 weeks because of it but the show must go on. And I think it brings up a good coaching point… Adaptability.

There is almost never a session or event that goes complete 100% to plan. And that’s ok. As long as the athlete is safe and not at risk- the back up plan will work.

I’ve really appreciated that mindset and it mostly came from the events we did last summer. I would stress so much about them because there were so many athletes and if everything didn’t go perfect I would beat myself up about it.

But the reality is- no one noticed, everyone had fun and worked hard, and no one got hurt. Approaching a big event or an important training session can be intimidating, but if you pre plan and give yourself backup resources if something goes wrong then you learned from it and can do better next time around.

Have you tried Isometric Training?

I’m sure I have referenced Alex Natera’s isometrics in a previous newsletter, as we have incorporated his Iso Push tests and supplemental training a lot this year.

We do an initial assessment to see where everyone is at as a baseline, test again at the midway point, and then lastly at the latter end of the training block to see what has improved.

During this time, we incorporate weekly isometric training in the weightroom and on the field. We use the data from the ankle, knee, hip and mid thigh pull tests to see where deficiency or imbalance is coming from so we can target that on both ends.

The course Alex Natera put out on SportSmith is an incredible resource, but I also found a great article of his that references how to implement iso’s in training and how they can fit into an already-built program.

https://www.sportsmith.co/articles/optimising-isometric-testing-and-training/

It seems like we never have enough time, but the best thing about iso’s is they don’t have to take up a lot of time or space, and can easily fit into a program in microdoses or as a primer.

Knowing your athlete’s training level as well as competition schedule is of course a factor we need to consider, and he outlines when the best days would be to add iso training in with competition in mind.

Isometric training doesn’t need to replace the strength training, it can be an addition and integration of stimulus to load the athlete safely and effectively.

Quote of the week

“Adaptability is being able to adjust to any situation at any given time” —John Wooden

Appreciate y’all,

Cici

See you again next week!

In the meantime, here are 3 ways you can stay tapped in:

1. Get access to more free game here.

2. Join a group of badass women here.