What is Happening with the Speed Guy?

NEW BLOG

2009-04-05T11:23:00.001-04:00

Check out my new blog posts at http://www.speedinsiders.com/

OH! My Aching Back!

2009-03-21T18:19:00.002-04:00

What a story I have for you...

On Wednesday I took both my daughters out of school to drive with me to Philly (9 hours of driving one way) to see the opening round of the NCAA tourney. We went to see BYU and Texas A&M. My nephew is the point guard for BYU (Jimmer Fredette). Anyway. We arrived Wednesday night and stayed in a hotel about 30 minutes from the arena. We got up early and were going to have a good breakfast and then drive into the arena. Well, as I was getting dressed I dropped my sock and squatting down to pick it up and I felt like a had been stabbed in the back. I shuffled out of the bathroom and told the girls I hurt my back so but should be OK to get to the game. So I sat down and asked one of my daughters to help me with my sneakers. The minute I lifted my foot my back went into overdrive. I fell to the floor and was in a major spasm. I was unbelievable.

To make a long story short; I ended up having a family member (the father of Jimmer) drive to our hotel that was 25 miles from where they were staying and pick the girls up and take them to the game. I layed flat on my back for a the entire day and through the night. I never felt so much discomfort. Talk about a disappointing time. I was thrilled my girls got to see the game and their cousin (plus other family) but I couldn't believe I drove all that way and missed the game. well the next morning I got back in the car and drove back to Indiana- it was a tough drive.

For the past 20 plus years I have been dealing with occasional back pain and it really snuck up on me on that day. I think the long drive to Philly made me tight plus the combination of being tight in the morning- the timing was just right.

Being Proactive

My back injury I believe is a product of a frozen big toe on my left foot. In 1985 during a basketball practice I complained to my coach about my toe hurting. I had been complaining for a few weeks and it finally got to be too much. He set up an appointment for me with a foot specialist. The specialist took an ex-ray and noticed I had a bone spur growing over my toe joint. He told me I would be OK for the rest of this season but at some point I would need to have it taken care of or it might cause issues with my gait and possibly posture. Well, I never did anything about it. I believe I have been paying for that stupid toe ever since.

Now, when I train clients and they present an injury or a possible postural issue I always urge them to be proactive and take care of it now. Don't let it become a problem when it can be managed now- I tell them.

Many times it is just a matter of them doing more flexibility. If I could wind back the clocks I would have taken care of my toe immediately after the season.

My advice to you is do what ever you have to (avoid surgery if possible) to gain full and correct movement- you will be glad you did!

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: If you like to read more articles about proper training and check out great resources so you can move great and be healthy go to www.SportsSpeedEtc.com

PSS: Now that basketball season is winding down it is time to really get focused on off season training. Go to www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com so you can get a jump start on your off season training.

Saturday Tip Blog; Hidden Secret Of Shoulder Pain?

2009-03-14T09:49:00.002-04:00

Before I run off to work with a group of 1st and 2nd grade basketball players I want to share a tip with you that can help avoid shoulder pain.

Thoracic Extension: What is it?

The thoracic region is basically the upper back (between the neck and the lower back). More and more we are seeing athletes and non-athletes have a frozen and or overly flexed thoracic region. This mean the thoracic spine isn't able to extend back from it's fixed or partially fixed forward flexion. Think hunchback of Notre dame- not really that bad but to give you and idea of forward flexion.

When athletes perform skills overhead (throwing, hitting in volleyball, pitching in baseball, and even lifting weights overhead) but are unable to get extension in the thoracic region the shoulder has to do more external rotation then normal. This constant overuse and over range of motion can lead to mild to serious shoulder issues. Here are some great ways to increase thoracic extension.

IMPORTANT! Seek a qualified professional if unsure of how to perform these exercises!

1. Foam Rolling of the thoracic region. By performing simple extensions in a short range of motion you can begin to open up the thoracic region and allow extension to occur. If you have a pre-existing back issue consult a doctor or therapist. Do not force the extension- it should be a comfortable range of motion. Breathe out during the extension and in when returning from extension. Perform 3 reps in the lower thoracic, middle thoracic and upper thoracic.

2. Single sided flexion extension. In a hands and knee position place the right hand behind the head- now tuck the elbow under the body as you flex forward with just the right side. Now extend back and up with the elbow and chest. Perform 6-10 reps on each side in a controlled speed.

3. Prone cobra. Lying on your stomach raise your upper body off the ground while externally rotating the arms. Squeeze the shoulder blades together and down while focusing on extension in the upper back. Squeeze the glutes together to minimize lower back extension. Perform 10-15 second holds to for 5-8 reps to develop endurance or perform 15-20 reps to mobilize the region.

These 3 exercises have helped me tremendously over the years. Like to hear you advice.

Once again. Check with a professional before performing any of these exercises.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you want to discover proper movement patterns for strength training check out www.SportsSpeedEtc.com and look up Strength Through Movement Patterns DVD. You will love the information in this product

Why The Heck Are You Running???

2009-03-10T09:49:00.003-04:00

It has been a long running argument and it will continue on for many more years. Why are coaches having their explosive sport athletes pounding the pavement doing miles? Why are basketball teams, football teams, sprinters, volleyball teams, and any other court or field sport team running long slow distance? I have written and spoken about this before and will continue in the future- but many do not want to listen. Let me outline what we should be doing rather than spending time in the argument...

If the reason for distance running is to build a base the only base being built is a base for running long slow distance- not much else.

Let me show you how I design a program to "build a base" for explosive sport athletes:

I prefer to use a combination of many training components together through out the year. I am not a fan of always working on just one area. For example: I will not simply work on speed for several weeks, then conditioning, then.... First off, I will work on what is needed based on an assessment. Secondly, I will develop the components together...the way the sport uses them. Here is an example of a monthly program broken down into weeks/days:

Week #1 Speed focused, endurance secondary

Day#1 Speed and agility skill based training. Drills are at a highly intense effort with adequate rest and recovery between drills. The focus on day one is linear and lateral acceleration.

Day #2 Endurance based training. The speed and agility drills are going to be focused around interval and short rest period station training. Shuttle runs with a 1:1 work to rest ratio. Obstacle based races lasting 30-45 seconds to complete, and true short burst intervals (30 yard acceleration with job back- 6-10 reps)

Day #3 Speed and agility focus. Resisted and deceleration/change of direction drills. Drills can be lateral shuffle and crossover change of direction drills reacting to coach's signal or partner mirror, Box 4 corner cone drills, resisted agility drills focusing on cutting and change of direction.

Week #2 Endurance focus, speed and agility secondary

Day #1 would be the same as day #2 in week #1. Use appropriate drills for athletes.

Day #2 All Random reactionary speed and agility drills. Tag games, coach lead directional games, mirror drills, all the drills are 100% effort with an emphasis on using learned speed and agility techniques in a random setting. Coach can really teach and correct during these drills

Day #3 Endurance focused but only linear drills. forward and backward shuttles and intervals, short hill interval runs, stay away from hard cutting on this day but push the endurance hard.

Week #3 Speed and agility focus, endurance secondary

Day #1 Sport Specific agility drills. Example; 6-10 reps of fielding footwork for softball/baseball or tight cutting drills for soccer or retreating shuffle for basketball. Make the drill specific to your athletes- be explosive with effort though.

Day #2 Metabolic drill- mark off a 50 yard area in 5 yard increments. set 1-4 quarters as the length time the drills will be done. CAUTION! you will have to build up to more quarters as the athletes get better conditioned. First quarter consists of 10 reps- each rep is a sprint to a yard mark (looks like; 10 yrd, 25 yrd, 5 yrd, 35 yrd, 5 yrd, 20 yrd, 15 yrd, 50 yrd, 25 yrd, 15 yrd- rest for 2:00 minute and repeat) One quarter consists of two 10 rep cycles. This can be done using different movement patterns- angled take offs, crossover runs, backpedal... each sprint can be a different movement. tough drill!

Day #3 Random Speed and agility. All drills are based off the coaches signal. This will allow the athletes to really focus on the coach and it allows the coach to teach and correct mistakes. Example of drills; random 5-10-5 drill, multi-directional random drill (shuffle, backpedal, forward, jump...)

Week #4 Endurance focused, speed and agility secondary

Day #1 Resistance based endurance work. Sled drags, partner tubing resisted runs/shuffles/cutting. All the drills are using power and or quickness but are resisted and for 30-60 seconds. In other words the athletes will go full out pulling the sled displaying power but must work hard for a longer duration than most power drills. Example drill: Sled sprint for 25 yard- quickly reverse and pull sled back to start backpedaling hard, then finish with a 25 yard sled sprint. You can use many different drills but make the athlete work with good technique so injury potential is reduced.

Day #2 Speed and agility. Timed drills. This is a great time to have the athletes compete and challenge their times during timed speed and agility drills. Examples; 5-10-5 shuttle, 4 corner X drill, W-drill, T-drill, 60 yard shuttle... Great motivational day and coaches can still teach proper movement technique.

Day #4 Endurance challenge day. Have the athletes compete on the 300 yard shuttle. Each athlete must perform the shuttle 3 times but all 3 shuttle are set up differently. Example; first shuttle is 25 yard up and back 6 times. Second shuttle is 50 yrds up and back 3 times. Third shuttle is 4 up back at 25 yrds and 1 up and back at 50 yards. Give the athletes 5-6 minutes between each one. This is a great drill to pair athletes up with comparable talent and make them compete.

This format will get your athletes in shape and keep them fast and quick. Plus, you will develop the "base" you were looking for in a much more effective way than long slow distance running (which accomplished little toward the goal of making more skilled athletes.

Yours in Speed,
Lee

PS: If you are looking for great speed and agility exercises and skills check out the DVD's at http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/. Ground Breaking 2 and Low Box Training are hot items that coaches use all the time.

Push Ups During The Tournament?

2009-03-03T08:51:00.003-05:00

This post is more of a rant- so excuse me. But I have an extremely important message about youth coaching.

This past weekend my daughter's team played in their first AAU volleyball tournament. They play in the 12 and under bracket. There were some very talented teams in this tournament and we (the parents) were all so proud of our girls because they came in second. The reason for the hint of surprise is due to the fact we played against regular volleyball club teams. I mean these girls practice all the time and that is pretty much what most of them do. We came in with little experience and practice time and performed outstanding. On to my rant....

The team that ended up being the 1st place team- and rightfully so, was a team made up of very good players. However, their coach did not represent what youth sports are about at all. She obviously knows the game and coached the girls well, but she is a bully and a poor example of a youth coach.

When we first arrived she had her team on the court warming up- no problem and great idea. When the girls made mistakes she barked at them relentlessly and made them do push ups and suicide runs. If they didn't do the suicides correctly they did them again. THIS IS WHILE THEY ARE AT A TOURNAMENT!? There are spectators in the crowed watching this. She would single out any player and embarrass them. Did I mention they were 12 and under???

This type of behavior tells me she is a bully and only can get what she wants out of these girls by using a motivation tactic of "Fear." The girls played hard out of fear of what she would do to them.

I know there are many coaches out there who agree with this type of coaching but I can't imagine how many kids she has left in her wake. Kids that loved volleyball when they started and ended up hating it by the end. There are going to many girls on that very team of 12 year olds that will have burned out and had enough before they ever play a varsity game. It is wrong!

The sad thing is I watched her coach her girls strategically and she knows the game well. She made great cues to help the girls when they needed it and put them in positions to play effectively. But she blew it when it comes to how to behave as a coach of young athletes.

Many parents will tolerate this because she turns her players into good players (those who last anyway), but once again we forget that the sports are about the kids, not the coach or parents. If this coach would just back off on the form of discipline she uses she would be fantastic for the girls. I am sure she loves the kids and is supportive of them, but that doesn't give her a free pass to act the way she does.

There are many ways to coach but the two main approaches is to coach from a dictator and fear standpoint (kids play hard from out of fear) or a respectful leadership approach. In other words you lead the athletes by being strong and direct with your coaching but you respect them and their opinions and don't try to fear them into doing things.

An example of coaching through fear is when a player makes a mistake and you threaten them with conditioning/running or by taking them out of the game and not letting them play and by embarrassing them in front of their peers and possibly audience. The athlete in this case doesn't want to make a mistake because of the negative consequence.

The other example is when a player makes a mistake and you talk to them and explain why what they did was wrong and how to correct it. You make it clear to them that you except more but you also let them know that you like their effort (as long as their effort is good).

The second example will most likely create a mutual respect between coach and player and the player will play hard and not want to disappoint the coach out of respect for them rather than fear of discipline as in the first example.

I know my rants won't change the world but hopefully a young coach getting into the profession will take a close look at his or her options as a coach and realize kids deserve better and being a bully of a coach isn't what young athletes deserve.

Like to hear your feedback.
Your in Speed,

Lee

PS: Hey, have you thought of becoming a Speed Insider? You will receive a great newsletter each month full of articles and facts- plus other tips you will enjoy. Best of all you can try it out for 2 months FREE! Go to www.SpeedInsiders.com and sign up now.

PSS: If you are a coach or trainer and looking for some great resources for you athletic programs go to http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ and check out what they offer. You will be glad you did.

How Often Do I Perform Single Leg...

2009-02-26T08:46:00.004-05:00

I am often asked what kind of strength training I use with my athletes. My answer is always "What they need". I don't follow a particular training program like BFS or Husker Power. I use what strength training is needed. However, I do have a philosophy and have believed in this philosophy for some time.

Strength training is a process in which I attempt to increase the overall stability of the athlete and force production. I have never been caught up in numbers. In other words, if an athlete could not squat 300 or 400lbs I could care less. What I do want is the athlete to be able to produce force correctly and with speed. I also wanted the athlete to be able to produce force correctly with one leg.

When I coached football my teams were not going to go to some power lifting contest and kick butt. But my teams were always fast, strong, and safe. I bet if I took my team to an Olympic lifting contest (Weightlifting contest) we would have done very well. With my teams, I emphasised strength so we could transition it into power.

Two of the primary lifts I use have always been lunges and step ups. I have since added a lot of single leg squats. I believe these lifts challenge more components of athleticism then only focusing on traditional squats. Please don't get me wrong. I love traditional squats and use them- just not as much as single leg exercises. I have seen my athletes learn a ton about how to move their bodies doing single leg squats, lunges, and step ups. I watch them begin to understand how to adjust their center of mass to execute the lift properly and with more power. I have seen unstable weak athletes get stable and strong performing step ups and single leg squats. I have seen knees that use to collapse no longer do so. I watched feet hold their arch while the athlete performs intense single leg lifts. In my personal observations athletes learn so much from these exercises and it translates into what they will do on the field, court, and track.

Not only do I use single leg exercises for strength training I also use them often for warm ups and activation. I love leaps, hops, and balance exercises on one leg. As I wrote earlier the athlete is required to focus and learn how to balance and correct poor positioning when on a single leg. Let me share with you some routines I typically use...

Warm up:
1. Single leg stance with multi-directional reaches with free leg. Great exercise to increase hip stability and strength. The feet and ankles must do a ton of proprioceptive work. I will typically do 2 sets for 20-30 seconds on each leg.

2. Lateral leap and hold. The athlete will leap 18-24 inches and stick the landing for 2 seconds. Because we are leaping laterally the athlete only has the width of his or her foot rather than the entire length to use as a balancing tool. This really challenges the hips (and their control of the knee), and the feet and ankles. Not to mention the adductors and core. I will typically perform 6-8 in each direction for one set- then perform lateral leaps again but add a single leg squat to each landing.

Power:
1. Power skip to lunge holds- The athlete will perform a power skip and upon landing on the hop leg step out into a lunge and hold the low position for 1-2 seconds. The athlete will then power up out of this low lunge stance into the next power skip. I am looking for great upper and lower body posture. The athlete learns to decelerate the body correctly. I will have them perform 5 reps on each side for 1-2 sets.

2. Bench blasts- On a 12 inch box the athlete will perform a power step up. This means he or she will leave the ground explosively pushing off the top leg (the leg on the box). Because this exercise is quick and there is little time to see poor movements I try to focus on body position through out the jump (correct jumping). The athlete learns to keep the knee in alignment with the feet and the hip from kicking out. 5-8 reps per leg and 2-3 sets.

3. Ice skaters- The athlete will leap explosively from the right leg jumping to the left and land on the left leg. They will land in a single leg squat position with the right arm/hand reaching across the body to create a pre-stretch on the cross posterior chain. Then explode back to the right side. Great hip power and stabilizing exercise. 5 reps in each direction for 2-3 sets.

Strength:
1. Lunge- I love lunging in all directions. These are both great strengtheners and super for balance training. I generally perform 2-4 sets for 5-8 reps per leg.

2. Step ups- This exercise has always been a favorite of mine. When athlete have a difficult time keeping the feet from pronating I will get the doing step ups with a little feedback to keep the arch up. Great exercise for overall leg and hip strength and for controlling the positioning of the hips. 5-6 reps per leg for 2-4 sets.

These are some of my favorite exercise for single leg work. I DO NOT PERFORM ALL OF THE ABOVE IN ONE WORKOUT. As I wrote in the opening, I do what is needed. If single leg work is too advanced I will gradually bring them into it.

Have fun with single leg exercises and stay focused on technique and stability.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: For a great DVD about fundamental strength training exercises including single leg work in "Strength Through Movement Patterns", go to http://www.sportspeedetc.com/stmp.shtml and check it out.

Final Game. What Now?

2009-02-24T09:31:00.008-05:00

The Final Game!

The season for the 5th and 6th grade girls basketball program is over after tonight's game. It has been a learning experience for all involved. The girls learned a lot and so did the coaches. We all had to make adjustments as the season went on. Keep in mind, we are working with first and second year players who have had little if any experience playing. The goal is to keep building a foundation that will serve these girls well as they grow up through the program. Now that it is almost over what comes next?

Many of the girls will join softball programs and some are playing in a local travel volleyball league. What about the girls that are not involved in a sport or activity? This is where the schools can be actively involved with programming for kids not in a sport.

Let me introduce the Mini-Camp

The mini camp is a program that can be used in so many ways to keep kids active and involved. You as the coach can run a mini camp for just about any sport or activity you desire. Let me share some examples:

SAQ Mini-Camp

The SAQ mini-camp is designed to teach kids how to move and become a better athlete. They will develop hand eye coordination, agility and balance, and even strength and power. If organized correctly these mini camps can be a great program to keep kids active but also improve their ability to move.

Sport Specific Mini-Camp

You can run a 1-4 week mini-camp dedicated to one sport. These are fairly common, but if you design it correctly, then it can become a great after school program to keep kids learning and having fun for 1-2 hours 3 days per week. The key is to make sure their a good balance of skill learning, organized game play, and free play. This will surely be a home run with your kids.

Skill Specific Mini-Camp

You could offer periodic 1-2 week mini-camps dedicated to improving a particular skill for a sport. Maybe a passing camp for volleyball, a dribbling camp for basketball or soccer, a throwing camp for baseball, softball and football...the key to the success of these camps once again is to have teaching time, organized practice and game time, and free play.

Game Mini-Camp

A great mini-camp to run is an ultimate frisbee or football camp. I have played this with tennis balls as well. What is so great about the ultimate games is it teaches kids how to play a team game. There is no running with the ball or frisbee so they have to learn to pass and move to get open. This program should be organized with teams and specific rules. The kids will get great physical activity and learn how to throw, catch, and strategies. Fun!

OK, now it is up to you to organize mini-camps at your school or park. These are a great way to keep kids active after a season, especially if they are not involved in other sports.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are looking for fun training tools to use at your mini-camp, go to http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/equipment.shtml and check our great equipment.

Final

2009-02-24T09:31:00.001-05:00

Great Event!

2009-02-22T10:38:00.002-05:00

Hey!

Let me tell you about a Great Event I just spoke at. This past weekend was the inaugural IYCA Summit in Louisville, KY. Although I was only able to attend for Friday due to coaching responsibilities (more on this later) it was a fantastic atmoshere.

I had the opportunity to meet some fantastic people. One of my favorite experiences at these seminars is when I get to meet the attendees and talk shop. There are so many fantastic coaches out there that are working their tails off to make a difference and I was proud to met several of them this weekend.

Brian Grasso, Nick Berry, Pat Rigsby and the rest of the IYCA staff put on a first class event. It is only going to grow from here on out.

The message of proper youth training is getting out in a big way but there is still much work to do. It is up to all of us to start educating parents, athletes, coaching, and trainers on proper training and coaching methods. It is a big job but little by little the impact will be felt.

Big Basketball Weekend

I left the IYCA Summit Friday night so I could be home and ready for my daughters basketball games. As much I loved the Summit nothing beats being with you kids on their big days. Jae, my oldest, had a game at 10am and Bailee, my 9 year old, had her first game at 2pm. Both teams did so well. I was so proud of my girls and all the girls. They played their hearts out.

Bailee and her team had their first game of the year. The girls were so excited and they couldn't wait. I think they were just as excited to put the uniforms on and ride the bus as a team- this is what makes young kids so special.

The girls played a team that has played much more basketball- they were more talented. But that was ok. Our girls went out and competed hard. I have a feeling from here on out these girls are going to keep getting better and better.

How Can We Improve These Girls In Sports

Hands down, my answer will always be; Improve them as athletes.

If they want to be a good tennis player, basketball. softball player, or track athlete- they have to become more coordinated, stronger, quicker, and more body control. This foundation of athleticism will allow the skills needed for the sport to be more effective.

Regardless of the sport the beginning of each practice should involve athletic movements; skipping, shuffling, retreating, jumping/landing techniques, first step quickness in all directions, and balance and agility training. This will set the girls up for a good practice.

What is important to understand is the exercises you do now will be like putting money in the bank for later. These skills will become more important as the athletes get older. They will help them through difficult times of development.

Don't mis-understand me...You need to practice the sports skills often. This is what will make you a better player as you grow in the sport. NO skills, No play! The key is to make the skills learned be more beneficial due to athletic ability.

So what ever you do, spend time making the younger girls better athletes so they can improve their overall game.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: During the IYCA I had so many people comment on how they enjoyed Ground Breaking 2. This is a 6 video set that is like having a complete program and system of training. If you want to check this out go to www.GroundBreaking2.com to see what it all about.

Not Much Time? Try This Workout

2009-02-17T11:50:00.003-05:00

Because I know how busy you are, you will appreciate the workout below. This workout is great for adults with busy schedules and athletes with limited time in the weight room. All you need is a DB, Swim Trainer (go to http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/swimtrainers.shtml), and a Swiss ball.

I do this workout often when I don't have much time or don't feel like working with my usual routine. Check it out.

1. A complete warm up
-foam rolling
-corrective stretch
-activation
-dynamic movements

2. The routine: I perform this routine in a circuit format with 30 seconds between exercises. I do not take a break between circuits.

a. Walking lunge and one arm press- I will walk for 10 steps (5 each leg) while pressing the db overhead on the up phase of the lunge. After 10 steps I switch arms and repeat the 10 lunges while pressing with the opposite arm. Always maintain great posture.

b. One Arm Tubing row- I attach the Swim Trainer http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/swimtrainers.shtml to the squat rack and perform 8 rows on the right and then 8 on the left arm. I will do the first set with a parallel stance, the next set with a staggered stance, and the last set with a parallel stance.

c. Swiss ball push up- You can do regular push ups if you don't have a Swiss ball. I will do the first set with my both feet on a box, the second with one foot off the on the box and the other in the air, and the final set with the other foot in the air.

This workout allows me to train the entire body, especially my core, in a short time period. My primary goal with this type of workout is to get a decent strength workout but more importantly push my endurance. If I want more strength, I would obviously give more rest and keep my reps lower with higher intensity, but because this is a time saving workout to challenge my endurance it is perfect.

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Yours in Speed,
Lee

PS: If you are looking for some simple great training equipment go to http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ and check out the store.

A Fun Tournament!

2009-02-15T09:11:00.003-05:00

I apologize for the late blog post. Normally I try to post on Saturday but our 5th and 6th grade girls and boys hosted a four team tournament yesterday. It was an all day event and a blast to be a part of!

Our teams didn't do as well as hoped, but all the games were played hard and the crowed support was fantastic. Several of the games came down to the wire with a final shot winning in the closing seconds winning the game.

Many of you may not have any connection to youth basketball but I encourage you to become involved or at least watch these kids play. You could catch a game at your local YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, or any elementary school. These young athletes really compete hard and do their best. It is a pleasure to watch them become better as the season goes on. It is much easier to see the consistent improvement at this level because it is all so new to them and every day they develop new skills.

My Saturday (even though it's Sunday) Tip:

Become involved with the young players and teach the following fundamentals:

1. One and two ball dribbling- Obviously if the players can't dribble one ball you can't introduce two ball dribbling yet. But as soon as they can handle one, then get two in their hands. This will improve their weak hand quickly and give them great control overall.
2. Passing to a moving target- Just like dribbling, you have to start with the basic partner stationary passing. But, have the players hitting a moving target asap because this will teach them touch and how to lead a pass.
3. Shooting off the dribble and the catch- After the players learn the fundamentals of shooting you will need to have them to shoot off the dribble. In the game, they have to learn to shoot quickly when open. Same goes for off the catch. They need to learn to get the ball into the shooting pocket quickly and release.
4. Defending on and off the ball- It isn't too difficult to get the players to learn how to stay in front of a defender but it is difficult to get them to understand playing off the ball defense. They have to learn how to play one, two and Three passes away. They need to learn help defense and how to see man and ball- this is a big one at the youth level.
5. How to Pivot in triple threat position- This is also a big one. How many times do you see young kids put the ball behind their heads of try to protect the ball by not move their body? You must teach them to stay athletic and pivot to protect the ball. They will be able to buy time to get passes to open defenders just by using the pivot.

Finally, you want to teach boxing out and rebounding, but this is tough to teach young kids. They will pick it up it as they become older but because it isn't a natural thing to do they struggle with it. Heck, college and professional players struggle with this.

Have fun and help they young players develop.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Take a FREE ride on the Speed Insiders train. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and sign up now. You are going to love the New Source4Speed Newsletter!

Take A Deep Breath Lee! OK, I'm Back

2009-02-12T09:00:00.003-05:00

I must have blacked out for a couple days. I got so worked up over the poor state of our nutrition in this country that it caused me to see stars and become dizzy.

If you read my last blog, then you realized I was very upset. Believe me, this wasn't the first time and it certainly won't be the last. I just had my fill of watching kids destroy their bodies with JUNK, GARBAGE, POISON, and I wonder why no one else sees this as bad. I know this story will continue for years and years...

Today I am writing about KNEE DRIVE. Wow! What a change of direction. One minute it's junk food and the next it's knee drive??? Welcome to the mind of the "Speed Guy".

Acceleration and Knee Drive

In a training session the other day, I had thee athletes all working on short burst acceleration. The goal was to get up to speed as quickly as possible in as short a distance as possible. Because I am currently training out of my home facility the distance is real short- but it works great.

My goal with these three young athletes was to have them drive out with their knee in order to cover more distance while making sure the step was not over-reaching/over-striding. When the lead knee drives aggressively and the upper body is in a forward lean (from the ankle through the head is straight) the force of the knee drive causes a more powerful push off from the back leg (this is the law of action reaction). And, if the arm drive is aggressive, tight, and long, then action reaction forces help once again. My goal is to eliminate an athlete from taking short choppy steps for acceleration and replace them with big powerful driving steps. Here is how I progressed these athletes in the workout:

1. Wall Runs- the first thing I had to do is make sure the athletes understood body lean and how to drive the knee forward and punch it down and back during the drive phase. I used the good old numbered wall runs. Here the athlete gets in a forward lean with the arms straight out from shoulder level. The head is neutral and eyes focused between hands. The right leg is up at 90 degrees but not parallel (being parallel would mean the knee is higher than 90 degrees and this can hurt the support leg/hip extension ability). The ankle should be dorsi-flexed. When I say "One", the athlete snaps down and back with the lead leg and fires the opposite knee up and holds. I do not want posture form head to toe to break. I will call out a series of numbers- "One", "Two", "Two", One", "Three", and so on. The athlete will switch the legs that many times. I don't have them perform the drill for too many second because I don't want poor form to creep in. Great drill to get them focused on posture, knee drive, punch down and back, and aggressiveness.

2. We then moved to light tubing resisted short accelerations. I had the athletes start in a staggered stance. On "go" they accelerated hard for 4-5 steps. I want aggressive arm swing, knee drive out, punch down and back, and great acceleration posture. The tubing resisted was used to slow them down at the end and to add a stimulus at the start to get them to drive and lean. It is important to remember that the lean is a by-product of how hard and fast you accelerate. The lean can't come first. They performed approximately 5 reps of this routine with a lot of coaching to clean up bad habits.

3. Then I moved them into 1/2 kneeling starts. This drill brings in the element of strength and power of the hips to get up and out of the 1/2 kneeling position. The athlete must also learn to drive down and back hard to get into a positive lean without breaking at the waist and dropping the head. This is the tendency at first. Once the athletes learned to be super aggressive with the push off (arm drive was aggressive), keep the head neutral and eyes looking forward, they were able to drive themselves through the start. This is a great strength builder for young athletes. We perform 4 starts on each leg for 3-5 hard steps.

By the time we finished this last exercise the athletes had a pretty good understanding how to drive out and punch down and back while maintaining posture.

One of the three athletes likes to take short little choppy steps when accelerating and it hurts his initial speed. He now is understanding what he needs to do. It will simply take time to re-program the computer (his brain) to develop a new motor pathway so it becomes normal for him to drive his knees more. Plus, he needs more strength and this will come as he gets develops.

Give these three exercises a try and see if you can get more extension with the driving leg down and back into the ground. This can only occur if the lead knee is aggressive and gets out in front. Don't ever let the athlete over-stride and land on the heels. Let me know what you think.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I recently filmed a short video that outlines the importance of aggressive leg and knee drive in a lateral drill. This movement is SO MIS-UNDERSTOOD. You really should learn how to teach it properly to make your athletes faster. To access this video and many others, go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ for a FREE test drive.

Are Steroids Really The Problem???

2009-02-10T09:06:00.004-05:00

This blog post in not the first time I have GONE OFF on this topic and it probably won't be the last. But it is bugging the crap out of me and I believe it is my responsibility to write about it as often as I can.

Unless you are living under a rock, you are aware of the latest MLB steroid user. A-Rod has come out after being noted as a performance enhancing drug user by his own union. He is one of many high profiled players named in this on going scandal.

LET ME FIRST STATE THAT I AM 100% AGAINST THE USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS OF ANY KIND TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE. ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO CAUSE HARM TO THE HUMAN BODY! IN NO WAY AM I DIMINISHING THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT USING THESE DRUGS WITH WHAT I AM ABOUT TO WRITE.

The steroid issue is not the problem we should be focusing on in this country regarding what goes in our bodies. It is plane and simple. OUR CONCERN NEEDS TO BE WITH THE JUNK FOODS WE ARE INGESTING. Those are the true killers of our mental and physical health. I ask you to go ahead and google some of the ingredients found in the candy, soda, ice cream and chips eaten daily in this country. Most of the chemicals in the junk foods are toxic at higher levels, yet we feel it is OK to eat them in our foods. Many of the dyes can cause neurological issues among other things.

OK, lets not even go as far as all the toxic chemicals in the junk foods. Lets simply look at the amounts of sugar. This one nutrient alone is taxing our bodies ability to deal with it. Sugar alone is responsible for many of the diseases our kids and adults suffer from today. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, mental focus issues, rotten teeth, and the list goes on. Now add in the toxic chemicals I mentioned above and you have a recipe for sick and un-focused people.

Come on people. It is right in front of us. You want to know how powerful marketing is? Right now go ahead and look in your cabinets and that will tell you how powerful it is. Food companies convince you that if you buy the color coded cereal and the phosphoric acid laced soda you will be HAPPY. What a bunch of crap! I want to know why these companies are not being held responsible for the declining health of our children and adults (well, I actually know why-$$$).

I want to know how many people were watching the A-rod steroid case on ESPN while drinking a soda and eating junk food? Think about it. We are consumed with what the media makes important rather than looking under our nose (literally) and seeing what is going into our bodies. Come on!

I had to laugh when Kellogg's dropped Michael Phelps for smoking marijuana. It was WRONG what he did and he should be punished. But, Kelloggs is the same company that keeps kids addicted to sugary cereals and causes the decline of health from an early age. Give me a break! When they start coming out with more healthier foods then maybe I will take them seriously.

I may be jumping from one spot to the next with this post but I am really frustrated and tired of all the obvious mistakes we are making with our health choices. We have physical education going down the tubes in many schools because the lack of professionalism by our teachers. We have video games re-directing our kids natural urges to play with sitting on a couch and playing these games. We have food that isn't fit to be eaten in many countries yet being devoured in ours. We have such a high increase in childhood diabetes, obesity, attention issues, cancers, and many other diseases but we keep trying to come up with more drugs to cover up the symptoms. How about treating the problem?

I have been deeply touched by what cancer can do. My mother passed from this horrible disease when she was 77 years old. I have a hard time supporting cancer fundraising when the real issue is to support healthy eating and lifestyle. Cancer is rising because our food choices are getting worse. I KNOW THERE ARE CASES WHERE KIDS GET CANCER DUE TO NO FAULT OF NUTRITION- IT IS JUST AN UNFORTUNATE SITUATION. My heart goes out to these kids and the families. We do need cures for these types of cancer.

Yesterday, I watched kids at a basketball game absolutely gorge themselves with sugar sticks, ice cream and ring pops, then wash it down with a soda. My blood pressure was rising by the second. To be honest with you, I blame the school for having this CRAP available. Parents should tell them "NO", but many parents are not there at the time. If it isn't available, then they can't eat it.

This is another big issue I have. Our schools are failing to properly educate our kids about nutrition simply by having vending machines with soda and junk food available. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOLS TO SET AN EXAMPLE!

Three years ago I was a member of a wellness committee at the school my kids attend. The high school principle and the former athletic director were also on this committee. I argued with them about getting rid of the junk food and soda vending because it is an opportunity to say "KIDS, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE JUNK FOOD AND SODA DURING OUR WATCH". What the kids and parents decide outside of school is up to them. You know what the athletic director and the principle said, "WE MAKE MONEY OFF THESE MACHINES". That one statement told me where the priorities are and it isn't with the kids.

All I know is I can't change things by myself. It takes a huge effort by a lot of people. Parents, schools, and kids have to be willing to make the change. I have been called crazy for even attempting to fight this battle. But to me, our health is the most important thing we have. If I am crazy for fighting for it then I proudly accept that title.

Lee

Saturday Weekly Blog Tip- Mobilize To Dominate

2009-02-07T09:49:00.003-05:00

Sorry about not getting my blog out on Thursday. It was one of those days where I had to let something give and the blog took the dive for me.

Mobilize To Dominate:

Are you the type of coach or athlete that uses the first part of a game to get loose and work your way into the game??? BIG MISTAKE! Not only are you risking injury you could get blown out in the first part period and never catch up. Let me share with you a great way to get in the groove immediately...

Mobility Exercises to get the hips, knees, ankles, back, shoulders, and BRAIN, ready for action.

Part of the problem with the slow start to games is lack of mobility of the muscles and joints but also the nervous system. You want to perform exercises (I will share some below) that force the joints and muscles to move through a full range in a fluid manner. As you get the body more "lubricated" due to all the movement the nervous system starts to get moving and become more active. Not only that, the blood gets flowing and the entire set of systems become ready to participate and give their all. So don't take the warm up and mobility session lightly.

Exercises for Mobility (you still have to do the foam rolling, corrective stretching, and dynamic runs but I am only focusing on mobility for now):

1. Start with Ankle mobility- Keep you heel down and rock your knee forward and back over the big toe. Go the full range of motion for at least 10 reps. Make sure the arch does not collapse and the knee does not travel inside the middle of the foot (stay to the outside)- 10 reps on each
2. Elbow Lunge with Hamstring Stretch- Perform a lunge with the right leg. Drop the left hand to the floor and the right elbow toward the instep of the right foot. The left leg should be straight and the back should be as flat as possible- hold for 2 seconds. Now rock back so the right leg can straighten somewhat. Keep the hands down and the back flat while stretching the hamstring. Now drop back into the lunge come into a good lunge posture and step forward to the opposite leg.- 5 on each side.
3. Bench slides- Spread the feet wide with toes facing forward (like a long snapper in football). Bend the knees slightly with hands on the ground. Keep the hips level and shift your weight side to side stretching the hips, hamstrings, adductors, shins, and back. As you get more limber begin to drop down when you get to one side so you get a greater mobility in the hips.- 5-8 each side
4. Mud walks- Begin walking backward by bringing the right leg up to 90 degrees at the hip and knee. Swing it open to the outside and step backwards. perform the same action with the left leg. Keep the upper body in good posture. Great exercise to mobilize the hips for performance. 8 on each side.
5. Elbow circles- Start with both forearms touching in front of the chest. Bring both arms up trying to keep elbows close together, circle your elbows out tot he sides trying to swing the shoulder behind the body and then return to the starting position. Basically you are making a big looping action with the arms and shoulder but keeping the elbow bent. Reverse the pattern and perform 5 going in each direction.

There you. These mobility drills will warm up the joints, muscles, get the blood flowing, fire up the nervous system and get you off to a great start.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I recently released my new Source 4 Speed Newsletter for all Speed Insiders Members. If you want to test it out for a couple months FREE- go to www.SpeedInsiders.com. Plus I would like to get your feedback.

You Want To Get In Shape? Try This...

2009-02-03T09:08:00.002-05:00

Long slow running is the enemy to getting in really great shape for court and field sports and many other sports for that matter...

I would say the most difficult job I have is convincing parents and coaches to stop having their athletes run long slow distance (LSD) as a primary way of getting fit. It is one of those in-grained beliefs that is hard to rub out. Simply because their coach did it, and the coach before did it, and the coach before him did it and blah blah blah. Without going into the science behind it in this blog post I am just going to tell you there are better more efficient and safer ways of getting athletes in shape then LSD training.

Let's consider a couple points here; If you want to get lots stronger do you lift really light weight all the time- no you lift heavier weights. If you want to lose weight do you continue to eat and drink poor food choices, and lots of it- no you choose healthier foods. But when I have parents and coaches come to me and tell me they are frustrated with their athletes slow feet and lack of explosiveness , and in the same sentence say "I am having them run distance for 30-45 minutes 4 times a week", it makes not sense (sorry for the long run on-sentence). They are having the athletes do exactly what is slowing them down and making them less explosive.

Long slow distance running will do this:
1. Train the nervous system to recruit slow twitch muscle. It slows down how quickly a muscles will fire.
2. Reduces the ability to get much stronger due to the energy system being pre-dominantly used. The ability express higher levels of strength is being diminished.
3. In many cases it is causing overuse injuries of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, and neck. Not many athletes are physically designed to run long distance and endure the consistent pounding of step after step.
4. It will ingrain a running pattern that is not conducive to quick cutting, change of direction, and acceleration more commonly seen in court and field sports.

Long Slow distance running will also do this: (just to be fair)
1. Relieve mental stress by allowing a person to think and relax will out on the road
2. Burn calories (too many other ways and better ways to do this though)
3. Hmmm- that's all I've got.

Keep in mind. I am talking about athletes wanting to get in shape for their court or field sport. I don't want you to think that I am totally against an occasional run every now and again if someone wants to do it. I just personally think, unless you are a distance runner, it is a waste of time when there are too many other better options.

OK. I am going to challenge you to do the following workout for the purpose of getting in shape. You may gain some strength from this. You many increase posture, you most likely will drop some fat doing this workout but I promise you this....YOU WILL GET IN SHAPE! You will feel like you just sprinted a 200 meter race- several times.

Here is goes:

Warm Up:
1.Do roughly 5 minutes of foam rolling to prepare the muscles
2. Stretch what needs to be stretch on you. Not along stretching session, just stretch what's needed.

3. Activation:
-Glute bridge- 1 x 10 reps
-Hip flexor holds- laying on your back with the hip bent past 90 push drive you knee into your hands and hold the position for 3 seconds. do 3 sets on each leg.
-Side lying leg raise- 1x10 reps on each side. Keep belly forward and toe pointing down toward bottom foot. don't let the toe turn up.

4. Dynamic Movement Preparation
-Reverse lunge hold with arms overhead. Bend slightly to the side away from the back leg- 3 reps on each side
-Side lunge walk- perform 5 reps to the right and left
-Inch work walks- from a push up position walk your feet in toward the hands without bending the knees, then walk the hands away. perform 5 reps
-1 leg RDL body weight- stand on one leg with the knee slightly bent. Bend forward keeping the back flat and by raising the free leg straight out and up- squeeze the glutes. 5 reps on each.
-Skips- skip for 20 yards up and back or skip for 10 seconds
-Jumping jacks- 20 reps
-Lateral shuffles- 10 yards up and back or 10 seconds
-Heel toe walking- 20 yards up and back or 20 seconds

5. The workout: Perform the two circuits 3 times through. There is no rest between exercises. You do get 90 seconds between circuits (one you have done all 3 exercises it counts as one set- you then get 90 seconds)

Go through 3 times
1a. Front lunge with DB's- 8 reps on each leg
1b. Push up walks- 8 reps (perform one push up and then take 4 steps forward- perform second push up and repeat)
1c. Dumbbell row or tubing row- 8 reps on each
rest 90 seconds and repeat

rest 90 seconds and begin second new circuit below:

2a. Side squat walk- Hold one db at chest height. squat down to nearly parallel. Walk 8 steps to the right slowly and 8 steps to the left slowly- stay in squat the entire time.
2b. pull ups or pull downs- I prefer pull ups if you can do them- 8 reps
2c. Alternate shoulder press- 8 reps each side
rest 90 second and repeat

rest for 2 minutes and finish with the cardio routine below:

do this in circuit format as well

3a. Lunge cycle jumps- start in a lunge position- jump up and switch the other foot forward. repeat for 20 reps
3b. Forward and backward runs for 30 seconds
3c. Medicine ball quick rotations. hold the m-ball out in front of the chest with both hands roughly 12 inches away from body. Keep feet panted firmly and rotate the ball quickly from the right to the left (only go about 1/4 rotations). Perform for 20 seconds.
repeat this routine 1-3 times total.

Now, after you have completed this routine you tell me if you had your cardio system challenged???

This is one of the many ways to get in shape and never pound the pavement with long slow distance running. Plus you get so many other benefits.

let me know your thoughts.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

Saturday Weekly Tip- Shoulder Strength For Speed

2009-01-31T09:19:00.002-05:00

Good Morning!

Hey, it is certainly basketball season but you have to be excited to watch the Superbowl. It should be a great game. Enjoy the game and don't eat too much during the game!

Weekly Tip- Shoulder Strength For Speed

We are such a push happy fitness society and don't do enough pulling. Pulling strengthens the upper back/shoulder region of the body and this helps speed. How?

When the athlete can pull the shoulders back and lock in the upper back the lower back can arch which allows the hips to get into a better position for the athletic stance. Try this; round your shoulder forward in bad posture. Now try to arch your low back as if you were getting into a good athletic stance. You can't do it.

What does this mean? When the shoulders are pulled back and the athlete is able to "Lock In" to a great stance. the rest of the body can get tight and be ready to explode in any direction. So once again- when the shoulders can pull back and allow the upper back to get tight the lower back can get in a good position which allow the pelvis to rotate and put stretch on the glutes and hamstrings. This in turn put the legs and the lower legs on a stretch and the athlete is loaded and ready to fire out.

Coaching point. When you see an athlete moving sluggishly and not changing directions well check out his or her posture. If the posture from the top down is poor start by getting the shoulder pulled back slightly. Don't exaggerate the shoulder being pulled back- just enough to lock in the posture.

Have the athlete practice these 3 things with great posture and see if it helps:
1. Lateral shuffles
2. Crossovers
3. Athletic stance to turn an run- like a baseball player stealing

Watch to see if the athlete can maintain great posture.

Keep in mind there are going to be plenty of times when the athlete will break posture to make a play in the sport. Volleyball players will round the back "cat back" to perform a pass in volleyball, fielding a ball requires the player to round in order to get the hands in front of the body more... The bottom line is start with good posture and make necessary adjustments.

Let me know if you have questions on this topic

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: The Speed Insiders Newsletter is a big hit. Check out www.SpeedInsiders.com so you can test drive the program and receive the NEW Source 4 Speed newsletter.

Assess or Guess

2009-01-29T09:18:00.005-05:00

Family Update

Well Brennen is officially 1 year old. The next thing you know he will be asking to take the to the movies- well maybe not too soon. Guess what one of his first gifts from us was??? No, it had nothing to do with academic developmental learning...IT WAS A TODDLERS BASKETBALL AND HOOP- Yeah!!! Actually, I use it more than he does:).

My oldest dughter, Jae, has had 4 games cancelled this year so far due to snow days. Bailee has had practices canceled as well. I am so sick and tired of the snow and cold. I have asked before, but if you or someone you know lives in a warm climate and has a spare bedroom, I am looking to get away (I will accept Hawaii, Bahamas, Miami, Arizona for starters).

That's pretty much it for now for Team Taft.

Assess or Guess

I have spoken and written on the topic of assessment/evaluations before. Not only is it important for you to do each time you first meet a new athlete or team, it is also important you assess each workout. The athlete will bring something new to the table each time you workout. Sometimes they are sore (and didn't tell you), tired, or injured themselves slightly. These issues will show up during the workout. You have to be prepared to assess what is going on.

Let me give you an example of why assessing is so important. The other night I had a new athlete start training with me. I asked him to touch his toes from a standing straight leg position, a simple basic toe touch stretch. He was able to touch the floor with most of his hand. Then I started to take him through the Functional Movement Screen (FMS). When he got to the supine straight leg raise his left leg was pretty good- it received a 3. Which is the best score, but the leg didn't move as easily as I would have thought considering how easy he touched the floor on the standing toe touch. Then I asked him to raise his right leg. It was only a two. Even he was surprised on the difficulty he had in raising the leg. We talked about how the hamstring might actually not be tighter but the abdominals might not be stabilizing his pelvis not allowing him to raise his leg correctly. Sure enough, I had him perform a core activation exercise and his left leg shot up about 6 inches more. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT.... Because I took the time to assess him I was able to find an issue that will be easy to rectify. Had I not assessed, then the lack of stabilization of the pelvis due to uncoordinated abdominals would have most likely shown up in poor stability during running or cutting- which it actually did when I did leaps and hops as an assessment.

The point is, It doesn't matter how in-depth you get on your assessments, just know what you want to assess and what you are looking for. In my assessments I need to find out any potential reasons an athlete might not move as well, have the potential for injury, and why their posture is not where it should be according to the movement pattern. You might just be assessing how fast your team is or how strong an individual is. The bottom line is if you don't assess or at least have someone that knows how to assess come in and do it for you you are GUESSING.

My advice would be for you to learn how to perform the FMS. It is simple to administer and the results will save you a lot of work. You will be able to have better moving athletes from the get go.

Best of luck and keep assessing.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I recently had a woman tell me she never paid a lot of attention to the separate sheets of paper that come in the monthly packet for the Speed Insiders, but then she saw the first edition of the new Speed Insiders Newsletter- "The Speed Source". She loved it. Don't miss out on your opportunity to get your hands on The Speed Source Newsletter in your mail each month. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and get 2 months FREE!

Great Leadership!

2009-01-27T09:47:00.005-05:00

Recently I sent out a survey asking you many questions about business, training, my service, what you want to learn, how you like information delivered, etc. The response was outstanding.

What I appreciated most was the honesty everyone shared with me. No one likes to be told they are wrong or are not doing a good job but it is important to hear. I had some responses that were good for me to hear. It allowed me to see my business through someone else's eyes.

I was humbled by many of the positive responses. The thing I am most proud of, and I know my wife Jenn is as well, is the positive comments we received about Sports Speed, Etc's customer service. My wife and I as well as our staff pride ourselves on working hard in this area. The only reason we are in business is because of people like you. Thank you!

More Feedback

We need your help once again. We are completeing another survey to find out some important information about a possible certification and a seminar series.

Woule you be interested in a Sports Speed, Etc./Lee Taft System certification on multi-directional speed and coaching techniques. I have been asked for many years to offer a certification. I have held off because I thought there were too many certifications the way it is. But I also know the value of having a certification to expand your resume, increase your salary, improve your insurance, and add credibility to your work. So, please let me know if this type pf certification would be of value to you.

Secondly, I am organizing several one or two day seminars this year around the country. If you would be interested in a sports specific or area focused seminar in your area please let us know. If you would like to be a host and have your facility marketed during a campaign to drive people to the seminar please let us know this as well.

To receive the expanded version of the survey, go to http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ and sign up for the SSE Training Journal. It will be sent out tomorrow. Thank you for you support.

Great Leadership!

Last night I had the privilege of speaking to one of the most powerful volleyball clubs in the nation, Munciana. Munciana's organization is located in Munice, Indiana. The director of the program is Mike Lingenfelter.

Munciana has roughly 60 coaches and 350 athletes in the program. Many of their individual players are among the highest ranked players in the country. It is basically a program that builds great players and teams... The right way!

What impressed me the most was all the coaches were so attentive and eager to learn. I basically held the clinic in a big hallway at a school. My oldest daughter and two high level players from Munciana demonstrate for me. They were awesome! The coaches were focused and wanted to get better. It is not mistake that the best programs keep learning more than the lesser programs.

Mike is not only an accomplished volleyball coach, but he is an physical educator and an athletic development coach. He really knows his stuff and he passes his information on to his coaches. It is all about improving the program and the players within.

I can't say enough about what Mike has cultivated in the Munciana programs. He pushes education, focus, attention to detail, and setting up a situations where his and his coaches players can have success.

Leadership is one of the most important qualities a head coach, director of programs, and a team captain should posses. Athletes and coaches will fall in line and perform for someone who is leading them in the right direction. If a coach truly show he cares about the program and wants success throughout, then everyone else will usually follow.

Best of luck leading your athletes, coaches, and programs!

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: We have received many positive comments about the new Speed Insiders Newsletter. Members love the in-depth articles and tips throughout the multi-page newsletter. It is definitely a keepsake. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and receive your monthly newsletter, plus the additional benefits...Best of all you can try it out for 2 months FREE.

Starting Em Now...

2009-01-24T10:13:00.002-05:00

Hey,

Don't have much time because I have to run to get to school for 1st and 2nd grade practice. This is the first day.

Basically what we are trying to do is teach the young boys and girls (it is a mixed group of boys and girls) how to move (skip, run, shuffle, bend, squat, jump, land...) and then introduce them to basic skill of basketball. They will learn how to catch, pass, dribble, move with and with out the ball, and so many more fun fundamentals.

Here is the Saturday Tip of the week: Catching Under Control

Purpose: To teach the players to catch the ball while moving and immediately jump stop and pivot.

Drill: Chase and catch- The first player will start in an athletic stance next to the coach. The coach will toss the ball out in front of the player far enough where the player must really hustle to catch it off one bounce. Once the player catches the ball they must jump stop and pivot back to the line and dribble the ball back to the coach. The next player is ready to go as soon as the first player begins dribbling back.

Drill 2- Approach and catch- This time the line of players is formed away from the coach and the coach will pass the ball toward the player. The ball will be tossed short so the player must hustle to get to it. Once the ball is caught after one bounce a jump stop should occur. The player then performs a pass back to the coach and them runs back in line.

Perform 5 reps of each drill. This will definitely help the players learn to get under control. Great drill to use with volleyball as well (I learned it from a volleyball coach).

When performing this exercise with baseball, softball, football, or tennis athletes you have them attempt to catch the ball in the air (no bounce allowed) and then get under control with their feet.

Have fun playing with this drill and coming up with many variations.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

Understanding What Is Appropriate And What Is Not

2009-01-22T08:57:00.003-05:00

Family Update:

The family is doing well, although a cold as spread first to Brennen, then to Jenn and now the girls. They are all coughing and sneezing. I have been pretty fortunate over the years. I rarely get sick and if I do it is only a slight cold or something that is gone quickly. I think it is because I had every sickness known to man when I was little that God is giving me a break:) .

Sunday we are having an birthday celebration for Brennen's 1st B-day. The girls wanted to invite some friends over so they can take part in this BIG event (can you imagine when he turns 2- we'll be bringing out the fireworks). It should be a fun day and I know we will all enjoy his big day.

Understanding What Is Appropriate...

There is such a need for quality training and fitness information to hit the mainstream and it needs to happen quickly.

The other day I watched a club volleyball team perform "Big" box jumps. The boxes were easily 24-26 inches high. The girls are only 7th-8th graders and not very athletic at this stage. By no means am I mentioning this to disrespect the coach or the girls but attention needs to be paid to poor training techniques and strategies to make sure change occurs. These girls had to jump onto the boxes (which none of them could get high enough to perform properly), then they had to jump off (this was even worse because none of them landed properly). The coach then had them perform single leg step up jumps (I call them bench blasts). Now think about this folks... the boxes were easily 24-26 inches high. Most of the girls were 5'5" and under.... so this means when they put their foot on the box they were well over 90 degree at the hip. They couldn't even perform a normal step up let alone explode. Imagine the compressive forces in the hip and low back, not to mention the landing on one leg. WE NEED CHANGE FAST!

Once again I am not picking on this coach or team, but it was a perfect example of what not to do and it needs to stop or we will continue to have injured athletes due to poor training. It was my obligation as a specialist in training to say something to the coach. So, I told her my background and that I would be willing to come in and teach the girls how to jump and land as well as move correctly. I also mentioned I was concerned about the drills she was having the girls perform and how they could lead to possible injury. She was open and willing to have me come in. I thought that was awesome. Many times when I have offered to help coaches who badly needed help they refused and became irritated that I would even ask to help.

We need to understand what is appropriate if we are going to train athletes. In order for this to occur in the mainstream coaching community the professionals who understand need to speak up and share more information. The more you share the more coaches will realize they need your assistance. This will not only help you as a professional, but it will begin to help hundreds and possibly thousands of athletes as it trickles down over the years. Change doesn't occur by itself. It takes persistent action by dedicated professionals.

The best course of action is to create simple templates of how to perform basic exercises (strength, speed and agility, and flexibility to start with). Exercises should be broken down into the most fundamental patterns so it is easy for all coaches to understand and teach to their athletes. As the coaches becomes more comfortable with the fundamentals they can learn how to advance to the next level. HERE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT: We, as professionals, must make coaches understand by starting with the fundamental patterns and doing them correctly it will bring the athletes to a higher level of performance then if they use more advance skills the athletes are not ready for. Coaches have to know why we do it this way.

Our goal is for all athletes to perform at their highest potential and to be safe in the process. So, we must start with the basics and bring them along at the appropriate pace.

Let me know your thoughts....

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Hey, Speed Insiders! I can't wait until you receive your new Speed Insiders Newsletter this month. It is really sharp and full of info. If you are not a Speed Insider then quickly go to http://www.speedinsider.com/ and try out my Speed Insiders program for 2 months completely FREE!

PPS: 2009 means some new positive changes for the Speed Insiders program- the awesome newsletter is one of the changes and more changes are on the way. You are going to love them!

What A Difference Fundamentals Make

2009-01-20T09:04:00.002-05:00

Last night our girls 5th grade team had a game against a 6th grade B team (the lower level 6th graders). It is the 3rd game the girls played (they have had 2 cancelled due to weather) in 2 months of practice. From day one we have stressed fundamentals like dribbling, passing, catching the ball, moving defensively, hitting the open person. For 5th graders, many of whom never played before, the improvement is drastic. In last nights game, which ended in a 12 to 12 tie (long story why it ended in a tie) our girls looked fantastic. They are understanding how to play better each time they step on the floor.

Let me outline what a typical practice looks like so maybe you can see why each day we make it a point to make them better athletes, improve the skill level, and put them in positions to learn the game.

Touch Shooting- When the girls first get into the gym the grab their shooting charts and start on shooting 35 shots. There are 7 spots and they must shoot 5 from each. The focus in on a consistent routine with the shot. We want a good follow through and squared up body on each shot. The spots are right and left low block, middle of lane in front of hoop, short corner, short wing. All shots are close but give a different angle to shoot from. We want to have 560 shots taken by the end of the year- minimum. They record how many the made at each and try to improve each practice. Coaches walk around and help with form.

1. We always start with a good warm up of form running and dynamic movement. It will look like this:

Skipping, backward drop step skips, 3 steps and split step, carioca, lateral shuffles
Knee hugs, lunge reach, bench slides, hamstring reaches backward, Numbered push ups (they stay in the top push up position and tap the opposite shoulder with hand), and supine leg circuit (raise the leg up and down in all planes of movement)

2. We transition straight into agility and speed:

Acceleration and Deceleration combination drill- the girls start in a defensive stance on the baseline and on the command sprint to the foul line extended and perform a controlled jump stop. They repeat they 3 times. Then we have the sprint again but stop using a angled stop as if doing a shuttle run. we want to see good control on stopping. Then we have them sprint out and back 3 more times. So for a total of 9 runs we accomplished a lot of learning.
Jumping and landing- we always emphasis straight up jumping and lateral jumping with perfect landing positions. So we will give 5 controlled jumps on (each jump starts on my command for 5 reps) then we let them do 5 repeat jumps on their own. We teach if the landings are bad.

3. Fundamental Stations:

Station #1 Slalom Dribbling- we set up 8 to 10 cones the length of the floor and the girls must dribble, using various dribbles, through the cones with great control. They then perform a speed dribble back in line. We emphasize control all the time.

Station #2 Offensive moves- Here we teach the girls how to make offensive moves out of the triple threat position. Jab step, pause step, rocker step, and others. We teach the girls how to protect the ball and swing it quickly in the direction you want to dribble to beat a defender.

Station #3 Cutting and Shooting- The girls are taught how to get open using various cuts. They then are taught how to show their hands to receive a pass where they want it. Now once they catch it they can make an offensive move and shoot a layup or short shot. We always emphasize the things that will help them perform better.

Team Defensive Drill- 3 on 3 minus one- This is a great drill to teach the girls to help out and talk. We have the 3 offensive players spread out on the baseline and the 3 defensive players across the foul line matched up across the offensive players. The coach passes the ball to one of the offensive players and they take off on a fast break. The defender across from the girl who received the pass must touch the baseline and then get back in the play. The other 2 defenders must talk as to who gets the ball and who drops back. The last defender must find the open girl. Great drill for communication and getting the girls to understand the ball must be stopped first.

1 on 1, 2 on 2, 3 on 3 or 5 on 5- We do spend a lot of time doing 1 on 1 and 2 on 2 drills so the girls get use to making offensive moves. We will play 3 on 3 to get the to work together on screening and moving and passing to the open player. Then we use 5 on 5 to develop the concept of spacing and working together as a unit. They are learning so well.

Each practice we mix up the focus of the practice a little but keep pounding the fundamentals.

The game they played last night was so much fun to watch because we had girls dribble the length of the floor with a defender draped all over them and never lost control of the ball. Sticking with fundamentals and not getting caught up in how to run and offense is paying off. Because the girls can now dribble past a defender and make decent passes we can make offensive moves when needed. Fun to watch.

Even though this is a basketball practice outline I would use the same format for other team sports at this age level. The key is to get the athletes so comfortable moving as athletes- that's why we always do athletic movement skills first. Then we want their fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting, cutting, and others to get better every day. Little by little the game will make more sense to them and you now have a pretty good little group of athletes.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: This month is the release of my new Speed Insiders Speed Source Newsletter. It is a fantastic resource and you will want to get it. Go to www.SpeedInsiders.com so you can receive it with tons more this month.

Weekly Blog Tip: The Step Up

2009-01-17T09:46:00.004-05:00

Hope you are having a good Saturday

I must tell you, this has been one cold stretch of weather. We actually had school delays and cancellations this past week because it was so darn cold. If you live in warm weather-do you have a spare bedroom or open garage space? I might be moving in with you. I can't stand the cold any more...Brrrrrr!

Weekly Blog Tip: The Step Up

I have always been a big fan of single leg exercises. I love what they can do to increase overall strength and body awareness. The step up, along with lunging, is one of my favorites.

The step up has been performed poorly for the most part over the years though. It can be performed better. Below are two variations I like to commonly use.

The Strength Step Up:
This step up is performed by placing the right foot on the box with the heel completely on. The left foot is on the floor but only the heel is pressured into the ground. The left knee is straight and pushing off is not allowed at all with this leg. The right foot is pressured on the heel as well.

Begin by leaning the shoulders forward with a straight back. This allows you to keep your balance and not fall backward when stepping up. Plus, by leaning forward with a straight or somewhat arched back there is a stretch on the posterior chain which gives more strength to the movement. Once you lean forward press hard into the box with the right heel as you lift your body up without help from the left leg or foot. The knee of the right leg should be over the middle toes and not collapse to the inside. When nearing the top of the motion finish by squeezing the glutes and driving the hips under the body. Next, slowly lower your body under control and land on the heel of the left foot. If you lose you balance and begin to lower down quickly make sure you land on the ball of the foot and bend the knee to absorb the force (only land on the heel if in complete control).

The head and eyes should be straight forward and if you are not holding DB's or any other wt, then your arms can be out in front of the body.

Perform 4-8 reps on the right before switching to the left. Perform 2-4 sets and you will be on your way to having strong legs.

Something to look out for:

1. Don't let your hip kick out to the side when stepping up. This shows a weakness in the lateral hip muscular and needs to be corrected before steps ups continue.

2. Don't let the body rotate away from the leg you are stepping up with. This also shows a tightness in the external rotators of the hips and needs correcting.

3. Don't drop your head down because this tends to round the posture forward- the body follows the head. When rounded forward the pelvis tends to not be in a good strong position to put stretch on the posterior chain.

4. Always make sure the heel is fully on the box.

The Power Step Up:
The set up is virtually the same except the foot on the floor and leg are allowed to push off. In the power step up you will use much heavier weight. The goal is to get up onto the box and into the hip extended position quickly. It is important to have the leg on the box at a 90 degree or more angle. So the push off of the leg on the ground helps you get started but the step up leg must finish with power. When lowering it is important to control the movement and bend the supporting knee.

I have also used this exercise with advanced athletes with a higher box. The athlete was actually below parallel at the start. But with the push off of the opposite leg the athlete was able to get to or higher than parallel before the step up leg had to finish the movement on it's own. This is a great way to develop explosiveness. If the athlete starts in a parallel stance by the time the step up leg takes over they might be at a 1/4 squat. So you want to take box height into consideration.

Things to look out for:

1. Don't round the back during the push off of the foot on the floor.

2. Be sure to lock out at the top with the hip.

3. Control the body coming down- don't slam down.

4. Be sure the hip, feet, and shoulders stay facing forward.

Good luck and hope you become strong with this exercise and variation.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Join http://www.speedinsiders.com and you will be able to see exercises like the step-up and more any time you want.

Discipline Can Be Fun

2009-01-14T20:01:00.003-05:00

I am excited to share with you the following ideas on organized fitness:

As I mentioned in my last post, I had a great experience learning from one of the most knowledgeable fitness experts in the world. What he shared with me was how fitness was performed years ago. He shared with me how the decline of fitness started with the shift going from physical fitness and movement to more sports oriented. Young people stopped learning how to move correctly, be physically fit, and posturally strong to learning how to play more organized sports. I believe both could have been accomplished and flourished simultaneously. Discipline can be fun if done correctly.

What do I mean when I say discipline can be fun? Basically what I mean is if we want to bring back the art of teaching fitness and physical education rather than simply allowing kids to explore all the time and have more of a game atmosphere, then we need to have focus on a few things. First of all we need to learn how to deal with large groups. We need to know how to get them in formation so learning can take place. There are many formations; rectangular, semi-circle, circle, triangular and so forth. By placing students in order the teacher can see all students better. The teacher really should be teaching from a platform and every student should be able to see the teacher. Secondly, everyone should be on the same count. This is fun and it really looks cool. When all students are timed up and count at the same time (like it use to be at practice) it gives a sense of pride to everyone. The kids really want to do well. Finally, The students should begin by learning and following what the teacher demonstrates. They should then work with a partner to check each others form. This is important because each student learns how to teach. There is no better way to learn then to teach.

There are many other reasons but the three I mentioned can bring about a fun atmosphere for all the students yet great discipline. Discipline gets a bad name- I am not talking about a cold harsh environment. If taught and organized properly the students are the ones that want the well organized and disciplined setting. Think of a well orchestrated marching band. They looked terrific when they all move together. Each member of the band has pride in doing their part well. That atmosphere can be brought back and fitness.

Now that I have explained how a form of well organized fitness should be done let me explain the needs of free play and child lead games. They can both exist in a fitness and physical education class. I can honestly say if I had to choose I would make the well organized form of fitness and movement training the priority. Why? Because our country is unfit and our kids don't move well. By the age of 2nd grade you can begin to see the postural deformities begin. This is because we don't move enough as kids and we don't develop strong upper bodies and cores any more. Kids are always going to play. That is what recess is about and playing at the parks or backyard with friends. We have to take our fitness back and strengthen out kids again.

Many of you who have followed me for years and might see a change in approach from more play to more organized fitness. Well, I witnessed such poor physical education classes in my children's school and many others poor fitness programs that I feel change is needed. I have always been a big fan of children playing and exploring how to move and that will never change. But, there needs to be a more organized period of training (even if it is 30 minutes a day) of well performed movements. This should be looked at as a source of pride and accomplishment not taking away the kids freedom of expression.

Often the terms "burn out" and "overuse" come in to play when we discuss organized discipline and fitness. The two shouldn't go in the same sentence if done correctly. The burn out comes from poor coaches and teachers overdoing sports and specific training of sports. When parents make their kids play in several soccer leagues or baseball leagues or practice ice skating for 5 hours per day. The difference is in the intent and the focus on goals. My goal is to bring back healthy movement and fitness. I don't need to overdue this. I just need to have kids move everyday in a fun organized setting (I would even take 4 days a week if that's all I could have).

Over the next few months I will be working on outlining sequences and progressions of exercises that can be put into a healthy physical education and fitness program. I hope you will help me in this process.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I have been telling you for some time about a few changes that are going to take place to my Speed Insiders program in 2009, well you just had a brief look into what some of the changes will be. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ so you can take part in this exciting venture.

The History Of Fitness

2009-01-13T09:34:00.004-05:00

I just arrived home from Des Moines, IA. I was there helping instruct the National Guard in a new physical readiness program. It was a three day event that sparked an interest in physical fitness beyond what I already have.

Not only did I have the opportunity to teach soldiers, many of whom will be deployed at some point this year, but I spent time with one of the most knowledgeable men in the world when it comes to military fitness and physical education. His name is Dr. Thomas and he has a passion for physical fitness like no one I have ever seen. He not only plays a large role in the fitness of our military, but he also is leading the march in getting our Physical Education programs back on track.

One of the reasons it was so special for me to spend time with Dr. Thomas was because it reminded me of the long talks I had with my father. My father was also a physical fitness educator and cared deeply about the fitness of our country. He used to tell me about the programs he established back in WWII when he was in charge of physical education. Then to hear Dr. Thomas talk about his research of fitness during WWII and before was quite amazing. I really gained a higher passion for fitness after spending time listening to Dr. Thomas and having a chance to look at many of the books in his library of over 1,000 books on fitness related topics. Many of the books dated back to 1800's and he had at least one from 1700's. It was truly an amazing experience. One in which I would have loved to share with my father and hear his stories again.

What I took from this four day event is that we need to get our youth moving correctly once again. I know you have heard it before, but the movement we have going on in the country to get our kids moving isn't good enough. It is too soft and too unorganized. I have actually changed my views in how I see the need of our programs to be ran. I still believe in play and self directed movement during early stages of growth and development, but I also see the need for well organized instructor driven programs. Here is the great thing about this view, the students can also be the instructor. They can and should learn to lead their peers. (More on this topic at a later time.)

I have always been a big proponent of group instruction and I am even a bigger fan now. The reason is more students/athletes/adults can be involved then if we focus on the one-on-one or small groups. The key is how we instruct these large groups. I have seen through books and videos groups of up to the hundreds being instructed and it was as if they were only one. Each person learned, through proper instruction, how to perform the exercises well. There is a method of having partners instruct each other to get each student to be an instructor. There is no better way to learn a skill then to have to teach it. If done properly, we can have our physical education classes, youth fitness groups, and sports programs performing top notch movements like "Pros" in no time.

More thoughts... In order for the youth fitness movement to head strongly in the correct direction our schools and families have to buy in as well. We need to have correct mechanics when our students are sitting at their desks for better posture. We have to stop eating and drinking poor nutrient foods, and we have to exercise in full range of motion to keep our bodies ability to move well through adulthood. Lot's to do and little time to do it. If we keep waiting we will have a serious problem in the years to come. Love to hear your thoughts...

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Come join the family of Speed Insiders and participate in the movement to better fitness. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ for a FREE trial for 2 months.

Single Leg Power

2009-01-06T11:19:00.004-05:00

If you have been a subscriber to the SSE Journal at http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ you are well aware of my appreciation of single leg development. In a recent Speed Insiders video of the month (http://www.speedinsiders.com/) I demonstrated several single leg exercises I like to use with my athletes to improve power production as well as strength. In this video I demonstrated simple, but important exercises that attack the posterior chain, strengthen the anterior of the thigh, and challenge the stability of the athlete all in one. Let me share them with you...

The first exercise I showed was a 1/2 kneeling step up with knee drive. This exercise is performed with a small 4 inch box. The athlete's front foot should be about 6 inches from the box. With good tall posture and the arms in opposition, like when running, the athlete will aggressively drive up and out of the 1/2 kneeling position, step onto the box with back leg, and finish with a knee drive of the opposite leg. Try to hold the knee drive position for 2 seconds to work balance. This exercise is great for youngster athletes as well as more advanced.

The keys are to be quick out of the kneeling position, stay tall/posture, and finish tall with a knee drive on the box. This exercise really recruits the glutes and hamstrings, as well has the quads. It is a nice exercise to use to assess the stability and mobility of your athletes as well as strength levels. Perform 5 reps on each leg, rest and repeat if able.

The second exercise was set up exactly the same as the 1/2 kneeling step up with knee drive, but this exercise is called 1/2 kneeling to leap and hold.

The athlete is set up in the same position with the lead foot roughly six inches from the box. This time the athlete explodes out of the half kneeling position and leaps (land on opposite foot of push off) onto the box and holds a 1/4 squat single leg stance for 2 seconds. So rather than seeing a stepping onto the box there should be a leap into the air with solid landing on opposite leg (opposite of the one pushing off the ground).

Once again, another great exercise for recruiting posterior chain and quad. This will challenge the athletes ability to maintain good take off and landing posture. In order to stick the landing, the hips will be pushed back and the shoulders moved forward over the landing knee- still with a flat spine though.

The next progression of these first 2 exercises is to increase the box height from 4inch to 12 inch and to 18 inch. Obviously you know not to go beyond what is capable by the athlete.

The progression goes as follows:

1/2 kneeling step up to knee drive on the 4 inch (or 6 inch), 12 inch, and finally 18 inch, then
1/2 kneeling leap and hold on the 4 inch (or 6 inch), 12 inch, and finally 18 inch.

The progression moves along as quickly as the coach or athlete feels it should. I would definitely do a session or 2 with step up landings before leaps just to build control and power.

The last exercise I performed on the video is called an "Eagle Jump". I believe this exercise came from Remni Korchemny. It is definitely not an exercise you use the first time out. Let me explain.

The athlete will face away from a 12-18 inch box and place one foot up onto the box. The lead foot is roughly 18-24 inches away. The front foot placement is important for safety of the knee, feet, and ankles. The athlete will squat down placing both hands on the floor. The front foot should be under the upper chest area and should never be back under the stomach. It is important to have a shin angle back toward the box but not to sharp. The ankle should be dorsiflexed all the weight on the balls of the feet but the heel nearly touching the floor. The chest should be almost, in not, sitting on the thigh. Make sure the back foot is softly on the box.

The athlete will aggressively jump into the air as high as possible only pushing off the lead foot (the back foot does not help). The arms should lift aggressively as well to aid in the lift of the body. The upper body will become more erect to complete the extension of the body. Upon landing the athlete should decelerate slowly (not too slow but under control- just don't plop down on the leg to avoid injury) on the lead leg. As soon as the hands touch the floor immediately explode back up. Repeat.

WARNING! This exercise will make athletes hips extremely sore the first time they are performed. Especially if the athlete has done little to activate the glutes. By-the-way, the main reason I began using this exercise was to get athletes to activate their posterior chain in a powerful pattern. Believe me...it works.

Perform 1 set of 5, then move to 2 sets of 5, next 3 sets of 5. I always throw in a set of 10 every know and again to shock the system and build muscular endurance. Don't overdue the 10 rep set, just add only once in a while.

So there you have it. These exercises will surely spark your training and give your athletes the boost the need in their single leg strength and power.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Become a Speed Insider Member and receive my valuable monthly videos. They will boost your program and training options. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ now and take a test drive for FREE!

What Do You Watch When At....

2009-01-03T10:45:00.002-05:00

I have gone to many basketball games this year. I have seen several boys and girls high school, elementary, and even professional. As a matter of fact there is a high school boys game tonight I plan to attend. My question to you is what do you pay attention to when you go to a game?

Over the years of being a speed coach, especially with basketball players, I find myself watching a lot of defenders. As a point guard you learn to use your peripheral vision to see the court. I kind of do this when in the stands watching the game. I always know where the ball is but I spend most of my time watching the defenders on the ball and off the ball. I want to see how they move and what their footwork is like. At one of the games with my daughter she said to me "Did you see that shot." I had to say no- because I was looking at how the defender worked his way off the screen. It give you an entirely new perspective of the game.

As a coach of many sports I learned early to watch what was going on away from the ball. When I use to coach football I would keep my eyes focused on our lineman and many times the defense to see how they reacted to a play. I always know where the ball is, and it is more important to me so see what everyone else is doing.

If you get a chance to watch a college, pro, or high school basketball, football, or other sport with and offense and defense, try to put you focus on what the defensive players are doing and how they move their feet. Not only watch their feet but watch to see how they react or anticipate plays. I like to see if they can see plays coming. If there is a screen or a block (football) being set on them can they fight off the screen or block and still maintain good defensive positioning?

Back when Bobby Knight was coaching I use to love to watch players like Steve Alford move without the ball. You could see him setting up his defenders to get caught up in a screen. Another player to watch is Rip Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons- constant movement without the ball.

I think you miss a lot of the game when you only watch the ball. The good stuff happens away from the ball. Plus, if you want to be a better coach of multi-directional speed you need to watch the defenders and see how they move their feet, how they control their shoulders when a change of direction occurs quickly. You want to watch them have to stop on a dime and still be in control. You don't see this when you only watch the ball.

I would love to read your comments on what you saw the next time you watch a game.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you haven't had a chance to see the best multi-directional speed DVD set in the industry yet you need to go to www.GroundBreaking2.com and check it out today.

Executing For Success

2008-12-30T10:16:00.003-05:00

Hello on this Sunny Tuesday morning. At least it sunny here in Indiana.

Family Update:

Today is a pretty busy day for the Taft's. Jenn and I have our usual workloads with Sports Speed, Etc., Speed Insiders, and Basketball Speed Insiders. Plus, Jenn has a business tele-seminar at mid-day. Bailee is going to a pottery class with her aunt, Jae and I have intramural basketball practice, Oh yeah, we are going to find time to eat and sleep during the day. Actually, it is not a bad day- pretty typical. Our family has a lifestyle that allows for busy days and the freedom to take time off when we want because we own our businesses. To be honest with you, I like being busy and productive. Sitting around and working on someone else's schedule has never worked well for us.

Executing For Success

Last night I watched the Georgetown Hoyas dismantle the UConn Huskies in a college basketball game. Georgetown played exactly how the saying goes "Be quick, but don't hurry." The Hoyas make backdoor cuts with great quickness. They push the ball up the floor with speed and they defend with aggressiveness, but they never hurry.

The reason I am even mentioning this is because as I am watching the Georgetown team play with such an opportunistic approach to the game, it tigger a parallel to business. The way they play is how I would love to run my business. Have a lot going on, many of moving parts, being quick with getting things done and taking action, but never hurrying or getting out of control.

It is a great principle to live by, but you really have to work at it. How do you accomplish things quickly but have enough control to not hurry into something that might be a mistake. Because, I have always preached don't worry about making mistakes when you are trying to make something good happen- you can always clean it up as you go. At times, you have to be careful not to make a foolish mistake simply because you reacted too quickly- hmm, it really is fun to play this type of game.

This is why I do the things I do in my preparation and productivity techniques like; mind mapping and a "To-Do" List. I am always looking to do things better and when I watched this game last night it made me think even more. How can I keep the speed up in getting things done, yet be patient enough to see the opportunity coming. The answer for me at this point is being as clear as possible with my goals so when an opportunity presents itself I am ready to act quickly. But, if the right opportunity doesn't show its face just be patient.

What I don't want to happen is my patients turn into to sluggish action. I don't want to misinterpret being patient with not getting things done. There is a way to do both and for the most part I am pretty good at it, however I need to get better at it- just like the Georgetown team displayed last night. Know what you want and be ready to pounce when it shows up.

I would love to hear you thoughts....

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Hop on over to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and check out the great opportunity.

Saturday Weekly Tip Blog- It's Come N Gone

2008-12-27T09:41:00.003-05:00

Well, Christmas has past and it was a great one. I say this every year and it still amazes me... There is such huge build up and excitement for this special day and it passes so quickly. The kids are still caught up in the wave of gifts and this keeps the spirit going, but for parents it seems like the end of a championship game where you left it all on the field and are exhausted. The great thing is we get to do it all over again and again- count on it!

This weeks Tip: Strength Training for Success

I am not going to write about all the various strength training programs and models. I am not going to write about how to use percentages and loading to gain maximal results. And, I am not going to talk to write about which system is best. BUT, I am going to write about strength training properly to be strong and safe.

The tip today is about the old Push Pull concept. It can be called many things but basically I will explain about alternating movement patterns. This really is a simple concept but it is often overlooked. What happens is athletes and coaches get caught up in doing their favorite lift and over train it.

Here is what you should try to do:

1. Perform one pattern 2 times per week. You can do a knee bending (squat/step up..) pattern on Monday and Thursday and on Tuesday and Friday perform the hip bending (RDL, Bridging...) patterns. This allows recovery for the primary movers in that pattern without over training. The key is to know you body though. If you are sore and tired you may only do one of each movement per week- depends on volume and intensity as well. The same goes for the other patterns like; vertical pushing and pulling, horizontal pushing and pulling, rotational/frontal/sagittal plane core training

2. Alternate your intensities. Don't always lift heavy with low reps. each workout for a movement pattern should have a different focus. One day follow a low rep high load and the next workout on that pattern perform a low rep low load with high speed of movement, and also use a high rep, low/moderate load. This trains the nervous system to adapt and grow.

3. Lift how you feel. Some days you are going to be able to handle more volume than others. You have to read your body and energy levels and don't feel bad adjusting. Some days you may not lift at all if you feel overly tired and sore. The key is to be smart and not train the body when it is not going to be receptive.

These are only a few tips of many, but if you at least follow these you will be strong and safe. The goal is to have continual growth and keep the joints healthy and balanced. You don't want to overwork any movement pattern causing and unstable joint.

Hope you can put this to use or at least it reminded you of something you already knew.

Have a safe New Year's!

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: Please pass this blog onto someone you know would benefit from my information. Also, go to http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ to receive a FREE weekly journal with articles and other information on training and coaching.

Best Wishes For A Prosperous New Year!

2008-12-23T12:38:00.002-05:00

Happy Holiday!

It seems like each blog has the same theme over the past couple days...the Holiday Wishes. That is fine. It is a special time of the year and the more well wishes you get for a wonderful Holiday Season the better. Sooooooo- Happy Holidays:)

Use It For A Fresh Start- But Mean It!

The start of the New Year seems to be the perfect time to start new things for your life or business. Really you can do this any time but the New Year seems to be a good time so let's embrace it.

The only problem is if you really want to start something new you should mean it and do it. Don't disappoint yourself by not following through. When you think about it- because we as a population don't like change in general it is easy for us to give up on something that is not familiar, even if it is simply new behaviors. I feel we all need to embrace that feeling of unfamiliar behavior and make it become familiar through sticking with it. Take exercising for example; when a new exercise routine is started it is good for a week or two but then the routine of exercising gets in the way of other stuff like; a television show that you have ALWAYS watched, or an appointment with friends that has been a part of your routine. What ever it is there is always something that is more familiar that gets in the way of the NEW action.

It comes down to why you want to make change and why it means to you if change occurs, but more importantly what will it mean to you if you DON'T make change. If the pain isn't strong enough to make you stick with your New Year's Resolution you won't. So you have to attach something to the new action that is powerful enough to keep you motivated to stick with it and make the new change become a familiar part of your life.

I want to wish you all the luck with your new plans for the New Year!

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: Putting yourself first and always educating yourself has got to become a priority. If you are not feeding your brain with new things old things will take over. So if you join the Speed Insiders membership at www.SpeedInsiders.com you will get a steady stream of new information creating positive change. So treat yourself to a great New Year with a 2 month FREE subscription to Speed Insiders- www.SpeedInsiders.com

Take A Little Off The Edges

2008-12-20T10:06:00.004-05:00

Hey,

The count down is on. The New Year is approaching fast and what usually comes with the New Year? New Year's Resolutions! Come On- you know you are trying to figure out what yours will be for 2009. The biggest New Year Resolution usually has something to do with fat loss or changing the things that leads to fast loss (start exercising, eating better, getting more rest and recovery...) So I decided to write this week's tip based on fat loss.

Saturday Weekly Tip: Fast Loss

Purpose: Hmm, FAT LOSS!

The real purpose of this tip: To help you have a strategy

Strategy: Let me tell you a short story before I go into the strategy. In the early 90's, when I worked at few tennis academies and at my own business, I began to notice a transformation with my athletes once I started to ramp up one particular training component. (I will explain in a minute what that was.) I started to see girls and boys were becoming so much more muscular (not big, just lean). It was almost like the fat melted off them much quicker than before.

I can remember doing what we normally did when we needed athletes to lose fat- put them on the bike or treadmill and have them work for 30-60 minutes. It seemed to be a long process with little return.

Not only did I work on their nutrition, but I also began having them do more strength training. The system was this: They started with a good warm up, followed by speed and agility focus with good recovery, strength training, and finished with intervals on bikes or running. In most cases when using a fast loss program I would perform the strength training first followed by intervals, but with athletes I had to make sure they were rested when performing speed and agility skills.

Once the strength training was added the athletes began to drop fat quickly. I am not going to go into all the science behind it regarding energy expenditure due to muscle energy needs and hormonal fat burning factors, but it is amazing. You can look it up on any NEW UP-TO-DATE fat loss program like Alwyn Cosgrove's AFTER BURN Programs or Craig Ballentyne's TURBULENCE TRAINING Programs.

Here is what you are going to do to burn fat quickly: Clean up you diet, stop eating junk foods and soft drinks, and eat natural whole foods put on this earth to be eaten. Next, start strength training for at least 20-30 minutes 3 days per week, and finish each workout with 8-15 minutes of intervals on a bike, treadmill, running or other exercise- preferably something that doesn't pound your joints much. You can do research to find out how to do intervals and strength training.

Your body will turn into a energy consuming furnace and fat is going to be the fuel that stokes the fire. You will melt away the fat. Remember, you have to work at a high enough intensity to make it happen.

As I mentioned before, you can find out more on how to do all these exercises correctly but I don't want you to take this tip lightly. If you follow this tip you will burn fat and be in the best shape of your life.

Yours in Speed,
Lee

PS: If you want to get information on how to strength train properly, perform speed and agility correctly, and be the best coach or athlete you can be sign up to be a member of the Speed Insiders at http://www.speedinsiders.com/

Happy Birthday!

2008-12-18T10:13:00.002-05:00

Today's blog is a special one. It is my youngest daughter birthday. She turned 9 years old today. As you would expect from a 9 year old, she is so excited. She was looking forward to going to school today and share the day with her friends but luck would have it- we had a day off due to icy roads. Tonight we are having a special family get-together at her grandmother's house.

Last week she had an unofficial birthday party and sleep-over with her friends. They played games, made crafts and all that fun stuff.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!

Time Goes Fast

It is so amazing to Jenn and I how fast time has gone. To think our little girls are 9 and 11 years old already and Brennen will be 1 year old in just over a month from now. It hardly seems possible.

I think of the time I missed with them when I was a PE teacher, coach, and ran my training business. I would miss them in the morning when they got up, I would hardly see them when I arrived home, and I was always rushed. Then, after we had moved to Indiana, I spent 2 years away while I was running the Speed Academy. It is time I will never get back, but I am making up for it now. I want to be around for all their events in school, sports, and social. I am loving ever second of it and soaking everything in.

This makes my realize how much I want to be in charge of my life. That is why I became my own boss. I can work as long and hard as I want or take as much time off as I want. I make my own schedule and answer to no one- well almost no one (Jenn). I think of many of my friends who are just too afraid to take complete control of their lives and be their own boss. It isn't for everyone, but there are more opportunities than you think. Just remember, when you are in your final years of life- did you really live life or just follow in a straight line and not take a chance to improve your life and be who you really want. You get one shot and one shot only. You are more in control than you think.

In just a blink of an eye, I will be writing this blog next year when my daughter turns 10. What are you going to do in next 12 months? Stay in a straight line or live your life the way you want it?

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Take a few minutes tonight and think about the things you really like to do and you are good at. How can you possibly turn it into a part time or full time business? You never know what will happen unless you try. I think the quality of your life will dramatically go up once you start living your life and not the life dictated by others. Even in this challenged economic times there are possibilities all around you- keep looking.

PPS: If you want to advance your career in sports training, you need to become a Speed Insider. This program will allow you to see the possibilities. Not only will you learn skills and techniques as a coach, you also will see hear successful professionals share their thoughts and ideas. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and take a FREE drive for 2 months and get a front row seat to what is coming in 2009.

Big Game Today

2008-12-16T09:31:00.002-05:00

Family Update:

As you can imagine it is crazy this time of year. The girls are excited for Santa and Bailee's birthday is in the next few days. Both of my daughters are just as excited about giving gifts to others this year. They are kind of getting this whole "giving thing"- It is nice to see.

Brennen is amazing us with his growth. He all of a sudden started dancing to the music of one of his Christmas toys. He started putting his arms out to the side and swaying back and forth and moving his head like Stevie Wonder. It is so funny to watch.

Jenn and I are pushing through the holiday season trying to keep some normalcy, yet still work on business. It is always a tough time of the year to get things done, but I am a firm believer in working hard when most are not willing to... just my personal philosophy.

Big Game Today

OK. Let's lace'em up. Today is the first game of the 5th and 6th grade intramural team. We have a team traveling to our school today and the girls are so excited. They have been practicing for over a month and are ready to play another team.

My biggest interest is that the girls have fun and learn from the experience. I am sure some will play well and others will struggle. I know all of them will become aware of what they need to improve on. Jae woke up this morning excited about the game. She is ultra competitive anyway. I told her to play hard and enjoy the game.

Over the past 2 weeks we have spent some quality time on skills and development. I had to steer the coaches away from spending so much time on running offenses and put the focus back on development. The difference between my focus and the coaches (they are great guys who care about the girls) is my goal is to develop a program that does well when they move up to the junior high and varsity level. I want them to have applicable skills so the next coaches can build on our foundation. The coaches are concerned about wins and losses and are willing to overlook the development in order to run plays better. But, because I have been put in the position as the director- I win:)

Seriously, I don't want the girls to end this season not knowing how to perform the basic skills of basketball well. This is so important for the development of the girls and the program. It also will help the girls confidence. Just knowing they improved a ton will help them stay involved and want to get better.

It is such a busy time of the year for my family, as well as I am sure your's. I hope you are all enjoying your holiday shopping, parties and preparing for a New Year!

Yours in Speed,

Lee

Saturday Weekly Tip: Find The Fun

2008-12-13T09:43:00.001-05:00

Good Saturday To You.

What a great day for sports...great games, the Heisman award, and the greatest game ever played. If you are a sports fan it is a good day for you.

Today I wanted to share with you some what I beleive can make or break a youth program; Finding the Fun. What I mean by this is can you, during a practice or training session, find fun and exciting things that engage the athletes? If you can't, then I you are making your job harder then it should be and you are possibly making the training or sports practice less enjoyable for your athletes.

Yesterday, during the 5th and 6th grade intramural practice, we had a busy practice of practicing skills of all kinds. We focused on non-compartmentalized coaching. In other words, the athletes were made to perform many different basketball skills and athletic skills at the same time. Let me give you an example; one drill station the athletes ran after a long passand caught it, never stopping running, went immediately into a dribble, jump stop at the baseline, pivot, dribble back with speed and pass to the next person in line without traveling. Now, this may seem like a basic drill, but because we took the time to emphasis each part of the drill in order for the girls to understand how to control the ball plus their bodies it became a great multi-skill drill. We had many drills that were with the same concept of multi-skill focused through out the practice.

We found time to do something new. We had the girls play 2-on-2 at the six different baskets. This isn't so different, but what we did to give some excitement and competitive fun to the games was each game was playe for 3 minutes and at the end of 3 minutes the winning team stayed on the court and the other team rotated counter clock wise. Each game became competitive and when the 3 minutes were up and the whistle was blown to signal the end of each game...the girls were excited when they won.

The reason I had the girls play 2-on-2 was to have a time when the coaches and I could coach the girls on how to move and get open, how to make correct passes when a teammate popped open quickly, and how to defend both on the ball and one pass away. It was a time where the coaches could coach the girls and the girls could have fun because of the 3 minute time frame.
The objective was to take something we needed to do and find the fun in it.

If you look at the most basic skills and drills you do everyday at your soccer practice, tennis practice, volleyball practice, rugby practice, or any other practice you can make it into something fun and competitive. This keeps the kids emotionally involved, especially at the youth population.

So go out and HAVE FUN!!!

Yours in Speed,

Lee

New Year, Same Old Habits...Or Not?

2008-12-09T12:40:00.002-05:00

You may already know but, at the end of Ocotober I closed my speed academy in NY. However, I recently started taking on area athletes here in IN. Because I have a busy schedule, I won't have a full schedule of training. I do look forward to taking on serious athletes that want to produce results and build a big training foundation or build on their training foundation.

I recently had 12 year old boy begin my program. We are on day 3 of his journey to being a better and a healthier athlete. It is amazing how much he has picked up in the 2 days of training this far. What I mean is he listens and does what I ask so he makes improvements on his movement quality every workout. I spent the first 2 days educating him on how I want his body position (posture) when moving. We will continue to improve his mobility issues shown by my assessments and we will make him more comfortable in a proper athletic position. It is a lot of fun!

New Year Coming Soon. Are You Going To Make Changes?

When a new year comes around most people will make some kind of New Years Resolutions. The easy part is making them. The difficult part is sticking with them.

I think this year will be different for many people. Why? Because the current state of the economy will make people get out of their comfort zone and act on something new or variations of something old.

Most importantly in making sure you stick with your New Years Resolution is to understand exactly what it means to you.

The biggest problem is arbitrarily assigning something new to your life without actually having a strong emotional attachment if it does occur or if it doesn't occur. The most common change people want to make is exercise. But they really don't attach anything emotional to it. I know for a fact that if most people felt they were going to die young and miss all the fantastic opportunities with their children, spouse, and other family member, then they would take greater and more consistent action. Pain tends to make people act more than pleasure. However, wouldn't it be great if pleasure was the number one motivator.

If you could say I want to have more money, to be healthier, or have a bigger house because it would bring so much freedom and opportunity to my life, shouldn't that be enough? But somehow we don't have the self-discipline to stick it out.

I have made this pretty simple for myself. I don't make a commitment to anything unless it has a real strong emotional attachment for me. And if it does, then I try to outline what it would mean to me to both attain it and to not attain it. This way I can cover the great emotions of having it and the painful emotions of not having it. It must also be very important to me. I would love a new big house, but it isn't so important that it moves me. For example; I want my business to reach a certain level, therefore I can provide more opportunity for myself, my family, and people around me. If I do accomplish this goal, then the house and what ever other extras I would like to have will take care of themselves.

This year make it a point to really study your emotions and find out what would change your life for the better if you achieved your goal and what would change your life for the worse if you didn't. You have to move yourself emotionally and attach strong feelings to it.

Don't let this year be another dissapointment. Do what you set out to accomplish. We have become so use to dissapointing ourselves that it no longer stings. We need to realize their is no one worse to dissapoint then youself.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are looking for a quick Holiday gift, then visit http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/.
PPS: Do you need a get a great stocking stuffer, check out http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/agility_balls.shtml.

Saturday Weekly Tip: Fundamentals

2008-12-06T09:28:00.001-05:00

Good Saturday Morning

Youth sports has become something it probably shouldn't have, but I don't know how easy it is to turn it back now. They are competing in more and more games, travel teams, and winning records. When there is a free moment we might squeeze in some fundamental skill work.

I am not going to say this is everywhere, because I do talk with and see youth coaches working hard to develop the fundamental skill level of the players. But, more and more of the youth sports experience is about more games, more wins, and less about learning for the future development.

I am all for playing games versus other teams. I don't like tons of games but I do think it makes if fun and exciting for the kids to play other schools. Plus, just the experience of traveling on a bus, having officials, playing in front of a small crowd, and all the things that go along with a game are fun for kids to be apart of.

What needs to be the focus during practices is fundamentals; not plays, not schemes. These things are fine for short time spans. It is important in some sports for kids to learn how to run an offense (especial in a sport like football where you have to have plays) and a defense, but if you are building an offense and defense on poor fundamental skills , then it won't work anyway.

You should spend most of your time working on the skills of the game so they become second hand. Ideally we want young athletes to be able to perform the skills without having to be robotic and think about every move. The skills should be performed with little if any thought process-automated.

When skill development and fundamentals becomes the primary focus of your practices kids will improve quickly and be able to build game play on a strong foundation.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you coach speed with your athletes, then you want to have the foundation of athletic speed down. Sports Speed Etc, Inc. has a wide variety of products that are geared toward improving multi-directional speed skills and fundamentals of movement. Check them out at http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/

Strength Training

2008-12-04T08:55:00.002-05:00

Quick Updates On Teleseminars

This month I have some big teleseminars planned. I am hosting a Basketball Speed Insiders exclusive teleseminar in just over a week. I will have some experts on the call with me who will be sharing some great information. If you want to take part in this call go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ and sign up for a FREE month and you will be included in the tele-seminar.

Also, for all Speed Insiders there will be information about a Live Tele-Seminar next week as well. This will be a great time to ask any questions about training. I will also be sharing some important information about "Motor Programming". During the call I will be sharing with you a one time Holiday Offer you won't want to miss. This is only for Speed Insiders. If you want to be included in this teleseminar and recieve 2 months FREE trial go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/. Plus you are not going to want to miss new opportunities in 2009.

Finally, In a couple week I will be hosting a special tele-seminar with a close friend of mine on a special topic. It is something I have not done before and am really excited. Stay tuned for details. It is going to be awesome!

Strength Training

If you were to google right now and search for strength training you would find all kinds of information. There is so much information on the various methods and models of strength training that someone could easily get confused. Like I have said before; if you have a solid foundation of what you are attempting to accomplish you can develop a philosophy and build the type of strength training you need into your program.

I primarily work with multi-sport young athletes. I don't deal a lot with body builders or pure powerlifters. I deal with high school and younger athletes wanting to play better sports.

The other business and training philosophy I have adopted years ago is to train athletes in a small group setting. Because of this, I need a strength training program that is easily managed with groups.

Finally, because I have so many inexperienced lifters I need a system of teaching athletes the fundamental movement patterns for all the various patterns of strength development.

Knowing all of this, I can easily put together MY strength training system. Other coaches may have a completely different situation and can use other systems. THE KEY POINT IS TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DEALING WITH REGARDING YOU POPULATION, GROUP SIZE, AND TIME FRAMES AND BUILD YOU PROGRAM FROM THERE.

The other important consideration when designing a strength training program is to use the RISK-REWARD SCALE. I develop all my training according to this. I will not have athletes perform exercises I personally perceive as dangerous. Plus, if the reward is not real high but the risk is- I run the other way.

My job is to help athletes stay healthy so they can play sports. Secondly, I have to improve their performance. As long as I keep these simple principles in mind my strength training program thrives year after year and proves to churn out great results.

Before you start reading all the various strength training models know your needs and what you have in front of you. Take care of that stuff first and then the program will be easy to develop.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I really don't want you to miss the upcoming teleseminars. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/. You will be glad you did.

Are We Being Realistic?

2008-12-02T11:16:00.001-05:00

Family Update:

We had a great Thanksgiving. I hope you and your family did as well. It is always a nice day to eat, talk, watch ball games, and nap:).

I spent my Thanksgiving in Indiana this year. Most of the time we spend this holiday in NY with the "Taft" Family, but this year we decided to stay in Indiana and be with the "Vaughn" Family.

I did miss something really special by not traveling to NY. My father, who passed away this summer at the age of 88, had the fields of the Whitehall Recreation Department, known as the "Playground" to most of us, dedicated to him on Friday. It was a special occasion. My mother and father would have been so proud. My brother was responsible for setting up the ceremony, selecting the monument (it is beautiful), and basically organizing the entire event. The community of Whitehall meant a lot to my father and it was nice to see his loyalty and commitment recognized.

Congratulations Dad!

Are We Being Realistic?

As coaches, athletes and parents we want the best for our kids. We want them to go as far as they can in sports and in life, but are we in need of a reality check sometimes? What I mean is, far to often parents see their child as the next full ride scholarship athlete to attend "University". You know what- it isn't a bad thing, if is kept realistic.

If you look at a college basketball program there is usually 12-15 spots available. Each year there are thousands of high school boys and girls graduating. Each wanting to be one of the 12-15. Of course if you look at all the division I, II, III, and Junior Colleges, there are lots of choices but most people are looking at the Big time.

Having a goal is so important. You should set your goals high and reach for the stars. If you fall short you still could land pretty far up. What I want to discuss is how we communicate this message to our kids.

When an child/athlete comes to you and says I want to play for North Carolina Soccer or basketball, or U of Texas football, Or Penn State Volleyball, or UCLA softball, you need to encourage but also be realistic with them that it may not happen and that is ok.

Wanting to play for the best is natural. But, understanding there are so many other levels and programs that are a perfect fit relaying this message to the child/athlete is really important. If your child is good enough and puts the work in maybe he/she can play at the best programs, but making it seem like a failure if he/she doesn't is where the problem lies.

I had a high school football running back play for me in the late 90's. He was dead set on playing for Florida State as a running back. I talked with him one day and told him to play at that level you have to be able to do and have the following things (I listed the size, speed, strength, and abilities of the running backs that play there). I told him anything is possible, but you must be realistic and look at other options as well. What made him realize how difficult it was to play at that level was when the best player running back in the league (he was bigger, faster, and stronger than my back) went on to play D-III football and struggled at playing even at that level. He realized it might be a wise choice to look at other options.

I didn't squish his dreams. I simply made him see how difficult it is to play at the level he wanted. I encouraged him to work as hard as he could and reach for the level he wanted and if he falls short he will be in a great situation regardless of not making Florida State.

My point is...far too often young minds with huge goals are not given a reality check so they can accept the fact they may not go to the level they want and it is OK. As a matter of fact there are better options out there to fit them.

Please don't confuse this message with helping kids set goals so they reach for the best. I think it is our obligation to cushion the fall before it happens. I wanted to be a division I point guard but absolutely loved my 4 years of college ball at the lower level.

Being happy and knowing we worked hard to get where we are is an important message, but don't ever give up on reaching for more. Don't ever let them settle for less when more is reachable.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Knowing what to do with athletic development standpoint is crucial in giving an athlete the chance to reach their potential. The Speed Insiders program is based on giving great information to help coaches and athletes reach their potential. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ for your FREE 2 month trial.

Just Watch And See. This Is Your Saturday Tip

2008-11-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

Now that Thanksgiving is in the books I bet there is one exercise you wish you practiced...It's called the "Push Away." The Push Away is performed at the dinner table with both hands. You simply push yourself away from the 2nd, and 3rd helping by extending you arms and when you have cleared your knees from the table stand up and walk away:) Did you eat too much??? Well, you should have practiced the Push Away!

Saturday's Weekly Tip Has To Do With Observing The Lateral Shuffle

As you know it is basketball season and we are going to see a lot a great athletes moving on the court. You will see a higher percentage of pure lateral movement than in most sports. You will see what is called the lateral shuffle. This is how a defender keeps the offensive player in front of them.

I want you to notice the next time you are watching a game on TV or live what the footwork actually looks like. I want you to notice what the lead foot does during the shuffle. I want you to notice how the foot looks when the defender quickly stops or changes direction.

I think the biggest coaching tool a coach has is her or his ability to observe and evaluate. If you watch enough athletes move you will begin to recognize the commonalities of athletic movement.

So when you are observing the basketball players playing defense and moving laterally notice how the lead foot turns out, but also notice how quickly it turns in to decelerate and re accelerate the defender in a new direction. Trust me- it is correct and it is a thing of beauty. Athletes are giving pure athletic abilities to move quickly in all directions. Just because some coach 50 years ago decided it looked wrong doesn't mean it was. You be the judge.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Don't be an innocent bystander- take part in your development as a coach. Get involved with programs that can give you the insider information you need to be a top level coach. Go to www.SpeedInsiders.com and take a 2 month FREE trial in the Speed Insiders Club.

Happry ThanksGiving!

2008-11-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

I want to wish you the Happiest Thanksgiving Ever- of course I will do the same thing next year:)

To me Thanksgiving and all the holidays are special times for families but especially for children. The reason I feel this way is because each day and each event is molding and shaping their lives. We as adults play such a huge roll in what our children will become simply by what we provide them emotionally, the experiences we give, and our time we share with them.

I want to share with you a story that has never left my mind in over 12 years- since the day it happened.

I was teaching a physical education class in the morning. The class I was teaching was 1st grade. There was one little girl in the class that had a difficult home life. She was one of 5 or 6 kids that were all pretty young. The little girl would come to school in the middle of winter with old torn sneakers, no socks, her hair unclean and messy, and the biggest smile on her face. She would always greet me and any other teacher in the morning when she came into the cafeteria for a free breakfast. Anyway, it was about half way through the class when 2 adults came in to my class and asked to see this little girl. When I asked who they were and what they needed to see her for they responded "we are with social services and we need to take her with us." When the class was over I asked the little girls teacher what that was all about. She told me they were taking her from her parents. The social workers had gone to the little girls home and found no food what so ever in the house except a couple of cans of soda lying around but they found cartons and cartons of cigarettes lying all over the house. The parents found the money for their habits but no money to keep the kids fed.

All I can remember, to this day, is the look on the little girls face when she reached out and grabbed the hand of the women social worker and walked out the door. She was confused but didn't question. I often wished I could have done something to make the little girl feel safe and loved at that moment. She was simply caught in a situation where her parents obviously didn't understand their roles.

Even though this is the day known as Thanksgiving, I can't see any reason we don't make everyday a reason to give thanks for what we have and what we are capable of giving. Each day their are little girls and boys being taken from their homes because they are not being given proper love and care. That little girl without, even knowing it, gave so much to me because of how her situation affected me. The part that touched me the most is how she never stopped behaving correctly. She had all the reasons in the world to become a "difficult" child to deal with. Somehow she always showed up with a smile and a good spirit.

Take a little extra time to give thanks for the people in your life that truly care and love you.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Lee

Youth Sports Coaches Are Trying...

2008-11-25T09:35:00.001-05:00

Family Update

It has been a fast jump into fall. My daughters went from volleyball right into intramural basketball. It has been good for them because it isn't too much, only 2-3 days per week but it is enough to keep them busy and active. Jae, my oldest, will begin her intramural games in a few weeks. This is fun because kids at her age don't want to just practice, they just want to playand compete with other teams. She has a 14 game schedule that lasts into next February.

Brennen on the other had has been walking up a storm. He is just over 91/2 months and the other night started taking steps. You know how the brain works. Once it figures something out and has a few more reps it becomes pretty good at reproducing the patterns. He actually walked about 15 feet the other day, turned around and walked back as if he forgot something. It is really fun to watch.

Just so you know (because I know you were wondering) Snicker, our dog, is fine but has been staying with the grandparents. With Brennen being so active and all over the place we felt it would be safest to keep the dog out of the way. You probably think we were worried about Brennen being hurt didn't you... actually we were worried for the dog's safety (Hee hee).

Ground Breaking 2

Not too long ago I released the long awaited Ground Breaking 2. The second edition to my Ground Breaking Athletic Movement. Ground Breaking 1 was one of the most popular DVD's of it's kind because it made people re-think how they were coaching sports speed. We as coaches often find ourself in ruts and do what our coaches taught us. Ground Breaking 1 broke through that claim and showed how athletes naturally move and how we as coaches need to be better at observing.

Ground Breaking 2 took it to an entirely new level. There is much more detail and focus on the concepts of why we move the way we do. How to assess and correct mistakes and where the mistakes are coming from. Everything from cutting systems, jumping systems and progression, how to perform Olympic Lifts and teach anyone how to perform them, simple strategies to coach deceleration and acceleration, and some more advanced multi-directional speed techniques were detailed. Ground Breaking 2 was developed to take any coaches or trainer to a new level of awareness when it comes to coaches athletic speed. If you are looking to invest in your success as a coach and the success of you athletes go to http://www.groundbreaking2.com/ and check out all the great reasons you should have this resource in your library.

Youth Sports Coaches Are Trying

I have the great fortune of directing the 5th and 6th grade girls intramural. I am sure many people would say "why is that fortunate". I personally love the grass roots coaching. Building the foundation. It is were I have spent a large portion of my career as a sports performance coach as well. The reason I really enjoy it now is because I am overseeing the volunteer coaches of both teams. The coaches are parents and people from the community. All the coaches have the kids best interest at heart and want to see the kids do their best. But because they lack the pure understanding of coaching at the developmental stage they make many mistakes that wouldn't normally occur with older athletes.

The other day one of the coaches helping out was working with a few of the girls on low post skills. He doesn't have a great basketball background but really cares and likes being around the program. He was teaching the girls how to perform a technique that was not fundamental and frankly poor mechanically. But in his mind, he was trying to teach the girls how to get off a quick shot. Basically, he was teaching the girls a 1/2 hook shot while holding off the defense. After I spoke with him he realized his mistake and we made the correction. I have to tell you. His enthusiasm for wanting to help is the most important attribute he and any youth coach needs to bring to the table.

I personally believe as long as each program has at least one qualified coach that understands coaching at the level they are at and can teach the assistants what is expected and how to coach the kids you have the make up for a good little program.

I have seen youth programs where coaches who have experience coaching but more so at the upper levels comes down and thinks he or she knows it all and brings a poor attitude and lack of enthusiasm, almost as if it is beneath them to coach at this level, and bring the program down.

Coaching at the youth level is about embracing the kids talents and showing them that you care and are willing to help them improve each day. You have to want to have fun with them but keep order so the program has respect.

I am such a fan of youth coaches who volunteer their time but truly understand the fundamental process of youth sports. They understand it is not a do or die situation and that winning, all though fun, is not the highest priority over learning the fundamentals of the game.

If you are a parent that loves to help kids become a youth sports coach and be willing to learn how to coach at the youth level. It is rewarding and important to our youth.

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: Speed Insiders is a great program for any youth coach interested in learning more about how to coach sports and athletic development to the youth population. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and take a 2 month FREE trial- You'll be glad you did.

PSS: If you are a basketball fan, go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ and join the fastest growing basketball club of it's kind.

We Keep Active In Order To....

2008-11-22T09:47:00.000-05:00

Hello, Your Saturday Tip Blog Waiting For You...

In all works of life there are two kinds of people, well maybe 3. Those who act regardless of the situation. They are positive and continually looking ahead. Then there are those that shut down and panic. They take no action, are negative, and only worry about the past and what just happened. Then there are the middle of the road folks. They don't react too strongly in either direction. They never make big strides toward success but they never really fail because they don't take chances. My tip for you today has to do with the economy and how it is making you react.

During difficult times we all need to be aware of our actions regarding business. Potential customers might be more difficult to find. But they are out there and you need to find them.

When times are tough the natural instinct of businesses is to be more conservative with marketing. When in fact they should be looking for newer and more effective strategies that will attract business. Tough times, just like in sport, calls for the success minded people to come to the forefront. It takes a person who is willing to spend a little more time being creative and willing to find what works. Just because what you used for many years all of a sudden stops doesn't mean something else with a different message can't work.

With the holiday season around the corner most of you will send many Christmas or holiday cards to business customers, family, and friends. But how many of you will send a Thanksgiving Day Card? And will you give the people you are sending them to an opportunity to get a discount on some popular item? How many of you will use catchy themes and slogans that get the recipients attention? Also, How many of you have a multiple step campaign to stay in front of your customer?

Like I said the old methods are not working so well right now. You have to gain the trust of your customers and, most importantly, stay on top of their mind.

So Here are some Key things you should be thinking about this year to keep your clinics, camps, training facility, or any other business you have out in front:

1. Don't just send cards during the expected time of the year. Be different. Why not create your own Holiday Theme.

2. When planning to market to your customers have more than one mailing or message. You should have a multiple step campaign ready to go each time you have a new promotion.

3. Why not create a theme for you new product or programs. People like new and different ideas. Don't be the same as everyone else.

4. This is a big one! What are you doing to let people get into your programs or to become a client? Are you making it difficult for them to at least "get in" or do you have a program that let's people get to know you and have a taste of who you are and what you can do for them? Take a big look at your program and see if you can make it easier for people to join your world?

Obviously there are more things to do but these 4 will get you on your way to being successful during difficult times.

Have a great weekend and talk to you Monday.

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: The few strategies I mentioned above have take thought and planning. You don't want to just through it out there without having some kind of a plan. If you are interested in hearing learning more tips you want to take a 2 month FREE trial with the http://www.speedinsiders.com/. The Speed Insiders Program will give you valuable training information all month long but will definitely make you think differently about your business.

PSS: For those who are serious about their business and tired of not making improvements there are definite strategies you are missing and many dollars you are leaving on the table. Your business is no different than a sports team. There needs to be a system of getting results by making continual improvement each week. The system you put together needs to be designed to grow you business, not just hang around and barely stay in business. This is why I have created the Platinum Coaching and Mastermind Program. For those tired of not knowing what to do and eager to grow their business. If you would like to learn more about the Platinum Coaching and Mastermind Program send you questions and request for more information to BusinessCoaching@SportsSpeedEtc.com. Let's get you the success you deserve.

NO!...He didn't just do that..

2008-11-20T08:06:00.002-05:00

Family Update:

He's walking! Brennen, my 9 1/2 month old son started walking last night. For about a couple weeks he started taking a couple of steps here and there but then last night he took off like he is a professional walker. It was like he knew he accomplished something big. He wanted to keep walking to us. It is so much fun to see you children develop. Those of you who are parents know what this means now...Move things out of reach, close all the doors to keep him out, and get ready for more bumps and bruises. It will be a fun time for a while.

Thoughts on Concentration at Important Times:

The other night I was watching the replays of the NCAA 24 hour marathon of games. I saw the Arizona game where the player for Arizona (which was ahead at the time) intentionally fouled the opposing teams player and this player was not even at 1/2 court yet. So, the intentional foul rule applies plus the player was fouled throwing up a prayer past the 3 point line- 3 foul shots.

The point isn't just about this particular play it is about the ability of the coach to get the players attention and the players ability to zone in on the coach during key times.

This situation isn't only important in sports or school. It is important in business as well. How do you as a coach, teacher, manager get your players to focus in on you during important times; when you have an important message or when they really need to know the "rules" at that time.

Do you have a strategy for getting the players or people around you to focus in on you during really important messages? Let me give you a couple examples that might help.

1. When I am dealing with young kids or in a training class I am coaching, I will kneel down on one knee, become excited with my voice, maybe clap quickly and say "OK, Here we go". This simply let them know something big is coming. I always look each person directly in the eyes for a second or two. This usually gets them cued on me. I am able to give directions with good focus, but I am not done until I ask "Do You Have Any Questions?" This way I give them a chance to get clarification on anything they didn't understand before doing the task.

2. When coaching and in a huddle/time out situation. I make sure I tell everyone to look at me. I explain the situation (how much time is left, any time outs remaining...) then tell them the exact play I want to run. Follow up with "Do you have any questions?"

I am not going to sit here and tell you this is going to work all the time, because no matter how much time you spend getting them focused there will always be the un-focused ones. However, having a consistent routine of getting your players, students, employees keyed in and focused before giving the information out is important.

Also, During key times or emotionally high situations it is more important to have a calming effect on the individuals you are speaking to rather than being frantic and out of control.

Take a look at your strategies you use in situations where you really want to make an important point. Do you have a plan to get every ones attention or do you just start spouting off?

Athletic Speed Formula and Mastermind Seminar

In my last post you saw the picture of the attendees of the seminar. I must tell you, it was a great group of individuals and they were so helpful to each other.

One of the powerful things of masterminding is you develop personal and business relationships that can last a lifetime. At the opening of the seminar I mentioned to all the attendees to make sure they make some connections with other. I personally directed individuals to other individuals I believed could benefit form each other. We had some very successful people in this mastermind group and using the power of multiple minds is a great way to boost your business.

If you have not made it a point to find a mastermind group I would mark it on your calendar right now and start looking. You will be glad you did.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Do you have questions about what a mastermind program can do for you? Simple send me an email at businesscoach@sportsspeedetc.com. I would love to help you out.

PSS: Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2 month Speed Insiders trial embership. Now is the time to take a FREE ride for 2 months while my staff and I ramp up some incredible new things for 2009. You will be positioned to grab a front row seat for all the fun. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and sign up now.

Huge Break Throughs! Read How It Happened...

2008-11-18T09:20:00.004-05:00

YES! I am back in town for a while. I love traveling and speaking, hosting seminars, and all that... but I am tired and ready to stay home for a while and get back on a regular weekly path.

Let me tell you about this past weekend...It was my last Athletic Speed Formula Seminar so I did something special. I combined the seminar with my mastermind group. The new attendees were allowed to sit in on some powerful masterminding and watch some awesome breakthroughs happen! It was great to see and I can't wait to hear about the actions steps they are all going to take in their businesses and training programs.

One of the big breakthroughs had to do with a mis-understanding of how I coach my athletes and implement my techniques.

If you know me or attended any seminars I have spoken at over the past several years, then you know I love to talk with anyone in the lobby or hall about training. There are times when I enjoy that more than the seminar because there is real ground made by those asking questions... plus I met new folks. With that said...at the end of my seminar I was talking with one of the attendees in the hotel lounge area. He had asked me several questions about many of my speed techniques. Then he asked something that was a huge breakthrough for both of us. He asked, "At what part during your training programs do you start implementing the plyo step, hip turn, directional step and teach it to your athletes?" My answer was- "I Don't." I explained to him there is never a time when I specifically teach those type of skills. I use various multi-directional acceleration and deceleration skills in which those skills would be represented, but I don't have a day where I am going to coach the plyo step or the others. It was a huge breakthrough for both of us.

For me, I realized the confusion he had and how there might be thousands of coaches who have read my information might be under the same thought process- I need to fix that. For him, he was so relieved to find out he didn't actually have to find particular days to teach this stuff.

You see, I coach global (all around) athletic speed. I want to see athletes move in their natural state. I want them to use what they were given by their creator. All of us have natural instinctive movement ability. What I have done over my career is embrace and endorse how the body moves. Along the way I make needed changes so the athletes moves as close as possible to the natural way we were meant to move. The plyo step, hip turn, directional step, lateral gait system, crossover, and everything else is simply a part of the big design. Because I know these movements are all natural and based on the concepts and principles I have outlined over the years I can simply coach situational speed skills and know that I should be seeing the natural patterns (plyo step, hip turn...) occur. But when I don't see them occurring and the athlete is being hampered due to it- then I jump in based off my evaluation of their movement dysfunction and correct it.

Wow! That was really powerful for me to go through. I have always tried to say the speed skills I endorse are so natural and already in place we really have to become better evaluators and make corrections off what we observe in our athletes movements, rather than implementing something that is already innate.

The Seminar As A Whole

One of the coolest experiences for me was to see the attendees have huge breakthroughs on their businesses. Most own training facility and some are laying the foundation to have their own facility, and others are program creators in a facility. In any case, some of the powerful strategies I shared with them make huge impacts- just like it did for me when I attend my mastermind and coaching sessions.

Some of the concepts that were big for success are listed below:

How to be more productive each day and get things done by following a mapped out system.

How to create fast planning of a new idea and bring it to completion.

How to get more clients using many different powerful methods.

How to keep clients longer.

How to grow speed camp businesses.

Ways to create your niche and why.

How to develop a day to day training system.

Creating business systems that work.

So much more...

I am so pumped up because of the breakthroughs. I could see the wheels turning of each attendee as they saw the potential for them.

Yours in Speed,
Lee

PS: If you are having struggles in your business and not getting the results you deserve, then you should be searching out a mastermind group to belong to. You need to realize the power of working with others on your business and stop doing it alone. Give me an email at BusinessCoaching@SportsSpeedEtc.com and let's set up an free consultation and let's find out if your ready to go to the next level with your business.

PSS: If you are not a Speed Insiders Member know is the time. You get to test drive it for FREE for 2 months and set the foundation for what is going to be a huge 2009 for members. You deserve to be a part of it. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to join for 2 months FREE now.

Parents Are The Key...

2008-11-12T09:27:00.001-05:00

Family Update

It is a great time of the year. but boy is it busy! My daughters are involved with anything and everything at school and it keeps us all hopping. They are involved with basketball, travel volleyball (which is going to be pretty low-keyed and local..which is important), my oldest daughter is in select choir, my youngest is a Brownie, and my little boy, Brennen, is filling his diapers at record pace (thought you might want to know that last one).

I spent some time setting up a training facility in my home and will begin training athletes as soon as I get back from my final Athletic Speed Formula Seminar this weekend in NY. So, as you can see we are real busy and I like it that way.

Parents are the Key...

Far to often I hear of coaches say they don't allow parents to hang around and watch their kids train. Plus, I know many that do not like to meet with parents and spend some time hearing what they would like for their child to do and learn. I have a much different take on this.

First of all, I can't think of a better way to promote your program and have automatic marketing then to have parents see you work and then tell all their friends (of course you better do a good job). Developing a relationship with the parents is awesome. I love speaking with them and letting them know what I am trying to do with their athletes. They really appreciate it. I know when my daughters join a program I don't want to be shut out. I want to know what is being done- if only by watching.

For the coaches that don't take the time to meet with parents and get to know them and learn a little bit about their situation I personally think it is a big mistake. I met the other night with a father and his two sons. I invited them to meet my family and I, as well as see my facility. I walked them through what the program is about and showed them all the equipment. I spent time explaining a typical workout and answered any questions they had. As the father and I spoke we became more comfortable with each other and begin talking about various topics. It was a great experience for all. To me this is what make training athletes so great- involving the family in the process.

There have been some parents that are completely hands off. They drop'em and pick'em up and that's it. That's fine, but they have the same opportunity to spend time with me as anyone else. REMEMBER THIS....IT IS ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS!

The final point I want to make about the relationship with parents is it is important to go the extra mile and make a call home if you know the kids have a big exam in school or if they were injured, basically keep up on how they are doing even outside your training program.

Athletic development has become so popular now and every Tom, Dick, and Harry are opening a facility. All the equipment in the world doesn't mean a thing if you don't understand working with young athletes and if you don't build relationships with parents. Too often we become over scientific and hard core with the training and miss the obvious; make athletes safer, improve their basic fundamentals, empower them to understand how to train better, and have fun. Results will take care of themselves.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: The Speed Insiders Membership is one of my favorite programs I have been involved with because I have direct communication with coaches that want to become better and gain new information. Just yesterday I met with a business partner and we have some incredible plans coming in 2009 to make the Speed Insiders program better then ever by meeting more of your wants and needs. You can give it a test drive for FREE and be ready for the new programs in January. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/

PSS: If you are a basketball fan like I am. then you will want to check out the hottest basketball club around. I am real close to nailing down a huge two day seminar for coaches of all levels. This is only one of many great benefits to the Basketball Speed Insiders Club. Check it out at http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ for you FREE 30 day trial. Plus, receive my newly released Basketball Speed 2...for FREE!

Plan it out on one...

2008-11-10T09:59:00.001-05:00

I want to first off apologize for the erratic blog posts. Two weeks ago I traveled 4 days to Washington DC on a school field trip with my daughter, then last week my wife and I drove to NY, then this past week we were in St. Louis attending a business and marketing seminar, and finally this coming week I host my Athletic Speed Formula Seminar in New York until Sunday- I will be back on track with my normal blog schedule next week.

Personal Tip

Probably one of the greatest assets we can all have is the ability to focus on a job and accomplish it. When you are inundated with multiple distractions you accomplish very little- because your focus is not there.

I am a big fan of having more than one project in the fire at a time, but that doesn't mean work on them all at the same time. When you are working on a task you should have full 100% focus on that task and nothing else. That means checking phones, emails, texts, and what ever else can pop up (unless emergency).

The key to being ultra productive is setting deadlines and how much time you are going to work on one project. In other words, set blocks of time so you can focus and work. The blocks of time are up to you but some research suggests anywhere from 45 minute blocks to 90 minute blocks. After this your brain becomes unfocused and needs a break. When a break is needed- TAKE IT. Don't try to stuff coffee (Yuk!) down your throat, or soda (Yuk!) because you are only masking the fatigue and not fixing it. When it is time for a break you simple need to go for a walk, take a nap, or just go do something different for about 15-20 minutes or so. Then you can get back to work.

I have always liked this model but after hearing a gentleman by the name of Eban Pagan (hope spelling is correct) talk on this it reinforced my belief in it.

Plan it out on one sheet of paper!

As I mentioned, I attended a business and marketing conference this past weekend. The days were long with many sessions. Great stuff....but during the breaks I would routinely spend time on things I needed to get done for my own work. I even worked on a practice schedule for the intramural program at my duaghter's school.

When I need to write a plan down on paper I mind-mapping. I draw a short line in the middle of the paper and label it with the project at hand. For example, the label could be speed training, basketball, or product launch. From their the magic begins for me. I start drawing lines or legs as I like to call them, off from the center label. Each leg represents a part of the project I have to have in place. It is amazing how the ideas start flowing. Next I place a bullet point under the label of the leg and away I go. You would be amazed at the size of the mind-map I wrote on a 15 minute break during the seminar. I also literally outlined an entire business plan of a new business idea I have.

The key is to keep it all on one page in front of me. If I did this same project in line format where you write it on several pages of paper it would not be as clear for me. I would be flipping back and forth trying to remember what I wrote on one leg versus another.

Mind-mapping has been responsible for me getting an entire season practice plans completed in only 15-30 minutes. All my branches of the Sports Speed, Etc business are mind-mapped.

I can take one leg/section and bring it to a new sheet of paper if I want to expand with mind-mapping that individual section.

When you get a chance give it try and you will be amazed on how you will get more ideas on paper and in action faster.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you want to learn more business and training ideas visit http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and try it out for 2 FREE months. Speed Insiders is a consistently evolving program. Many new BIG programs are being added. Don't miss out. Be a member and take advantage of all Speed Insiders offers.

A Real Tough Day!

2008-11-04T07:35:00.001-05:00

What's Happening?

Let me first start by apologizing for not sending my Thursday and Saturday blogs. My wife and I traveled to New York to close down the Speed Academy. It was a rough 3 days.

First off it was a long drive for Jenn, Brennen, and Me. We drove all day Thursday, loaded a 24 foot truck with any equipment I didn't sell for 2 days, and drove all day Saturday back to Indiana. That was tough enough- but what was really tough on me was closing the academy.

Since the early 90's I have been training athletes in the north east of NY. It has been special to me because I have gotten close with many athletes and families over the time. Some of the adults in my bootcamps I had when they were in high school. But ultimately I had to make the difficult decision to close it down because it is much more important that I am with my family in Indiana all the time.

I want to make sure all the people that have supported me over the years in NY know how much I appreciate their support. It has been a great experience for me.

So not only was the move physically demanding it was emotionally draining. I felt the program was great for the community and offered the young athletes a chance to train properly and gain and advantage in their pursuit of being better athletes and people.

Why Athletic Development Facilities are Good

If done with the right focus in mind an athletic development facility is a place where young athletes can develop physically, mentally, and socially. If the programs just about physical development the ball is being missed. But if the owners of such facilities understand that when you have a young athlete join you actually take on the entire family. I know when my daughters join a program my wife and I are concerned that they are being treated properly and the instructor has my kids best interest in hand. Too many facilities forget about the development of good character and how this plays a role a young persons life. Each day should devoted to helping young people speak well, socialize with others, commit to quality effort, use their own minds and decision making (we should not take away young peoples ability to have a say and make choice. The helps develop creative thinking.), and learn something new as well as reinforce something old.

When athletes are only being focused on athletic performance so many other important qualities of human development are missed. These other qualities are what I enjoyed so much at the speed academy in NY.

Well, I have no doubt the athletes in NY will be fine and develop into good athletes and wonderful people. For me, I will begin training athletes once again in Indiana like I have in the past. I love the opportunity to help young people reach their potential and look forward to the new start-all over again:)

I would love to hear your stories of how you have impacted young peoples lives through coaching. Please send them to www.info@sportsspeedetc.com

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Be on the look out to a few changes Speed Insiders. If you are not already a memeber, take a test drive... http://www.speedinsiders.com/.

PSS: If you are a basketball fan you will want to check out http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/. This program has some awesome information and is only getting better.

What Should Come First? Sprinting or....

2008-10-28T09:01:00.003-04:00

Rather than asking the question of "The chicken or the egg" I am asking, "sprinting or multi-directional speed?" My question is; Should they be developed together? Read for my answer and why...

Sprinting

When we are speaking of sprinting we are basically referring to straight ahead linear based running. Obviously it is the most natural and easiest adaptation for young kids to perform. walking, jogging, running, skipping are all performed moving straight forward.

Teaching athletes to run, skip, and eventually sprint with good technique is a fundamental building block to the athletic foundation. But, does it necessarily have to come first or more importantly be taught before multi-directional?

Multi-Directional

Multi-directional speed is the ability to move in any direction with great control, efficiency and eventually power. This includes lateral shuffles, backpedal, crossovers, lateral galloping, etc. These skills are extremely foundational and fundamental to most athletic sports. However, should they take a back seat in the early stages of development to linear based sprint education (all forms of linear skills)?

My Personal Belief

I am a firm believer that both sprinting and multi-directional training can co-exist in the foundational stages of development. As a matter of fact, they each help the other develop faster.

In order for an athletes to sprint well and maintain the stability of the hips, ankles, and core musculature, it is important to have great frontal (lateral) plane stability. This stability allows the body to move more efficiently straight ahead. One of the best ways to develop this lateral or frontal plane stability is to train laterally. Put the body in positions were it must apply force laterally and control force laterally. This strengthens the all important frontal plane stabilizers and prime movers which once again helps control linear running.

Rather than compartmentalizing the development by doing one before the other why not develop these skills together. There are obvious stages where one skill will need to be developed before the other but in essence each will benefit the other. It is also important to understand the more abilities the brain/nervous system has stored in the early stages of development the greater the cross over from one skill to the other. Basically, if an athlete is able to move efficiently laterally they can certainly have the coordination to move linear. You should be trying to build as big a warehouse of skills and abilities as possible.

Summary

There is no doubt situations occur where compartmentalizing the skills is best but for the most part I have always developed my athletes through the use of multiple patterns of movement. Why? If I asked the athletes to go out and play in the yard or playground they would move in all directions, levels, speeds, and intensities with no instruction at all. I am simply going to follow their lead and make them better at what they already do.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Attention All Speed Insiders Members...Please pay attention in November. I have planned a special tele-seminar and you won't want to miss it. If you are not a Speed Insider and want to take a Free 2 month test drive it...go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and join us.

Saturday Weekly Blog Tip: Be Patient!

2008-10-25T11:52:00.001-04:00

Washington DC

Good Saturday Afternoon.

Let me give you a quick update on the Washington DC field trip I went on this week with my daughter Jae and her class.

We left Monday night at 7 pm on three big tour buses. And let me just say, they were not comfortable, especially when your trying to sleep through the night!

I won't go into all the detail of the entire trip, but we did TONs OF STUFF! It was great to see all of the memorial, historical sites and how Washington DC is designed. The only issue I had was we visited so many site and didn't have enough time to enjoy any particular one for any lenght of time. For example; we visited to the Pentagon and Capitol Building. We were put into lines, walked through, and walked out. I understand the security issues but it really wasn't much of a sight seeing adventure.

All-in-all, I must admit I really enjoy the trip, mostly because I spent quality time with my daughter. We had a great time together.

Weekly Tip: Be Patient!

In this day of FAST RESULTS, true foundational training often is lost. There are just some things that cannot be rushed. Building a foundation of training for young athletes is one of them.

When you want an athlete to perform at a high level, they must have the foundation of solid biomotor abilities to do so- and not just the biomotor abilities that are most used in a specific sport. Tennis players may not need flexibility training or balance training to the extent of a gymnast, but if flexibility and balance training are ignored and never trained during the early stages of development optimal development will never occur.

Even though it has been shown perfroming specific training can get you results faster, the downside is the lack of general foundational training never allows for optimal development. Not to mention these issues; injury occur more due to over specialized training, burn out happens more, and eventually drop out. Of course this side of sports doesn't always make the paper. Only the success stories of how some 8 year old is the number one ranked player in their sport in the country.

My tip to you is work hard and give great direction with young athletes. Keep them involved but be patient and allow them to develop over time. Rushing does not end well in most cases.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If want to receive consistent information on how to work properly with athletes and information dedicated to this goal...then Speed Insiders is just your resource. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up for 2 FREE months.

Why Is Lee In D.C?

2008-10-21T16:44:00.001-04:00

Greeting from Washington D.C.

I am in here with my daughter and about 150 other 5th and 6th graders and their parents. I am tired, but excited to spend the next couple days checking out our nation’s capital. Let me give you a quick overview of how this trip started out.
Monday evening 7 pm we all boarded three charter buses and drove through the night. We arrived in Washington this morning around 7 am. Yes, it was about as fun as you are imagining. I have to admit though; it was nice being spending time with my daughter on the bus. Now that we have arrived, we have a strict schedule of site seeing and events that will lead us into Thursday night were we get back on the bus and drive through the night, arriving home Friday morning around 7 am. As you probably guessed, I have limited internet access. I hope to send out tomorrow’s training journal, but if I don’t be watching out for Saturday’s tip blog for sure.

Even though I am not keen on the traveling schedule, I am really excited for the rest of the trip. I have never been to D.C. and love the opportunity to share this experience with my daughter.
There’s more to come a few days on my D.C adventure….

Speed Insiders Is More Than A Membership

I recently received an email from a man who gave me a rave review on my Speed Insiders program, but felt he didn’t need to stay in the program. In the email he explained he owns some of my products and knows all the information I talk about. I totally respect his view, but he couldn’t be more wrong.

First of all, Speed Insiders is an exclusive club in which only those people who belong receive discounts to seminars (BTW, be on the look out for my ‘09 national tour), free tele-seminars, discounts on products, the opportunity to communicate directly with me by asking concerning questions, and so much more. I have shared many of my techniques, strategies, training methods, etc., but there is still so much more that I have not even touched on in my products, mainly due to the specific or advanced nature of them. However, Speed Insiders receive all information first hand.

You certainly can make up your own mind as to if you should be a member of my exclusive Speed Insiders program and don’t need me to persuade you. However, I do want you to be fully aware of the vastness of the membership and the numersous advantages. As I have said before and I will say it again; you should always practice the principle of “Slight Edge.” I am in several monthly membership programs I could easily quit. But, I can not stand the thought of missing that the ONE idea that changes how I coach my children, my team, run my business, market a new program or anything related to growth and development. I have become more successful in life because of this attitude and I wish more people with choose the same.

There is not a day that goes by in which I don’t think of new ways to improve in all areas of my life. This means how to develop more efficient training programs and techniques to help coaches, trainers, parents, and athletes. I am constantly looking for just one idea. Speed Insiders was spawned off this concept. I strategically design Speed Insiders on a monthly basis and plan out quality information in many forms (CD’s, Hot Sheets, articles, video’s…) in a way you can use immediately. The goal of any successful team, program, business, or venture is the ability to sustain effort and have “stick-to-it-ability. Those who are successful always exhibit these qualities.

If you are a current member I congratulate you for joining a program that is results driven. I know you understand the concept of staying in tune and not giving in. But if you have not joined yet, I truly feel you need to take me up on my FREE 2 month trial and see the immense value you will receive.

Yours in Speed,
Lee

P.S. - Sign up now and get your FREE 2 month trial, http://www.speedinsiders.com/.

Saturday Blog Tip: Failure Is Good???

2008-10-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

Hello.

I hope you have a great weekend planned ahead of you. For us living in more northern states the Fall season is upon us and cooler weather is creeping in. OK, Let me get on to my Weekly Saturday Tip.

Boy do I know this one well- Failure. I have had my share of success and will continue to but I can honestly say it is because I have never been afraid to fail.

Failure can be good if it is properly managed. If you don't learn from your failures then it is a bad thing. If you fail because you keep doing the same wrong things over and over- failure is bad. But if you fail, like I have, trying to do something good for yourself, team, your program, your family, or what ever the situation may be failure can be a great thing. The key to turning failure into a positive is to learn from why you failed.

Any time you have to make a decision that has a risk of failure you need to ask yourself some questions:

1. What are my chances of success?
2. How bad can the failure hurt my situation (family, team, self, business...)?
3. Have I done all that I can to reduce the chances of failure?
4. If I do not succeed can I come back from the failure and make it right or do I move on?
5. Am I going to be able to handle failure?

There are other questions you can ask yourself but these 5 will give you an idea of what you need to do when entering into a situation that can go either way.

The most important message and tip I can give you is don't EVER not do something worth having because you are afraid to fail. Failures give us our greatest lessons and therefore our greatest success.

I like to say to my business members, athletes, and coaches I mentor: "Start Failing Now- This Way We Can Fix It And Have Success Faster."

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Some of the worst failures I have personally had and have seen are when action was not taken. If you want to have a resource that increases your chance to succeed you need to become a Speed Insider private member. Go to www.SpeedInsiders.com so you can get more success.

PSS: Let me share with you a great program that has just been released. It is going to take the basketball world by storm. Check it out at www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com

Be Careful How You Manipulate The....

2008-10-16T12:19:00.001-04:00

Effective Body Position- and therefor speed

I am going to get to the point. You have to understand the influence external loading has on the body position when training multi-directional speed.

I am preparing to do a Bonus video for my Speed Insiders members to show them the detrimental effects of pure multi-directional speed when external loading is improperly used (If you want to get your hands on this video go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/).

I just recently viewed a clip of a video of a coach doing lateral speed work holding a medicine ball out in front of the body with arms fully extended. The effect on the athletes body position was glaring. The weight of the medicine ball creates a counter-balance situation. The athlete had to straighten up the spine and shoulders in order to hold the m-ball up. This creates a chain reaction that is devastating to lateral speed; here is what I mean...

1. When the shoulders and spine are too erect the hips have to suck under the shoulders.

2. This causes the important mechanical advantage of stretching the posterior and lateral chain to lessen, causing a weaker body.

3. The athlete tend to get pushed too high on the balls of the feet reducing the dorsi-flexion of the ankle therefore reducing stretch reflex of the lower leg.

4. The athlete is no longer in a great position to quickly change directions and accelerate forwards out of the stance.

I could go on and on. If you want to train shoulder strength and endurance in posture do it another way. But don't manipulate the important multi-directional speed mechanics- especially for lateral speed.

Having said that. If you completely understand what the effects are and can re-establish proper lateral posture after doing the above mentioned drill then go ahead. But if you don't understand the effects you need to be careful.

I have said it before and will continue to say it; multi-directional speed is a skill. There are learnable techniques. If you treat it this way you will increase performance immensely.

When you understand the innate abilities the human body brings the "game" and can attach the programmable skills to it, you have one powerful machine.

Action Steps:

Take one day and look at the exercises you use for coaching Multi-directional speed and see if they positively or negatively effect the positions of the body to produce explosive, quick, and controllable speed. This will allow you to make adjustments so you can help your athletes even more.

I am always studying how the body reacts to it's environment so I can make sound decisions regarding training. I hope this information helps you to do the same.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Hey if you are more of a basketball person. Maybe you play it, coach it, or train for it, I want let you in on a fast moving program that might be perfect for you. Plus if you want to get in on the ground floor and get the advantages of being a charter member go to http://www.basketballspeedinsiders.com/ now.

I Bet You Never Thought Of This...

2008-10-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

I recently did a tele-seminar on program design for multi-directional speed training. It made a lot of people think. I basically described 5 concepts that must be considered when designing your strength and conditioning program.

By no means am I discounting the importance of the commonly thought of components of program design like; rest periods, cycles and phases, tempo, intensity... I simply wanted to bring to light the importance of not so commonly thought of components.

I am not able to go into great depth here but let me share with you what they are:

1. Compartmentalized training versus non-compartmentalized training- basically, you need to consider if you are going to breakdown all the biomotor abilities into separate training sections or combine them into free flowing training. There is a time to do both, but most coaches never consider using non-compartmentalized training. They always break the sections apart and train independently of one another.

2. Building from a Needs Analysis- When you learn how to use this tool you can take your program to higher levels. You need to look at what your sport demands in regards to biomotor abilities (speed, quickness, balance, flexibility, strength...) and train them in a priority. And with different attention. You even need to be able to break down certain positions within the sport. An example of this is; How much speed training does a wrestler need versus explosive power training and balance training? Now how much speed training does a forward in soccer need versus the wrestler? If you go through all the area of athleticism you can clearly understand what you need to put into your training.

3. Planned skill versus Unplanned skill training- Far too often we spend time on training our athletes with drills that are pre-planned and easily rehearsed. There is a time and place for this, but athlete need to learn to move in random settings. This is how we as coaches can evaluate true movement, plus it prepares the athlete for sport situations better.

4. Sets and Reps- This seems simple enough-but it really isn't utilized correctly. I feel you need to understand if your focus is skill based training or if it is metabolic training. In skill based training I am not as concerned with exact sets and rep schemes because I am simple trying to grove a motor program pattern in which the athlete becomes more efficient. It might take me 3 reps or 15 reps in a session to accomplish my goal. However, when we are performing metabolic training in which the goal is to push beyond comfort to attain a higher endurance capacity I need to be more exact with my number of sets, reps, tempos and rest periods. I always separate my program design when dealing with these 2 entities.

5. Include actual game speed performance when training athletic speed. In other words, you need to schedule in times when your athletes learn to move at a pace that allows them to be under control and perform the sport skill well. So not always do we want to train at 100% speed. I want to see my athletes be efficient and under control when positioning themselves to make plays. Example; A tennis player attacking the net should not be sprinting- they should move under control but quickly to prepare to hit a volley or stop and chase down a lob.

Hopefully this kind of gives you an understanding of the not so common areas of program design that must be considered. Love to hear you comments.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I will have more indepth information on this topic in my Speed Insiders monthly packages. To try it out for 2 months FREE go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/.

True Character Is Coming Out

2008-10-09T15:08:00.000-04:00

Quick Family Update:

What a busy day. Jenn and I just got back from an all day business meeting with a business coach. I am heading over to the school for a meeting to get organized for the D.C trip that I am going on with my daughter Jae and her class. Bailee has girl scouts and both Jae and Bailee have an event at the school- I think it is kind of like a Bizzare or something like that. Brennen is just hanging out biding his time.

True Character Shows It's Face

Character. This is not a political statement this is a statement of what's really going on in my opinion. This certainly is evident in the presidential campaigning but is true in any situation. The great thing is that anyone can change who they are even in the heat of battle when their ugly side comes out.

If you are following the presidential debate at all you have noticed how ugly it is getting. One party is stretching the limits of human decency because he feels the pressure. He isn't using the issues that are most concerning the people. I could go into a 2 day long post of what is wrong with how this campaign is going and what is really needing to be heard. My point in this is to tie it in with how ahtletes, coaches, and parents handle tough situations.

I have to admit I have done some things when I played sports and coached in my early days that make me cringe now. I let the heat of the moment get to me and I acted poorly toward officials and athletes (nothing real bad, but behavior I certainly would not condone now).

I think one of our roles as a coach is to teach our athletes how to handle their emotions in tough times. How to show restraint. I can remember playing in a tennis tournament one year and I was playing poorly. I missed an easy shot and simply had enough. I turned and threw my tennis racquet against the fence. Now my parents and some friends were there and saw the entire thing. I can remember in the heat of the moment I didn't care who saw it. But shortly after the match was over and my rational side started to creep back in I was so embarrassed and ashamed. I can recall being in many other tennis tournaments from that point on, playing poorly again, but never allowing myself to reach that level of poor sportsmanship and ugly display.

When I was a young head basketball coach at the age of 23- I was full of excitement and enthusiasm, but I didn't always channel it well in some games when I felt officials were calling a bad game. Not only did I not show my players how to act properly during bad calls, I didn't represent myself or my school real well. My point is I let my emotions get the best of me and realized I had to work hard on changing my behavior when things were not going well or when in difficult times during a game (this could apply to non-sport situations as well).

Over the years I have been put in some pretty tough situations that caused me to be extremely angry. Some I handles better than others, but for the most part I really used my past experiences to display the type of control and character I would want my players, children, or peers to display. My point is I have learned from my past and have made important changes to try to always display the type of behavior that is important during the heat of battle.

So, I guess my point of this bpost is that we all have an opportunity use what is happening in the presedential campaign to teach our children and athletes what is right and wrong. Using political strategies to help your party that are truthful and important is good. But the campaigning strategies that have been used lately are frankly poor choices of human behvior toward another human being.

I have learned so much from my personal past and have been able to apply it toward the type of behavior I want to always display, and it has given me a good foundation to help teach my children and athletes of how to handle situations when they are angry.

I am certainly not trying to preach, I am simply sharing my observations and personal experiences and hopefully it helps you or someone you know.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Hope you have a great weekend! And good have fun cheering for you post season baseball team. GOOOO Yankees! Oh wait, scratch that. I forgot, they are sitting home watching the games just like me:)

Fun Equals Learning?

2008-10-07T08:46:00.000-04:00

Because I am such a big advocate for kids I commonly search out ways to make their learning experience better. When I am coaching youngsters I do anything I can to make sure they have a positive experience- because I believe that ignites their desire to stay involved.

I am running the 3rd and 4th grade girls intramural basketball program at my daughters school, and in about a month will start the girls 5th and 6th grade intramurals. I have to tell you- it is a ball. I love working with these kids because they are fun to be around.

Let me paint you a picture. I have about 23 girls, many have never played basketball before, I have some wonderful help from parents as well. Know you all know me- so the first thing we do everyday is some fun agility and coordination exercises. Just to give you an idea of how quickly kids learn; I asked them to perform a basic skipping exercise the first day- many could not skip well. I didn't go crazy trying to explain how to perform it- I just gave them some simple cues and told them to practice when they went home. Fast forward to our next practice when I asked them to skip again- 22 out of the 23 were outstanding. the one little girl that didn't skip well was close. This to me is why it is so fun to coach youngsters- they learn quickly and they appreciate it.

OK back to the painting a picture thing... So I have 23 low level beginning basketball players. I have 2 main goals with this level. The first is to keep them moving so they don't get bored and lose focus and the second thing is to have fun activities that excite them to want to keep going.

To accomplish the first goal of keeping them active I do as much as possible with every girl having a ball or at least with one partner so their isn't a lot of standing in line time. Some exercise require a short 3-4 person line but not much. When each girl has a basketball I can work on good fundamental skills yet put a little challenge to it to make it more interesting and FUN. For example; I had them do a seemingly simple exercise where they were asked to spin the ball back toward them with one bounce catch the ball and get into triple threat position. I asked them to do it 5 times without having to chase their ball- it should come back to them. Well I found out quickly that most of them didn't know how to spin the ball backwards. It was a challenging coordination skill they didn't get. So I told them to imagine they were picking up a big pitcher of lemonade with both hands and going to pour it on their face. I told them to look at how their hands and thumbs were moving and facing while doing this. I now asked them to do it with the ball in their hands, then I asked them to quickly move the hands in that same pattern and let the ball go- bingo- they all were able to spin the ball. Of course they thought that was the coolest things since sliced bread. I then started the exercise over again and asked them to do it 5 times without having to step forward to get the ball. It might seem simple but just the fact that I have a number of reps and I challenged them not to move forward became a fun challenge for them.

When we moved on to dribbling I had each girl with their own ball. I gave them one real important rule though- No bouncing the ball while I was talking. Ok. the next thing we did was to have each girl practice various dribbles- I gave them some things to think about like; imagine a opponent was trying to steal the ball. I talked to them about their guard arm and how it helps to protect your ball. I talked to them about moving their feet and turning their body so they can keep the ball away from the opponent. This all seems simple enough but the key I am trying to get across is I always give them something to imagine or think about which keeps them focused, plus it can be fun for them.

Then to make sure they attach lots of fun with dribbling I do a game called "Pacman Tag" while dribbling. I choose 3 girls to be it. Their job is to tag the other girls making the tagged girls go outside the boundaries and do 5 jumping jacks and them get back in the game. The man rule is that all girls must dribble on any line on the basketball court. If they get off the line it is like being tagged. After a couple minutes I choose 3 new pacman. The girls love this game- so to them dribbling is associated with fun.

I try to follow this same concept of teaching a skill, giving some arbitrary number to accomplish, which gives them something to focus on and have a little competition, and I always attach some form of fun activity with it.

I see my role in working with this age group to make the game of basketball fun, give them some basic skills so they can get better, and try to keep them involved so they don't want to quit when they get older.

In a month I will be working with 5th and 6th graders who have had some experience and will need more attention to detail, but still inspired to have fun and love the game. If this approach could be used with all youth sports I think we would see the drop out rate do down and more healthier kids go up.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: To get more information on my coaching strategies and the strategies of other top experts in the field go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and try it out for 2 FREE months. You will receive so much quality information to continually build your training programs you will mark your calendars as to when the next shipment arrives.

Weekly Blog Tip...Control The Ball

2008-10-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Saturday weekly blog tip:

I want to talk about something we often take for granted and that is controlling the ball. I don't care if you are a soccer player, volleyball player, basketball player, or tennis player, if you can't control the ball and do with it what you want to do you will never be as successful as you can be.

Controlling the ball means doing something with the ball that allows you to go where you want to go, hit it where you want to hit, or pass it where you want to pass it so the play is in your favor. we often see young player not able to control the ball well therefore not able to make great players. This is common is volleyball. Most young players do not pass the ball well so the play never really turns out well- it all starts with controlling the ball. Have you ever seen the commercials where they show the Brazilian kids playing soccer in the field? It is like the ball is stuck to their foot. They can make great players because they can control the ball. Let me give you my tip...

What I feel all young athletes should do it practice controlling the ball (any game or any ball) with as many different challenging tasks as possible. Get so you can do things with either hand or foot and also in any position. If you are a basketball player you should be practicing dribbling, passing, shooting with all kinds of drills that challenge you to control the ball and accomplish the task at hand.

Pete Marovich was one of the greatest ball handlers of our time. But this was because he constantly put himself in situations that forced him to control the ball to pull of the task. The best volleyball players can dive after a ball and dig it up directly to a teammate so they can make a play.

My challenge to use is to create situations for young people to be creative but challenge so they can control the ball in any situation and make reactive plays with the ball. They should be able to pass the ball directly to a target even if they are in a challenging situation. They should be able to control the ball and make a shot no matter what the defense does to them. It is all about having control of the ball. Don't stray too far from fundamentals but it can be important to try trick shots or plays to develop challenges. Have fun.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are a basketball player and want to get non-stop information on how to build your game or program then you need to go to this brand new website www.BasketballSpeedInsiders.com. You will get weekly and monthly access so much great basketball information. Enjoy

Wow! They Learn Fast

2008-09-30T08:56:00.001-04:00

Family Update:

My girls, Jae and Bailee, are moving right along in school. They are doing well with all their tests and projects. It is making Jenn and me study up on our basic history, math, and other subjects. I actually really like study History and Social Studies with my daughters. Jae is going over the government organization now. In the evening, I help her with assignments and it is really testing me to recall the basics-fun stuff. Bailee is starting to do some bigger projects on reading and spelling. Thank God it is only 3rd grade stuff. It makes me feel smart because I can answer her question now... Brennen is crawling like he has somewhere important to be in 5 minutes. He is like a buzz-saw. He is at the stage where he gets himself in positions he can't get out of, so he cries to let us know he is stuck. He is loving grabbing after our food during lunch and dinner. The other day I was holding him and eating a salad while at my computer (don't normally do this) and he grabbed my salad and nearly dumped it on my computer-whew! Jenn and I are having fun running around doing everything we can to keep everyone's schedule organized- and doing a pretty good job.

They Learn So Fast!

As you propbly already know by now. I coach my daughters at the YMCA and I will be coaching intramurals at their school starting this week. This is great for me because I able to be with my girls but I am also helping other young kids develop.

Last week at myYMCA practice, I pulled out a quick foot ladder to use as part of the warm up. I wanted the kids to experience the coordination it takes to negotiate the ladder using different footwork patterns. Other than my daughters, none of the other girls had ever used one before.

I had them do the simple patterns of one step or two steps in each and a simple hop scotch pattern of jumping and hopping through the ladder. Let me tell ya, they struggled big time the first week. All of them stepped all over the ladder and could not get their feet int he box. They loved it though. I only had them do it for about 5-6 minutes, then we moved on in the practice.

Yesterday, I had practice and brought the ladder out again. It was like night and day. I gave them the same patterns I did last week. They were like pros. It is amazing how the body adapts and learns after the fact.

The first time I used the ladder the girls had trouble with controlling their speed and staying balanced so they could accurately hit the center of the box with their feet. I just kept giving them cues to slow down, relax, and stay on the balls of the feet. So, yesterday they did all of that. They were under control (for the most part), they stayed off the ladder and where in the boxes.

This proved to me once again that pre-adolescent kids nervous systems are like sponges. They processed the information they received the first time we did the ladder and was able to correctly apply it the second time. Granted I gave them simple exercises for them to improve on- but even if I gave them more difficult exercises they would have learned them quickly as well.

My younger daughter could barely get 1 serve over the net the entire game last year(she was 7 years old). This year she hardly misses a serve and in one game served 5 in a row during the same possession. She likes for me to practice with her in our yard and it has paid off. The cool thing is she is reproducing the correct patterns I have been showing her. I make games out of it or tell her how far or high to hit it, but we keep reproducing the same mechanics each time.

It is so fun to watch kids learn and develop. Hey, don't blink- you might miss one of your children or young athletes develop before your eyes.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you want to stay connected to the world of athletic development and all the fascinating strategies, skills, and techniques you want to become a Speed Insiders Member go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up for 2 FREE months right now. Join the movement.

Saturday Blog Tip- Retreating With Strong Shoulder Position

2008-09-27T11:33:00.002-04:00

In any sport that requires the athletes to have to retreat (move backwards) to keep field or court positioning and still stay oriented with an opponents- the shoulders need to be in a strong position.

It doesn't matter if the athlete is using a straight backpedal, retreating shuffle or crossover, or a retreating continuous hip turn the athlete must keep the shoulders low and forward.

Basically the athlete needs to maintain a good athletic stance while retreating. The hips are back, the shoulders are forward out over the feet and the back is strong and "flat."

When the shoulders get high- all heck breaks loose! the hips start to tuck under the balance goes back on the heels and not on the balls of the feet. The athlete looses control of stopping and starting.

So, if the athlete wants to stop quickly and run forwards, having the shoulders forward allows the athlete to do so quickly. They want to be able to accelerate quickly out of the backpedal. If they are going to open up turn and run out of the retreating skill, having the shoulders forward allow them to immediately be in an acceleration position rather than having to re-adjust the shoulders and hips to be in a better acceleration position.

Start looking at the influence the shoulders are having on your athletes movement- especially retreating movements.

To learn more check out this link, http://sportsspeedetc.com/groundbreaking2.shtml

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: http://www.speedinsiders.com/ is the best membership out there so you can stay plugged in monthly to top quality information sent directly to your mailbox and inbox. You will get golden nuggets of information each month- Huge value!

Organize For Productivity

2008-09-25T09:17:00.002-04:00

Big Tele-seminar Tonight!

Don't forget to attend my tele-seminar tonight at 8 pm EST, "5 Essential Program Design Concepts for Coaching Speed." I am going to share some important information that will hopefully clear up some confusion. Plus- I have a BIG announcement. You have a few hours left to sign up.... www.thespeedguy.com/Sept25.htm.

Are You Organized for Success?

I have purchased so many of the organizational programs on the market today. I've had some success with a few of them; however, with most of them I eventually end up un-organized with my organization! What?

Let me explain. I think anyone who coaches, trains clients, runs a business, or has multiple tasks each day to complete should have a simple easy to reproduce daily plan of how to get things done. Like I said, I have used many systems over the years only to get frustrated trying to stay organized while organizing. So here is what I have come up with...

First- I only plan to do 3 major things each day. Doesn't matter what they are, but I only shoot for 3 things per day. Why 3? I know I can complete them. Just the act of completing all my written tasks for the day is empowering. It gives me a sense of completion and accomplishment. I write these 3 things on an index card and them rip it up and toss it when I am finished. It feels great! I am not saying I won't do more than 3 things on a given day, it is just I have to get those 3 major tasks done, then I am free to work on what ever else I choose.

Let me give you an example of what 3 of my tasks might be on a given day. Lets use today as example. First, I have a meeting at 9:30 with my business coach. Second, I need to complete this blog today. Third, I have to organize and prepare for tonight's tele-seminar. Once these tasks are finished I have completed my 3 big things. I then rip up the card and I am free to do what ever else I want. Because I will have free time I will work on a short sales copy flyer for a basketball clinic I am going to put on with the local YMCA.

Secondly, (this could have been first but I usually write my 3 things the night before so I suppose it would go first, anyway...)-I always start the day by looking at my big sheet of paper on the wall next to my desk. It is broken down into the different businesses or responsibilities I have. I have dates for the Speed Guy Blog, dates for the http://www.sportsspeedetc.com/ weekly journal article, Speed Insiders tasks, Mastermind and coaching group task, and my soon to be released Basketball Program. Each one of these categories have the dates written by them as to when I have to have things done and submitted to my staff. By having a big "chart" of dates and tasks, I simply check it out everyday and know what needs to be done. Simple.

Thirdl, any time I have a new idea or want to expand on a current project I take out a big paper and Mindmap it. I will put down the central idea in the middle of the paper and draw legs out from it with different aspects to the central idea. I have used this with every new business or project. It allows me to see everything in front of me rather than having to flip from page to page. Keep in mind- I only write bullet points and not long sentences under each leg. It is about getting thoughts on paper and then seeing the entire picture unfold in front of you. This can be also be used if you are a coach of a soccer team, a fitness professional planning out a new fitness class, or a business person creating a new product. Try it, you will love how it works. You can purchase fancy computer programs that do this for you, however I perfer pencil and paper.

Lastly, I will break my day into 3 segments. Early in the morning I do things that help make money for the business (products ideas, marketing, emails/blogs...). I try to finish this by noon. Afternoon is organization. Anything I need to have to follow up on, contacts, scheduling appointments. The reason I work on the money ideas in the morning is because my mind is fresh and ideas are flowing. I try to complete everything by 3:30. The last section of the day is family/kids time. The kids are out of school at 3:30 and we usually play something outside or in the garage. Plus. I also coach them at the YMCA and I will be coaching them even more at their intramural program at school. Occassionally, things run over but for the most part I stay on that path.

If my kids have events after school with friends or school related, I will work a little longer. When they go to bed I can even work a little more if I choose to. I am really learning to do more quality things in shorter time spans so I can have options to play with my kids and do other fun activities.

I would like to hear your thoughts. Send to info@sportsspeedetc.com so I can get your feedback on organization.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I often present organizational ideas and business improvement strategies to my exclusive Speed Insiders Members http://www.speedinsiders.com/. Give it a try for 2 months absolutely FREE.

I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me.

Thanks,
Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach
Augusta, Georgia

Lessons Learned From 8 and 9 year olds

2008-09-23T09:54:00.004-04:00

As you may alrady know, I coach my daughter's volleyball team at the YMCA. It is a team made up of primarily 8 and 9 year olds. I have coached them now for almost 4 weeks. It is a real low key program to introduce them to sports, yet it gives them some quality instruction.

Even though these girls are mostly new comers to the sport and some may never play the sport when they become older, I take it as my responsibility to give them the best instruction I can.

What amazes me every time I work with youngsters like these girls, is if you set expectations for them and keep them motivated they will rise to the occasion.

Let me give you an example; it is so common at this level for volleyball players to pretty much stay in their spot on the court and not move much to get to a ball hit near them. I tell my girls when they serve, aim for the middle where no one is standing. Most of the time the ball will hit the floor before anyone takes a step towards it. The first thing I did on day one is talk about moving to the ball all the time. The exercises I gave them in practice were geared toward chasing the ball down before it hit the ground. Yesterday, I had the girls perform a drill where I threw the ball off the net and one partner had to move up quickly to bump it into the air so the other partner could hit it over. It was a fun drill that put them in a position they will see in the games.

I continuely try to make it into a game or low competition. Why?eBcause they ask for it. They like to see how many they can get compared to their teammates. I put very little into who wins or losses but I do keep track of points, speed in doing something, or who hit it best. It is all about fun with an underlying message that I want them to move and play each point well.

If you have ever watched any youngsters sports programs from youth soccer, volleyball, basketball, or softball, it can sometimes be like watching paint dry. To prevent this, I simply gave the little girls fun games that taught them how to compete for every point.

Here are some fun cues I use and some fun things I do to encourage effort. I always tell them to not let the ball hit the floor on our side. When the other team serves the ball, it can't hit the ground without one of the player moving to hit it. I don't care if it goes back over, I just want them moving to hit it. The other concept they understand now is when I say "Fill the Hole in". The volleyball rules for this age group is to play 4 on 4, so there is a natural hole in the middle of the 4 players. But, I make them adjust so there is not such a big opening. The girls now yell from the bench to their teammates with out me saying a thing..I love it. The other thing I do is to encourage them to "give some love" to their teammates when the serve well or make a good play. What I mean by this is to clap for each other. They get such a kick out of that but it encourages them to do well so they "get some love" from their teammates- fun stuff!

The biggest things they have to do is call "MINE" if they are going to hit the ball. This again encourages them to move and communicate. We do it during our practice warm ups, therefore it naturally carries over in the games.

I tell you what, it is amazing what 8 and 9 years olds will do to raise to a higher level if you make it fun and just part of the expectations. I never yell or even get upset with them. I simply tell them this is what I want and get excited each practice to motivate them to do it all the time.

We have a great time in practice and the games are the icing on the cake. I know each girl now understands they can accomplish anything if they work for it. The best thing is everything we do has "FUN" attached to it.

I would love to hear from you on the cool things you are doing with your athletes to keep them motivated. Send to info@LeeTaft.com

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I have so much fun hearing success stories of people who have invested in their knowledge and improvement by joining the Speed Insiders membership http://www.speedinsiders.com/

“Coach Lee's techniques and speaking to him over the last couple of years, it was a no brainer to become a Speed Insider. I believe in his teachings and use them with all of my athletes in every sport. For someone like me who lives in Hawaii, it is not easy to go to a live seminar, so being able to communicate with Coach Lee on a regular basis is priceless. I encourage anyone who wants the best for their athletes to subscribe.

He offers a FREE trial for those of us who are unsure of joining. Through the first 6 weeks he held a tele-seminar and would answer any questions that we had. I'm not sure if anyone else would offer this kind of bonus. We are also able to contact Coach through a special e-mail with any questions or concerns that we may have and he responds quickly.”

-Michael Labuanan

Here's Your Weekly Speed Guy Blog Top

2008-09-20T19:01:00.001-04:00

Tip-Don't wear those pants with those shoes (ha ha- just a little Speed Guy humor. I know very little humor- I'll move on...)

How To Get Greater Success With Varsity and Higher Level Athletes In Sport

I am a huge fan of fundamentals. They make great athletes even better. The key is to focus deeply on fundamentals when athletes are young, during the developmental stages of pre-puberty and post-puberty early stages. Having worked hard on developing the fundamentals of sports skills, as well as athleticism, there will be a huge foundation. This foundation allows the athlete to use all the skills needed during play or game settings.

Here is the secret to real success...

The goal at the varsity level and higher is to win. The coach now needs to coach the fundamentals of winning. What is this?

Fundamentals of winning is when you teach athletes how to compete and make plays that allow them to be successful in sport. Let me give you an example:

The offensive system you run needs to be set up so each player on the field or court can use their talents to the fullest. I might have a soccer player with great quickness and toughness but lacks an offensive mindset. You need to play this player on defensive and let his or her talents shine. This give him or her and the team a chance to win.

Yet, this same athlete would have been taught the same offensive skills as the best offensive player during their developmental period. One developed more of an offensive mindset and the other defensive mindset. Plus, their physical skills brought them to their current positions.

The goal of a higher level coach is to create successful situation. This is the fundamentals of winning.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: You have heard me speak and write about how important the Speed Insiders program is http://www.speedinsiders.com/ however, don't just take my word for it, read what one Speed Insider had to say:

"I would like to thank Lee for all the information given in his speed insiders program. Since I attended Lee's athletic speed formula last October I have been hooked on his knowledge and enthusiasm for speed training. Watching, listening and reading the way he conducts his training and teaching has become infectious. I use his techniques in my sessions, I use his cues in my coaching and I try to use his experience to guide me through my own progression as a coach. Not just the training but the business information he has given has also been a great motivator for my own career and given me the kick up the rear needed to pursue my goals. Since becoming a speed insider I have launched my own website (www.saqsoccer.com), with many of the ideas coming from Lee Taft's work and guidance. With all the expertise and information I continually receive from Lee and his numerous guest speakers and colleagues I am hoping that SAQSoccer can become a great resource to help young athletes get better educated while training for soccer and speed, and help other people like he has helped me."

Thanks,Garry Lee Powell
http://www.saqsoccer.com/
soccer and speed coach, Augusta, Georgia

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

2008-09-18T08:47:00.001-04:00

Before I go any further I want to send out well wishes to all the people that have been effected by the hurricanes. It really has been a difficult time. The people of gulf region and inland are strong people but I can't help but think how much pain they are going through having lost homes, vehicles, many personal valuables, and in some cases life. I am praying for your fast recovery so you can move on with your life.

Playing Ball Again and Being Coached By My Daughter

The other night I went to the YMCA and joined the 3 on 3 league. The last time I played in this league was 2 years ago. Since that time ,I opened my speed academy in NY and have been unable to play, but I am back at it.

My first game was this past Tuesday night and my oldest daughter, Jae, watched my game. She loves basketball. I am on a team with a bunch of young bucks. They are really good players and mostly in their mid 20's. When they asked me to play I explained to them I will miss every now and again due to my travel schedule, so I am more of a sub at this point. However, because the games are lone, everyone plays a lot.

I have to say, I played pretty well considering I have not played much basketball the last two years. I had a lot of rust to work off but not too bad. When I came out of the game and went over to be next to my daughter and drink some water, she began coaching me. She said I needed to play harder defense and make more shots. So I said, "what did I do well? " She thought for a second and said, "I like the steal you had" (which was basically a loose ball I got to first).

What a cool thing. My daughter, a 5th grader, is in to the game enough to critique me. I have been given a worse assessment of play before, so hers wasn't too difficult to take. And you know what, she was right. I did miss some easy shots I normally would make and I was not moving my feet too well on defense.

The thing that amazed me is that these are the same type of things she hears me saying about other players when I am coaching. It is funny how what we think is not being absorbed by young people is really sinking in. Jae, if she chooses to, will make a great coach someday.

Why Assess Your Team

We talk a lot about assessments and how they build a foundation for us to work from. I don't think enough coaches put enough importance on using an assessment period (could be one or two weeks) to watch their team play, work together, see the chemistry, see their skill level, see what each player brings to the team, and more. After the assessment period take the information gained and then put a game plan together. In other words, how can you say for sure what type of offense or defense you want to run without actually seeing what your team can do.

Too often we find a really cool offense or we want to run the defensive scheme that Duke runs in basketball, or North Carolina runs in soccer, or use the offense the Colts run in football. The bottom line is what works well for one team may be disastrous for another. It is our job as coaches to evaluate and implement according to what we have.

Don't forget the number role of a coach. It is to set up our teams for success. If you put them in a system that fits what they do well as individuals and a team success can be achieved. But, if you try a system that doesn't fit, then failure will be lurking.

Do yourself and your teams a favor, evaluate them before you implement.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: The Speed Insiders Membership offers key coaching advice to help you grow as a coach. Remember the principle of Slight Edge. All you need is one idea to be the best coach you can be, the best business person you can be, or have the best athletes they can be. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to be a member for two FREE months.

Watch This....

2008-09-15T09:27:00.003-04:00

Hey, I wanted to share with you my new blog video. Watch me explain coaching and understanding the "real" message.

Sometimes when we teach and assess a skill, we really need to know what the issue is. It is easy to throw terms and coaching cues out there but not ever get to the real issue.

Watch this video as I outline an example.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: By the way members, of the http://www.speedinsiders.com/ club are sent video's like this every month. You can test drive my Speed Insider Membership FREE for 2 months... see what your missing.

The Speed Guys Weekly Blog Tip

2008-09-12T10:06:00.001-04:00

Hope you are having a great weekend!

I have decided to do something different with my blog. During the week, I will be writing more information about training topics, motivation, coaching, business, and other issues along those lines. On the weekends, I will be writing short, but important Tips of the Week.

This tip will be on any of the topics I mentioned above, but it will be to the point and give you something you can apply immediately.

So I hope you enjoy "The Speed Guys" Tip of the Week:

Stop teaching jumping to young kids (12 and under for this example) without taking the time to build a landing foundation.

I recently watched a YouTube video of a women working with 2 youngster. She was having them perform plyometric exercises. It was simply terrible to watch. No form on landing, totally off balance, and joints not being stable....BAD STUFF!

You want to spend as many session as needed teaching the fundamentals of landing and jumping before the intensity rises. "Plyometric" jumps (getting off the ground quickly upon landing) can be used at the lowest level, like line jumps, jump rope..., but DO NOT advance the kids passed this type of exercise.

If kids perform exercises that force them to perform it poorly just to complete it there fresh nervous system is programming the bad patterns in. You need to slow down and first teach them how to perform the foundation of landing and jumping correctly in a safe environment first. As they mature you can add.

Go get'em, have fun, be creative, but be a consummate professional and teacher.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

Yes! World Champion Coach

2008-09-10T19:43:00.001-04:00

I am really looking forward to this fall. There is so much going on. You will be involved in some great news over the next few months so hold on to your hats.

Roller Skating To Be Better

I just got back from dropping my daughter Jae off at the indoor skating facility in town. She was invited to go with a classmate. I love watching the kids skate (I use to skate a lot as a kid) because it improves so many valuable coordination skills, plus it is fun and social. They listen to music, talk, race, FALL (ouch!), and all while they learn how to balance and control their body. As I have mentioned before, anything kids can do to improve their movement skills at a young age will help later as they develop.

Hanging with The World Champion- Doc Rivers

A couple weeks ago I attended the Michael Jordan Event in Las Vegas. It was an amazing event. I am a huge basketball fan (big basketball news coming soon) and was like a kid in a candy store.

I was able to meet and hang out with some of the top coaches in the game. I was a fan of Doc when he played for the Atlanta Hawks. He actually took some time and sent a short thank you video to my 2 daughters for cheering them on during the playoff run. What a classy guy!

I not only had a great time at the MJ event, but I learned a lot. In a previous blog, I wrote a bit about how Michael Jordan taught us some important things about basketball and business, but I learned a lot from watching all the different coaches.

I can remember listening to Roy Williams, of North Carolina, as he taught a basketball concept about attacking the top of a 2 front zone (2-3 or 2-1-2). He consistently mentioned making the defense commit, then you have options. Not only in basketball but in any sport, this is such an important concept young players don't understand. When you force a defensive player to commit you immediately create clear options for yourself. When you allow the defense to play off and not really commit to you- you become unsure. Great message in life as well.

All in all, I had a fantastic experience and look forward to more experiences like this. Like I always say, to become better at anything you have to find people who are already doing it and good at it. I have made that a mission in my personal and business life. I want answers from people who have proven they have the answers.

This is why, after being in the athletic/sports field for over 20 years, I love helping other who need help. I look at it as a chain. I learn from highly successful people, then I take my experiences and what I have learned and teach others, and so on down the chain.

For this reason, I created Speed Insiders. http://www.speedinsiders.com/ is a great place for you to start collecting little golden nuggets of information that will spawn into new ideas for you and your programs.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I have people say to me "Why are you always promoting your membership http://www.speedinsiders.com/. The honest and simple truth is I want to help and I want people who truly want to be helped. You have a small investment in your success to become a valued member of the Speed Insiders. This small investment separates the serious people wanting learn and grow from the people who just want things handed to them without taking any action. I learned this myself a long time ago. If you have nothing in "it", then you don't appreciate it and work for it. I never force anyone, but I will work my tail off for you once you commit to yourself. http://www.speedinsiders.com/

Don't Unplug

2008-09-06T09:23:00.003-04:00

What a great start to the day. It is sunny and around 70 degrees. To start the morning out, Jae and I went for walk. I like to walk in the mornings- it loosens me up. Especially when my back is tight. It gives me a chance to think about the day ahead and what I need to be focusing on in the coming days. Plus, I love fresh air and exercise.

Staying Plugged In

Have you ever been really excited about a new program, a class, an exercise workout, a business association, or for that matter, anything you were going to jump in with both feet? I know I have. Many times the excitement and commitment seems to fade into the sunset never to be seen again. Sound familiar?

I have learned so many things over the years. But, biggest thing I have learned has given me the edge is what I call "Staying Plugged In". It is so easy to stop attending educational seminars, buying DVDs and books, investing in coaching, and doing the things that keep me motivated and educated to reach the next level. It would also be easy to stop growing my businesses and live off what we have currently created.

I find the more I push myself to keep involved and keep growing, the easier it gets. Oh sure, it was real hard at first. I never knew if I should spend the money on this or that. I didn't always believe going to a marketing seminar or attending a mastermind meeting was really worth it. Once I crushed those thoughts and beliefs I have never stopped looking forward.

I encourage all of you to "Stay Plugged In" at what ever it is you are involved in. Maybe you are a basketball or tennis coach and think attening another clinic is a waste of time. Big mistake! All you need is one idea- to give you a winning strategy to go to a new level- remember the "Principle of Slight Edge." So regardless of the sport you coach, business you run, or life you want to live. You need to keep involved and keep growing to reach higher levels of success, or at least maintain your current level ("If you not moving, your not living")

People Who Are Plugged In

Olympic athletes are definitely "Plugged In". They know that if they come "unplugged" for even the shortest time, the journey back to the top is so much harder. They keep engaged with their sport, their conditioning, their mental training, their strategies, and their focus.

You see, when Olympic athletes stay plugged in, they never get away from the newest trends or training strategies that might make a big difference in their success. But, had they stopped working out, staying sharp, and learning they might have fallen behind and never recaptured their greatness.

The top business people in any business are "Plugged In". They don't want to lose their edge, so they keep learning, keep pushing, always asking "what else can I do". Donald Trump is Plugged in, Bill Gates is plugged in, Peyton Manning is plugged in, even Brett Farve never let himself get completely unplugged. He still stayed sharp enough to be one of the best. Michael Jordan is plugged in, even though he has been retired for several years now. He simply shifted his focus to the business side but never lost his edge.

Losing The Edge- Being Unplugged

I can remember several years ago a high school basketball team needed a head coach because the former coach moved on to a new job. The school, after a short search, ended up hiring a teacher in the school district that was a former basketball coach 25 years earlier. He had not coached at any level in 25 years. He was not plugged in to the game and it showed.

I can remember watching a game and seeing the players become frustrated at him because his style of coaching was so outdated compared to the new faster pace game. It wasn't even that his style was more of a slow down game, it was that he didn't recognize he had some fast players able to push the ball up the court quickly. His discipline was weak. He use to be a good leader on the court, but he had lost his feel for the game and the players. He simply was away from the game too long and lost his edge.

What Are YOU Choosing To Do?

Are you staying "Plugged in". If you are a strength coach, trainer, sport coach, parent coaching youth sports, physical therapist, chiropractor, athletic development business owner or anyone that is involved with sport or business you need to stay plugged in and always look for the slight edge. For this reason, I created the a membership that allows you to keep the edge. Speed Insiders is about giving you constant information you can use to improve your athletes, marketing, business growth, and much more. Don't look for some magic pill, look for consistent information that leads to success. Get "Plugged In" and try my two month FREE trial Speed Insiders program. I give you the first two months free so you can be comfortable with the information and give you a chande to see the positive direction it will lead you, your athletes, and your business. Take me up on my offer and a FREE ride to success http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and take a FREE ride to success.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If your want to stay plugged in and not get left behind, become a member of Speed Insiders- go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ now to get the edge you have been looking for.

Viewer Questions

2008-09-04T12:57:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I asked you to send me your questions. Here are just a few questions I received.

Q: I run a volleyball club in Hawaii. Many of the clubs in Hawaii are beginning to develop speed and agility and core development training programs to assist in the training of our volleyball programs. Off-season we do alot of beach training but during the season our program mainly consist of ladders, cones, plyo boxes, reaction balls, and balance disc. Is there a way to incorporate all of these activities during the season without putting to much stress on the lower half of the body. We do so much jumping in our volleyball training that I feel that we may be overworking the girls.

Jon T
Ho'okino Volleyball Club

A: Jon, my dream vacation is to spend some time in Hawaii. Do you have a spare bedroom? This is a common question and issue in volleyball. What I am about to say is important to understand. If your volleyball practice is organized where the athletes are getting good metabolic conditioning and jump training due to the nature of the practice, then you need to add short highly focused sessions on skill development. What this means is; you need to choose one or two of the exercises you mentioned above (ladders, cones, reaction balls…) and create a 2-5 minute block of time per practice where you only focus on one or two of those exercises. For example; On Monday, you may put into your practice plan that after the warm up and defensive passing skills you are going to have the players perform lateral and angular first step quickness cone drills for 3 sets of 8 seconds to the right and left with a 20-30 second rest. Once this is done you take a water break and move on in the practice. You can also schedule another small session block later in the practice to focus on a different skill like balance training.

Your focus has to be on skill development and movement economy not conditioning or high volume- your normal practice should be covering this. Remember, this is your in season focus. You off season is different- your volume will be higher and you can do more exercises.

I always use this rule of thumb, if there is even a slight chance that I might cause an injury by doing a particular exercise or training approach I don’t do it. The ultimate goal is for the players to be better at volleyball and the training is to supplement that.

Q: You are correct about the amount of youth training information out there. Constantly I search for information, classes and programs that will help in training young athletes. Having three sons under the age of eight, teaching 6th grade in an urban public school and coaching basketball, I realize the importance of continuing education. Also, I am a Speed Insider and Basketball Speed is great! What would be the misconceptions/problems that you see in training young athletes? I ask this because the idea of starting sport camps has come up. Constantly I am asked about having a basketball camp or coaching. So that leads me to another question. How do you set up and run a camp? This is just a start.

Mike W.

A: I absolutely love basketball as well. To answer the first question about the misconceptions/problems I see in training young athletes. Many programs are based off the newest drill or contraption that is going to revolutionize the sports training industry. Get rid of that “stuff”, teach skills, have fun, and support the athletes’ development as they grow.

I have always said this my job as a strength and conditioning coach is to support what the athletes really wants and that is to be better at their chosen sport(s). It is not my job to dominate the athlete time and energy with my training program. I am there to keep them healthy, safe and improve their performance without causing mental or physical burnout.

I love the idea of having a sports camp- basketball or any other. The reason I like sports camps so much is, if they are structured properly with the correct motives, you can help athlete at so many levels (skills development, self-confidence, learning to work as a team, meeting new friends, athlete learn different philosophies from different coaches, they get a sense of belonging….).

Sports camps for young athlete should be designed with the following in mind.
1. Always be organized with the structure but allow spontaneity within the day. In other words the kids need to have structure so they can be organized and have boundaries, but at some points the kids should be able to be decision makers as well. Let them work how details of how their team is going to play or work through a fun team game- get the idea?

2. Always teach a skill and then relate it to the sport. So if I am going to teach lateral shuffles for defense in basketball I am going to teach the kids the skill of how to move, but then I will put them in a 2-on-2 situations and have them use the skill live. This helps learning and retention because they understand the skills application.

3. Have lots of fun competitive games that teach the kids to compete with each other yet handle how to win and lose (let’s face it, if we don’t teach kids how to handle being defeated we are doing them a disservice). There are many other things that go into the actual running of a camp but I always make sure these 3 things are include with young athletes.

Finally, to start the sports camp, you want to pound the pavement by getting in front of youth organizations, church groups for kids, schools, and recreation departments. You need to speak to the organizers of these groups and let them know that you are running a youth sports camp for basketball and would love to share some information about it to the kids. You should run a mini-clinc for the kids so they can see how much fun it will be and what they will gain from being in the camp.

There is lots of other stuff like getting insurance and facility usage but hopefully this gives you a start.

Q: What progressions on strength training are appropriate for the sub 9th grader?Should warm-up progressions change as age changes? What lateral speed progressions change as the athlete gets older?What games/activities are fun that can develop aerobic capacity in your young athletes given the window of opportunity around 12-13?...according to Balyi

Matt Candrl

A: Wow, lots of good stuff Matt- thanks.

1.When discussing strength training for younger kids here are some suggestions. First, make sure the kids are completely competent at performing the exercises. Hopefully, lots of good body wt stuff at first and then you can add free wts, bands, and others. To be quite honest with you, for the population you are asking about the progressions we use are totally based on the needs of the athlete. I don’t have a set periodized approach for young kids. They are just challenged in different ways when they are ready. For example; day one they might be asked to perform all exercise slowly, on day two they might be asked to perform each exercise quickly with power, and on another day they will be asked to do all the exercises in a circuit format. When exercises become easy then make it more challenging. The older the athletes becomes, the more the program becomes systematized.

2. Warm up progressions can change as the athletes get older but this is due to need. Older athlete will begin to have more specific issue due to sport participation as compared to young kids that are still developing and don’t have any sport specific issues. Warms ups for young kids should be as much about teaching them how to move and control their bodies as the actual purpose of warming and preparing the body.In most of my youngster program warm ups there is a seamless approach where the all the training gets mixed together. The older athlete will need time to deal with corrective issue during the warm up process.

3. Lateral movement is a skill. Regardless of if the athlete is young or old the skill must be programmed properly in the motor program of each athlete. The progression that changes is the approach of more specific application to a particular sport or sport position. I will progress older athlete into more sets (still keeping the reps low because it is a skill) and also periodic light resisted training laterally to prime the strength and power development and excite the nervous system (be careful with lateral resistance if you are still focusing on the proper execution of the skill. You don’t want to grove an incorrect pattern.

4. Fun games and conditioning- you can never go wrong with tag, relays, and obstacle courses. These games teach movement, enhance a fun competitive nature, and encourage creativity. Plus, if the games are structured properly you can get a nice conditioning effect.

There is a lot that could go into each question but these answers should help.

Q: Hi Lee, good to hear from you again. Hope that you are well with your family. I do need to work on our schools peoples strengh and power. How can I test them and what can I do to imporve it.

Cheers,
Marius
South Africa

A: Thanks for asking about my family Marius. They are great and growing up fast.

Some simple tests for power are: vertical jump and standing broad for lower body and seated or standing medicine chest pass for upper body. For strength you should be careful not to do any test that could cause injury- you want to make sure the athlete can perform the technique of what ever lift you are going to perform really well first before testing. On that note, I would use a 3-5 rep max for strength test unless you have older athletes that are experienced lifters- even then it is not bad to use 3-5 reps. Some tests you can use for strength are: squat, bench press, pull ups (might be more strength endurance for stronger athletes), and pull ups. To me it really doesn’t matter what kind of test you use. I always error on side of caution, but you want to make sure they are getting improvement.

Here is a simple design. Perform what ever tests you want that are safe and give you a starting point with each athlete. Let’s use the Pull ups for example. If the athlete can do 8 pull ups. I would use a formula like this. Train pull-ups 2-3 days per week. The athlete should do one day with assistance so he or she can perform 12-13 reps (4-5 more than tested). Then on the next day I would have them perform non-assisted regular pull ups. Then go back to the assisted pull ups on the following workout day. When the athlete can easily does 4-5 more than the original 8 pull ups start to reduce the assistance. Eventually you want the athlete performing 10-12 with no assistance.

When designing the program for squats, bench or any other strength lift you can use a similar approach of alternating between lesser intensity and more speed, and high wt with a more strength focus. You want to continually shock the nervous system so it has to adapt and increase force output.

This should give you a starting point Marius.

Yours in Speed,
Lee

P.S - If you didnt see your question...don't worry. I will be posting more soon
P.S.S. - Get all your questions answered at my November seminar...www.AthleticSpeedFormula.com.
P.S.S.S. - I am giving $1997 in free bonuses to all those who attend.

Hanging With Michael Jordan

2008-08-30T11:46:00.002-04:00

I have been away this week and as usual, it is great to be back home. It is extra special being home because my oldest daughter has her 11th birthday this weekend. I can't believe she is 11 years old already. It is going to be a great day for her. I am so excited for her.

I have to admit... I just attended one of the greatest events I have ever been to. I spent 4 awesome days at the Michael Jordan Senior Flight School. I was a guest of one of the attendees.

Not only did I hang out with Michael Jordan and listen to him speak about his experiences as a player (he also taught us some of the skills he that made him the greatest basketball player of all time), I also met some of the greatest coaches and players of today and from the past.

Doc Rivers, the coach of the world champion Boston Celtics, is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Each day he took time to chat and take pictures. He even took a minute of his time to recorded a special message to my daughters, who watched the Celtics on their run to the championship. What a classy man!

I was able to meet and take photos with some of the other great coaches and former players; Doug Collins, Bill Walton, Jay Bilias, Lenny Wilkins, John Thompson Sr and John Thompson Jr, Mike Fratello, and others. I will post them on my blog soon.

These coaches are all so passionate about the game. During one of the sessions Michael Jordan spoke to the group, I was sitting behind Chuck Daly and watching him draw up plays for his team that played later in the morning. All these coaches were great competitors.

Lessons Learned From Michael and The Coaches

These guys all play to win. It doesn't matter if it is sports or business. They prepare and compete to be successful.

During one of Michael's talks ,he mentioned how the pressure is enormous when you are in front of 10's of thousands of people and you are expected to take the winning shot or foul shot. He mentioned how it is important to be able to always fall back on the routine practiced thousands of times over and over. Successful people can block out the outside noise and trust the routine and knock down the winning shot. Business is no different. When he is negotiating and if he doesn't know exactly what he wants out of the deal and he didn't practice his routine of what to say and how to respond it simply becomes a gamble- so he said to always prepare.

Building The Foundation

Michael also soke about the fact that his game reached the level it did was because he attended college for 3 years and learned the foundation of the game. He learned how to improve his skills on a daily basis. He was taught things the NBA doesn't focus on. So when he became an NBA player his foundation skill set was in place. He also mentioned he doesn't agree with many of the these players going straight to the NBA out of high school. Just for the reasons he mentioned...learning the basic foundational skills needed to improve their game each year.

I was so glad to hear Michael talk about foundational skills and why it is do important to build that big foundation. I have been speaking about this for years. I don't care what sport, business, or activity you are involved in- having the foundational skills to build from is essential. I am a great example of this in the business world. It has taken me many years to build my foundation of business due to the fact I was never exposed to it when in school or college. I had to learn totally on my own by going to business seminars, buying books, and listening to Cd's. I now have learned many successful business strategies to improve my businesses and to help others grow theirs- but only because I took the time to learn and hire other coaches that helped me grow my businesses.

Michael mentioned several times that he would not have been successful if he didn't have coaches always teaching him and helping him recognize things he wasn't seeing. Here is the greatest player in the world telling you, you need to have a coach if you want to be successful in anything. HUMM, I think it worked for Michael- don't you?

Yours in Speed

Lee

PS: If I were you, I would take Michael's advice and become a part of a coaching program so you can learn from other successful people. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/... be coached yourself plus, benefit from all the great interviews and information shared each month to all the Speed Insider Members.

Congratulations To All The Olympians!!

2008-08-24T15:12:00.000-04:00

I have to say I really enjoyed the competition and the excitement of the Olympic Games this year. When I look past the inconsistent judging, scoring, and officiating it was an exciting Olympics.

Here are some of my immediate thoughts on the games:

Michael Phelps was inspiring. He set a goal and didn't waiver. He went after a record that was set at a time when the training of athlete wasn't as strong. The competition wasn't as strong, the media coverage and expectations were not as intense. He didn't waiver- He just went out and got the job done. Congratulations Michael and the Phelps family.

Usain Bolt. Are you kidding me!! I absolutely love watching incredible displays of speed. It doesn't get any better than what Usain did. I have said for many years. The human being that is taller with incredible fast twitch and mechanics is going to be the sprinter of the future-you just saw it. Way to go Usain!

USA Basketball. You proved who has the most talent. The gold medal game was played by the USA team way under their potential and they still found away to get it done. Please don't think I don't think the Spanish team is a great team- they are. I love the way they shoot, drive to the hoop, and create spacing on the floor.

USA Men's Volleyball. Congratulations to all the players, families, and especially the coaches- namely Hugh McCutcheon. You showed the true spirit of team, focus, and mission. You competed and won on the biggest stage when the worst of tragedies blanketed your team. I am proud and sad. My condolences go out to the families for their loss.

South Korea with a Big Win Over Cuba. South Korea pulled off a big upset defeating the Champs- Cuba. This is what makes the Olympics so great. You never know what can happen.

Darra Torres. I have hope. I am only 42- really I can do it. Well maybe not but while watching a 41 year old whip up on the young pups was pretty inspiring. She looked great, swam fast, and competed with dignity and class all the way. Way to go Darra!

Japanese Softball. Of course I was upset seeing the USA team get defeated but once again- this is why the Olympics are so great. You can witness greatness, upsets, world records, misery, and elation almost every day. The USA softball team got beat. It was an upset. The Japanese team was ready and they played well. Great Job!

China is Golden Gymnasts. There is not doubt which country has the best gymnasts in the world. But man o man. USA came to compete and they did awesome. The men had some outstanding performances. Of course the women had some big highlights, mixed in with a few disappointments. Super job to all gymnasts.

Matthias Steiner in Weightlifting. The big German showed incredible strength winning the gold. But what was most touching is his dedication to his wife Susan who was killed last year in a car accident. Congratulations Matthias and I am sorry for you loss.

Nadal. He is an amazing athlete and tennis player. He did what many athletes in his development couldn't do. He stayed strong and kept pursing Federer even though for many years Federer kept winning majors. Nadal deserves to be the Worlds #1 player. You're the man Rafael!

USA Women's Soccer. You did it! You beat a world powerhouse in soccer. I love the fact they never gave up and didn't let injuries or excuses stop their charge at Gold. You deserve to be the Olympic Champions.

Well, they are just some of the highlights that I remember. There were so many others.

What I admire the most about these Olympic Athletes is they put their country on their backs if only for a while and represent them with loyalty and pride. The results are not always what is hoped for- but the effort is to be admired. ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE OLYMPIANS. I can't wait until I get to see you shine once again in 4 more years.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I would love to hear your thougths on what moments you remember the most. I will be sharing some special thougths and training concepts to my Speed Insiders Members soon. You don't want to miss this information. To become a Speed Insiders Member go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up and get 2 months FREE membership.

Lessons Learned From The Highly Successful

2008-08-20T22:17:00.005-04:00

Brennen is crawling! I know...what's the big deal. Well, to you it really doesn't mean much but to the Taft Family it is pretty cool to see him develop. I have been meaning to video his stages of development as a teaching tool on how we move. It is amazing how he slowly develops the ability to balance. He even sits up easily without falling over on his "noggin". Jae and Bailee get the biggest kick out him. He is a fun little boy to watch.

Returned Home From A Great Coaching Session

I arrive home early this morning from my coaching and Mastermind group. This time we met in Arizona. Boy, was it a good one. Let me explain. I have been moved up to the top mastermind group because I am developing my businesses at a fast rate and I needed to be challenged with some high rollers. The mastermind group I am a part of has some highly accomplished business people in it. One member, Craig Duswalt, was Axel Rose's personal manager. He now owns a successful talent agency. Another member, Francine Ward, is a highly accomplished author, attorney, and business women...she is incredible. The list goes on and on of wonderful personalities and business minds.

The learning point for me from this two day intensive mastermind was all successful people are disciplined in their business. This mindset of being disciplined is apparent in the best athletes in the world as well. We are all witnessing some of the world's greatest athletes on the greatest stage- the Olympics. These athletes have been disciplined enough to train hard for 4 years to compete at the Olympic Games.

The key points I learn from highly motivated and goal driven people is that they do what has to be done even when they don't feel like it. When they are tired or just not up to doing work, the top successful business people get it done. The best athletes that are aiming for a high goal get up and train even when the sun has not risen yet.

What I have noticed with many top achievers is they schedule everything. They allow for flexibility but for the most part everything is scheduled. For example; they will not only schedule daily work tasks, but free time and errands as well. They will put distinct time frames to each appointment. So, if an article needs to be written and they only allow 30 minutes on the schedule, then they are done with the task when the 31st minute comes.

I have adopted this mindset in my business life with some modifications to fit my personal style. I must tell you, if I had used this method of disciplining myself as a young high school or college athlete I can only imagine what I could have accomplished. I don't like to look back, but if this method was used in my business life many years ago I would be sitting on the beach writing this blog from my beach front home in Hawaii.

So, the lessons I learned from being around highly successful people have charged me up to do even a better job of disciplining myself. Being around these successful people is like the athlete that chooses to play with the older more talented athletes. You are forced to play at a higher level or you will be buried.

I personally love the challenge.

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are ready to take action and discipline yourself, then visit http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and become a member of a fast pace program that will help you grow your programs and businesses. Don't settle for less than you can accomplish.

I Want Your Input

2008-08-14T12:33:00.002-04:00

Hey There!

I hope everything is well. Can you believe it? My daughters started school this past week. In NY, where I grew up, we always started after labor day. I am still adjusting to the Indiana schedule.

The kids are great! They love school, their teachers, and seeing their classmates. Since the girls have been at school all day, Brennen is wondering where everyone is. He loves it when his big sisters come home. Today he is fighting a little cold. It is so tough when baby's have a cold- it is like a snot-fest....

Anyways, I have been writing articles for a long time and I have been writing my blog for quite some time now. I usually write information based off topics that are floating around in the industry, articles I read, questions I get from my readers, and training or coaching issues to me are important. I would like to more write articles from the questions I receive from you...so I need your help. Here is what need...

1. Send me questions you have about a training topic or even a business-related topic .

2. What would you like for me to share with you (My speed techniques, strength programs, program design, how I structure my business...)

3. Would you like to learn more about key components in setting up speed clinics for coaches? Speed or sport camps for athletes?

4. Would you like to learn more about sport specific training topics?

5. Would you like to learn more about training young athletes.There is some confusing stuff out there...

6. Would you be interested to learn more about setting up a training facility for athletic performance on a shoe string budget? I have literally opened four facilities with little cash.

I am serious. I want you to ask me your most pressing questions. If I don't happen to know the answer, then I will give you some great resources to find the answer. This will be a great learning experience for the both of us.

I look forward to reading your questions. Be suare to email them to Info@SportsSpeedEtc.com.
Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Talk about questions. ..I receive some great questions on a monthly basis from my Speed Insiders Members. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and see what other benefits my Speed Insiders receive. You can even try it out for 2 months FREE. You will be glad you did.

It Is Great To Be Home

2008-08-08T11:38:00.000-04:00

It has been an extremely busy summer. The bad news is I spent most of the summer away from my family while doing lots of work at the Speed Academy in NY. The good news is I was doing lots of good work at the Speed Academy in NY. I must admit- it has been so nice being back home with my wife Jenn, little son Brennen and my girls Jae and Bailee.

In just the short time home I have had so much fun taking time to go to the playground at the girls school and just playing with the girls. Usually when we go over to the school I will give them obstacle courses so they can see how fast they can get it done. They always want to be timed.

I have been taking them to the local new water park. I also just signed up to be there coach for volleyball at the YMCA. I can't wait. Then coming this fall the elementary school assistant principal wants me to be the director of the girls intramural programs. I am going to meet with him on Monday to see how much of a time commitment it is. I would love to help with the intramural (I definitely want to coach the girls more than direct the program- but if I can help I will) but if my travel schedule is fairly heavy (Like it is in November) I will have to have lots of help to cover me when I am gone.

At this stage in my life I love the direction our businesses are going, I love the fact my daughters are getting involved with lots of athletic, arts and crafts, community events, and social events. It is what life is about for me. I like being busy but because I own my businesses I can make choices as to when I work and when I play.

Let's take yesterday and today for example. Both Bailee and Jae had a friend spend the night. They played water fights for a couple hours yesterday and then came in and did some projects. They watch "So You Think You Can Dance" to see who the winner was, then headed off to bed. This morning I made Pancakes (each girl wanted their first initial made out of a pancake, lucky for them I am an expert pancake initial maker or is it initial pancake maker). Then after lunch Jenn is going to take them to the water park (I will head over later after I get some more work done and then do a quick workout at the Gym). I can't think of a better time.

I started my day by getting up early, going for my usual walk (it helps loosen my up and gives me good thinking time to get set for the day). I came back and did some writing, and work on a really big project soon to be launched, then made breakfast. After breakfast the girls went outside and had round 2 of the water fights- this was a great time for me to get some more work done.

I know I am going on and on about stuff you probably don't care about. I just wanted to share with you why it is so good to be home.

It took a lot of work, and there still is lots more to go, but I have set my life up to be how I want it. I control what goes on. There are things that I have to do that I don't particularly care about doing, but 95% of my life is set up how I want it. Because I invested so much time in learning how to get to this point and run my life and business the way I want it- I can choose to do things the way I want them. I created http://www.speedinsiders.com/ so I can provide you with great information each and every month and allow me to do things on my schedule.

Don't worry, next time my blog will have stuff you want to read about. Thanks for letting me share a little about my home life with you.

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: If you want to learn more about how to create programs that will set your athletes up for SUCCESS and create a successful business strategies you want to go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to get 2 FREE months to see why so many people love being a Speed Insiders member.

Could What We Do Now Affect What We....

2008-08-01T09:06:00.002-04:00

So here it is, a beautiful morning, the sun shinning and my girls are getting ready for basketball camp at the YMCA. I was getting some work done when my son Brennen was fussing. I walked over to him to pick up when I suddenly sneezed. OH MY GOODNESS! It was like someone stuck a 12 inch knife in my lower back. I dropped down and for about 10 seconds my breath was taking away. The first thought that went through my head was #$%!#$! I then realized I had to get up and pick up Brennen. About 60 seconds later it actually felt much better, but I knew my plans for the day had changed. My plans were to work out and clean out some old stuff around the house. Well, not today.

This leads me into what this blog is about....Are the things we have our athletes do now affect them physically when they are older?

This is certainly not the first time I have written on this subject and it won't be the last. The field of strength and conditioning, which I am so grateful for and admire the purpose, has taken a weird spin in many cases and could seriously be at fault for the post athletic career injuries. Let me explain further...

I see a need for strength and conditioning in high schools, colleges, professional sports and of course private businesses. Strength and conditioning has allowed many athletes with lesser athletic ability to reach their true potential. It has totally changed around athletic teams and programs and given a sense of pride to individual players. Yet, there seems to be a greater disconnect between what its true role is in athletics and sports performance.

Without question, I see the role of strength and conditioning as being a conduit for greater sports performance on the field, court, or track. I don't see it as a competition within the weight room itself. I know many strength coaches form competitive situations in the wt room to "bring out the best" of the athletes and hopefully urge them to lift more pounds. I am not sure I agree with that concept, I'm not totally against it but I am not going to sell it to others either.

Let me give you a quick example of how I feel some coaches totally miss the role of strength and conditioning; One coach at the high school level, he is a head football coach and does the strength training for his team, set a standard of every player that is going to make varsity has to have a 400lb squat- otherwise they play JV or don't make the team. Going back to my original statement- Strength and conditioning is a conduit for greater athleticism and improved sports performance. This is why I feel strength training can be dangerous and cause serious health issues when athletes get older.

Let me go back to the statement I made about competition in the wt room. I don't want to be mis-understood. I love setting up situation where the athletes can compete against one another- but never at the risk of injury or poor training habits. For example; I use to love to have push up, pull up, or dip competitions. I would even do medicine ball throws, standing broad jumps, and even for fun put 100 pounds on the bar and see who could do the most. This competitions were set up as a fun day or a semi-monthly occasion that the athletes would look forward to. What I am opposed to is when athletes have to compete against each other to get on the 400lb squat board and they only way 130lbs and they are a freshman in high school. There needs to be better judgement in cases like this. Anyway- i think you get why I don't like certain competitions.

Getting back to what I feel strength and conditioning is all about. At the end of the day there are 2 major things that I am concerned with when it comes to training the athletes at the Lee Taft Speed Academy. The first is making sure they remain healthy and have a less chance of getting injured while they practice and play their sports. The second is that they can perform at the highest level possible.

I can accomplish both of them following one simple rule of thumb. Does the program I am using with the athletes pass my RISK/REWARD test? If the exercises I am using to help them stay healthy and produce better performances on the field, court, or track have greater risk of injury with not much reward in terms of performance that exercise is out the window in a hurry. There are way too many positive ways to accomplish my two primary goals without putting the athletes at risk to ever go near a high risk exercise.

The other important point that has been lost in the field of strength and conditioning is the role we truly play as strength coaches. I am not so egotistical to think my program is more important than the sport the athlete plays. Athlete come to me to play better and stay healthy, not to set records in my wt room.

Strength coaches that own their own business are always trying to outdo the "guy next door" and create a market niche for themselves. In doing so they invent new and different spins on old exercises that simply put a higher risk than reward on the athlete. I am all for thinking outside the box and using different exercises to stimulate the athletes, but not if it increases the risk factor.

The final point I want to make is we don't put enough thought into what our program might be doing to cause future health issues and discomfort in our athletes. I know when an athlete learns to do a single leg squat under complete control and balance or does a front squat with great form he or she is protecting themselves against injury as well as improving performance- yet not hurting themselves 20 years down the line. I also know when I have the athletes perform low level jumps, leaps, and hops with proper form they are not being put at a high risk now nor in the future. I also know that when I have the athlete perform a one arm one leg tubing row the chances of them learning how to generate strength, power, increase balance, and force through proper loading of all the joints goes way up- so does the transfer to the field, court, or track- but the risk factor stays really low. But I also know that when an athlete gets under a 400 plus back squat the risk of injury increases a lot. I am not against the big squatting I just think not enough coaches understand why, when, and with whom they should be allowing to perform this lift (I could have chosen any higher risk lift, I simply used the 400 lb back squat because of the example I gave of the high school coach forcing his players to be able to perform this amount to make the varsity team).

Let me finish my saying, all in all I appreciate what the strength and conditioning field has done for athletics. I think it will continue to help many athletes reach their potential. I just would like more coaches to respect their role better and appreciate what most athletes naturally bring to the table. It is our job to not put them at risk and it is our job to give them greater opportunities.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: I recently had a couple tremendous interviews with two leading motivational coaches. The information they gave was so inspiring. My hand is still tired because of all the note taking I did. If you want to get you hands on this information sign-up TODAY for my Speed Insiders Membership. Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ now so you don't miss out on these great interviews and much more.

Setting Your Athletes Up For Success

2008-07-22T16:23:00.002-04:00

Hello!

It has been a long few days of travel and learning. I just returned from Las Vegas where I attended a mastermind exclusive seminar with my mastermind coach James Malinchak. He taught me and the rest of the group about advanced marketing techniques. It was OUTSTANDING! I learned so many secret techniques being used by top marketers and you would never know they are being used. I can't wait to share these techniques with my mastermind and coaching members, as well as my Speed Insiders. These techniques will make a huge difference in your marketing.

As I have said many times, you need to find a mastermind group or form one of your own. The ideas you will learn from others are valuable to your business and personal growth.

Setting Your Athletes Up For Success

The most important thing you can do as a coach is set your athletes up for success each and every time you train them. Many times coaches and trainers are un-knowingly setting their athletes up for failure.

When an athlete comes to you as a part of your sports team or as an athlete joining your athletic development program it is your responsibility to set them up for success. You need to do what ever you can (ethically) to give them success. Success comes in many different sizes and shapes though.

If you have an athlete that wants to make the 7th grade soccer team, it is your job to do what ever you can to safely and ethically help them do so. It might be making them faster or stronger or simply have more confidence in their ability. Now if a college athlete comes to you wanting to be drafted to a professional team, then you have to put a program together that will set this individual up for success. Don't mis-understand me, I am NOT saying hand them success. You have to teach them to work for their success. What I am talking about is you as their coach making the correct decisions during training to lead them toward a successful outcome. I also believe, if the athlete fails, it is your job to teach them failures are a step in the process of being successful.

Why am I writing about this topic anyway? I know many coaches want to do the best they can but they forget the goal is to have success on the court or field not necessarily in the weight room or agility room. Of course, you want them to be successful in the training room, but not at the cost of success in the sport.

I have seen many programs spend so much time in the weight room or doing "Plyos" that they over-train the athletes to the point of poor performances in their chosen sports. This is not setting an athlete up for success.

A smart coach who is working backwards from the final desired outcome to the start of the training program will recognize what is needed for success. Let me give you some examples of what this means to me.

1. Ultimately, I want the athlete to be strong, powerful, mobile, and well conditioned through out the season but especially at the end of the season.

2. I am not concerned about "beating their last weight lifted" in the weight room. I want an athlete that has the strength and power needed to perform safely and well at the end of the season.

3. I always look at the risk reward scale. If having an athlete attempts a new max lift has a higher risk of injury, but has little improvement in performance, versus doing an exercise that will challenge the nervous system (balance, body awareness, power output/force production), movement economy, and transfer to sport participation with low risk of injury, I will go the lesser risk exercise every time.

4. I always consider the fact that many high school athletes don't sit dormant when they are not training with me or playing their sport. They are involved in other activities as well that add to the fatigue factor. So, I always use less volume with greater focus and intensity on skill development.

These are just 4 things, of many, I consider. The fact this method has proven well for me for so many years, I tend to believe it works. I have had state champions in many sports, athletes go on to earn scholarships, and play professional sports. I think much of this success is because of what I didn't do (put them at high risk) as well as what I did do.

I believe athletes bring a lot to the table. They have natural abilities. It is my job to bring out the best I can in each athlete so they can go to the next level. It is also my job to back off and realize my job is only one step in their progression to being a better athlete. They have to put lots of practice in, eat well, hydrate well, sleep well, handle emotions, and many other social needs. I don't want to over-play my part and dominate the athletes time and energy. I simply want to set them up for success by giving them what they need and so should you.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: A quick tp all of my Speed Insiders and Mastermind Members...I have an amazing interview coming soon with a man they call "Mr. Unstoppable." You do not want to miss this interview. He will make you realize how lucky we all are and the true abilities we have. If you want to listen to this exclusive interview go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to sign up now.

The Speed Formula Is.....

2008-07-11T11:15:00.004-04:00

Family Update

The toughest part about the Lee Taft Speed Academy being in NY yet having my home in Indiana is the time away from my family. My daughters will be attending a volleyball camp at the YMCA and I hate not being there to drive them to it every day. I get so much joy out of watching them play. Sometimes they don't even know I am watching. My girls are doing 4-H projects and are having a great time working on them. Obviously, I will be missng this too. It won't be long though. At the end of July I will be heading back to Indiana to be home with them again.

What is the True Formula for Speed?

I bet if you were to search for products on speed development you would come across several hundred. The truth be told, many of them are good resources. The reason I say this is because, even though each one may be focusing on what they consider to be the key to speed, it is still good information.

I believe products are often dismissed as poor if the product doesn't meet the demands of the potential buyer. That certainly isn't a good reason to call the product poor. It just isn't what the buyer wanted.

To switch gears a little bit, I want to talk about what really is the speed formula. The truth is "it depends on the type of speed and the issues the athlete may have".

When I am coaching a basketball player to be quicker on the basketball court, I need to make sure he or she can accelerate in all direction, change directions quickly and under control, make sharp and speed cuts, and retreat all with great speed and quickness. So in this case the components that are going to be most important are; body mechanics as it relates to the speed skill (change of direction, cutting, accelerating...), force production and force reduction ability, and of course stride length (both linear and lateral). Stride frequency is harder to control and I would rather have more power and stride length resulting in greater speed anyway.

If I am coaching a sprinter, then my concerns change. I no longer need to focus on lateral or change of direction skills. My technique work needs to be geared toward efficiency while accelerating and at top end speed.

What if I am coaching hockey players. I really must emphasize explosive acceleration and deceleration.

Do I believe all athletes should be taught proper mechanics of accelerating, sprinting, lateral quickness, change of direction skills, jumping, and all the other movement skills- ABSOLUTELY! I don't believe we teach athletes to be well rounded movers any more. Believe me, when an athlete has developed the ability to be coordinated in all directions both in acceleration and deceleration, then they will have a greater foundation to be better at their chosen sport.

Getting back to my title, I believe there are many formulas to improve speed. The constants are strength and power, technical mastery, tactical and strategic mastery, and concentration and relaxation. But, I feel each situation demands a different formula. I need to know what the athlete brings to the table before I start coaching them. I want to know how they move and what their movement background is. Coaching speed is a mix of science and art. Good coaching is understanding when to put more emphasis on the most needed (science or art).

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are really looking forward to improving your knowledge in multi-directional speed training then go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and become a Speed Insiders Member. Read what one member had to say about her membership as a Speed Insider:

“My favorite part of being a Speed Insider is the knowledge that Lee passes onto us every month. It is so invaluable. I can use it immediately with my athletes and clients.”

-Kris Massaro

Just Get It Done!!!

2008-07-06T11:17:00.003-04:00

As you may or may not know, My wife and I own several businesses together. We have staff who takes care of various aspects of our businesses, but we are the decision makers and take the credit for our failures or successes.

We are often frustrated when we are not getting results fast enough on certain areas of our business. Don't get me wrong, we are patient and understand creating a foundation for the future of our businesses, but there are time when things need to get done ASAP.

We not only have businesses we run but we also have a wonderful family. We have 3 children, Jae, Bailee, and Brennen. They deserve our time even more than our businesses, but as you have probably felt before business keeps calling all day and all night long. It is always on your minds it is easy to forget to take the time and just go play with our kids. But then again our kids are great at reminding us we need to spend more time with them and that is a good thing!

The purpose of this blog is to talk about getting things done. My frustrations in business arise when things are not getting done. Those who are in my http://www.speedinsiders.com/ membership or the exclusive members of my coaching and Mastermind group know I work really fast. Before writing this blog I have already written an article and drafted a 4 page sales copy letter for a program we are offering at the speed academy. It is only 11am and it is Sunday. I know if I can get things done quickly I will continue to build momentum in my business. Plus, it allows me to do others things not related to business for the rest of the day.

Getting back to my wife and I. We had a long phone call this morning that was not all lovee dovee. It was about getting our butts in gear and getting things done. To be honest with you, we did have legitimate reasons for being behind on some of our work; My father's passing, Jenn and the girls had many events and activities, and we have all done a lot of traveling recently. But, business and opportunity doesn't wait for any one for any reason. So our talk this morning was basically about holding each one us accountable for getting STUFF done.

You Know- it isn't a coincidence people who work right and work fast have great results. People who make excuses and try to be perfect get little if any results. Before Jenn and I hung up the phone- she made a guarantee to me a project that has been hanging over our heads for months will be finished by the end of the week. I made a promise to my elf that I would have an article written, this blog written, the sales copy done, and a proposal to a sports complex finished by the end of the day today. You see, this is how we need to be each and every business day.

Success isn't a mistake or luck. It comes from deliberate and consistent action. We made a decision and promise to each other that we would get things done now.

My wish for you is that you would find the motivation, regardless of if it is coaching, writing a book, shooting a video, or whatever, to get your projects done so you can feel the rush of success in your life.

I'll be talking to you soon- have a great week!

Yours in Speed,

Lee

Jump Jump Jump...

2008-06-30T11:41:00.001-04:00

Speed Insiders Call In Day

Last night I held a question call in night for my Speed Insider members. I absolutely love calls like this. Normally, my teleseminar calls are around 60 minutes long, but last night's call went over 2 hours. I appreciate the questions the members were asking. There was great feedback from each member on other member's questions as well. That is exactly what I like about my Speed Insiders program. Everyone wants the best quality results and are willing to give quality answers. There were definitley some big breakthroughs with many of the answers that I was able to give.

The questions were not just limited to training athletes. There were business questions, marketing questions, new facility and business opportunity questions, we even got into the psychology of how to talk to clients to accomplish a certain result. To all of you that were on the call, great stuff! I look forward to scheduling an open call.

How to Use Jumping in Your Program

Jump training or plyometric training is still a hot topic. It certainly deserve discussion when ever it is brought up. I don't think it is being used properly. My opinion is based on many years of training athletes and seeing the results. Let me explain...

The issue that concerns me the most is... when I hear about an entire training program dedicated only to jumping. I have seen it for years in my community high school volleyball coaches dedicating 60 plus minutes, 3 times a week to jumping! My body hurts just mentioning that. How the misunderstanding of volume became so screwed up is beyond me.

Let's not forget jumping is a skill just like other speed skills. The more you do in one workout is not necessarily a good thing. The more quality work at a high intensity is a good thing.

It is also important to understand that strength is the foundation of jumping and speed. If you can improve the strength of the athlete the jump training or plyometric training you use will have greater value. Plus, strength training will decrease the injury potential. I personally know that if I improve the overall strength of my athletes I will have better results on jumping. But, what I am seeing more and more is athletes performing jumping programs with high volume and never doing any strength training. This is a problem. I am not saying you can't do jump training until you have done several weeks of strength training, you just need to control your volume and base the jump training off technique early on until you have adequate strength to handle more intensity. Also, you can be doing strength training along with the jump training.

The primary focus in our facility on jumping is on quality movement in the jump and landing along with appropriate intensity. If the athlete is capable of handling some load (vertimax, bands...) we will use them. We want our athletes to jump as hard as they can to challenge the nervous system on each attempt. When doing more plyometric (stretch shortening cycle training) based training we are now focusing on quickness off the ground per landing. We still want great technique but emphasize the quickness off the ground. In true jump training we will not worry as much about the quick re-jump and put more emphasis on the intensity and power output of each jump.

People are usually amazed when I tell them I use only 25-50 total jumps- usually closer to 25. This does not include low box drills that have very little impact. We break the total number into a few different exercises with 2-3 sets per exercise. To be honest, my most productive jumping is when we do 4-5 sets of 5-6 vertimax jumps- simple and to the point. The athletes respond very well from the vertimax.

Hopefully this information gives you a little to think about when doing jump training AS A PART OF THE TOTAL PROGRAM.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you want to take advantage all the great resources my Speed Insider Members continually receive go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ to get a 2 month FREE trial. I would love to hear your questions and have you be on my next open call - but you have to be a Speed Insider to have this invite.

How Did The Ancient Day Athletes.....

2008-06-20T14:46:00.001-04:00

Family Update

Well, I am back in NY at the Speed Academy waiting for my wife and kids to travel from IN to be with me. They will be here for a couple weeks and then head back. I will be at the Speed Academy for most of July and then head back to IN in August so I can have a couple weeks of fun with the kids before school starts up.

I am going to try to get more involved with my girls sports programs at their elementary school so I want to be back to Indiana as soon as possible.

I just want to say one more time how appreciative I am for all the words of support I received from many of you on the passing of my father.

Before there were trainers

I would consider my coaching style very natural when it comes to multi-directional speed development. I can only imagine that in the ancient days there were not too many athletic development facilities geared toward speed development, or coaches that focused on speed development for that matter. Yet I bet there were some incredible athletes just like there are now. So if I were to describe my natural coaching style it would be very much based off what athletes did years and years ago.

Let's remember that the body is a fantastic machine. It was designed to be a problem solver. What this means in multi-directional speed training is when an athlete is not in the ideal body position to make a quick explosive acceleration movement it will adjust. If the feet are too narrow one foot will widen to create a better angle to push off while the other prepares for contact and drive.

If the athlete needs to decelerate the body will instinctively use a foot plant that slows momentum. The body has innate abilities to react and move- we should not be messing with this.

The instinct of the body to find the appropriate angle will occur even when body is in a poor athletic position. A good example is when the athlete stands too tall. The proper angle will be found but the angle is based off the current height of the athlete. So the body does it's job correctly but because the stance is poor the movement is not as efficient as it could be. Now, if we get the athlete to get low or "In the Tunnel" they will find the best angle for acceleration.

This is what often happens with many coaches; they feel that because the athlete didn't move well the natural reactions the athlete used are hurting them. When in actuality the instinctive movement was correct but the starting athletic stance was the problem. Fix the stance and you fix the problem.

My style of coaching is to always look at what the body wants to do instinctively and make the adjustments when efficient movement is not met. The inefficient movement is usually due to poor stance, lack of mobility, or laziness. It is our job as coaches to recognize the problem and clean it up.

Recently I watched a soccer player do some ball handling drills and notices his body was moving correctly for the stance he was in- the problem was that the stance was not appropriate for efficient movement. So the correction was to fix the stance and body position and the skill improved tremendously.

Think about it. Humans didn't start becoming great movers only since speed coaches were around. They could move just fine using their natural instincts and abilities.

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ so you can get valuable monthly information reserved for Speed Insiders Members Only.

Keeping It All In Perspective

2008-06-15T06:54:00.001-04:00

I am sitting here at my facility in NY. It is 6:30 am on Sunday (Father’s Day) writing this blog. It doesn't matter how well things are going at any given time. Life can spin you around like a top.

Earlier this week, I spent three days (Monday – Wednesday) at the speed academy with my video production guy shooting my new Ground Breaking Part 2. I was tired, but riding a high because of the excitement of seeing all the athletes train, shooting my video, plus preparing to travel back home to see my wife and kids. While I was in NY, my father, who has been not doing well health wise (to be 89 this August) took a turn for the worst. He was given about 3 weeks more to live. As I drove back to Indiana, I felt very anxious and excited to see my family, yet because of my father’s situation, I had a somber side to me. Because my trip was so short and because I knew I was coming back to NY in less than a week to spend most of the summer, I didn’t visit my Dad.

So, I arrived home Thursday night very excited to see my wife, two daughters and son. My daughters were just as excited to see me and let me know that they had big plans for me on Fathers Day. I was also extremely excited to get back because my oldest daughter, Jae, has a 3 day basketball camp to attend this up coming week and I couldn’t wait to take her. She couldn't wait for me to take her, either. With all this excitement I couldn't stop thinking of my father. I wanted to be there for him.

Friday morning my brother called me. He said the nurse told him to come quickly because my fathers had difficulty breathing and he was not doing well. My brother said he would call back to let me know how my father was doing once he saw him. My father has had many moments when it seemed like it would be his last, but he always pulls through. Our family joke was that he went way past 9 lives- he was a tough guy.

About 45 minutes later my brother called again and said, "Lee, dad just passed away."

I am sitting in NY at my speed academy on Father’s Day working on a few things, while my wife and kids are celebrating Father’s Day by themselves. My wife will take Jae to her basketball camp, and I will spend time with my brothers and sisters as we lay my father to rest.

Life is a Journey! I was a part of my father’s journey for the 42 years I've been alive. He had a great life and made all of my brothers and sisters lives great. He was married to my mother, who passed away in 1999, for 57 years. He was a tremendous leader having been a teacher, coach, athletic director, and administrator- combined 40 plus years.

Recently, he was honored by being named Whitehall High Schools first "Hall of Fame" inductee. He had lived his life as a proud member of Whitehall, a proud educator for the students of Whitehall, and he was a proud athlete for Whitehall. He was most proud to have raised his family in the community of Whitehall.

No matter how far I go in my professional life, or how many accomplishments I achieve, I will always be my fathers youngest son and most proud of that.

I love you Dad!

Lee

Are You Thinking About Your Business?

2008-06-07T17:54:00.010-04:00

Family Update

Oh my Gosh! Brennen is 4 months old now and so much fun. He smiles and laughs all the time. If you didn't know better you would think he sipped the cider (Ha ha). Seriously, he just has the best personality. I was down on the floor with him the other night watching him move around like crazy. What a joy it is to watch him develop.

My daughters, Jae and Bailee, just love playing with Brennen. They think he is a blast to play with. Both of the girls finished their first basketball camp of the summer. They had a great time. It was the perfect camp for them to attend because it was only one hour and fifteen minutes in length. They met new friends and learned great skills to practice. As a coach, I thought the camp was well run.

Jenn and I are working hard at all our various businesses and making sure we are enjoying our family each and every day. We are preparing to spend some time in NY at the LTSA.

Are You Thinking About Your Business?

You're probably wondering what I am talking about. As you may already know, I have done a tremendous amount of self-education on strategies to grow our businesses over the past few years. I have also searched out some of the top business coaches that fit my needs. This has really led me to always think about my business, the direction it is going and the direction I want it to go.

I have coached athletes as a sport coach and an strength and speed coach for 20 years. I made money when I worked with athletes. But didn't make a dime when I wasn't working. This became tough on me because I started to miss time with my daughters and wife. Several years ago I started to produce DVDs and other information products that allowed me to make some extra income while I wasn't actually working. This has been a welcomed addition to my businesses. But there was something I was missing....

I started to think more about my business and began learning all the avenues I could to better serve the industry of athletics. Many people have different wants and needs and liked the information that I was sharing. I began to look at my products and realize the different avenues each product could take and at the same time, meet the needs of all the different coaches, trainers, athletes, parents, and professionals in many fields.

This is what I mean by "Are You Thinking About Your Business." Don't just go to work everyday and work in your business. You need to be working on it. You need to be trying to discover all the ways you can get your information or your products out to the people who want them.

Let me give you a quick example. You decide to offer a speed or sport camps in the summer and there are many athletes or coaches that would like to attend but are unable due to other commitments. If you film your camp they can purchase your valuable information by purchasing a DVD from you. You can also make a manual of the information. You now have two sources our your information for those people unable to attend your event. This is a simple example, but one that may get you thinking a little more.

Learning to think differently about my business has taken my excitement to a new level. I see all the possibilities now. I see what can happen if I open my eyes and see what is in front of me.

You might be wondering why I am even talking about this. I have had so many people over the past few years contact me and ask many questions about my businesses. I simple wanted to share something that might open your mind to how you should view your current business.

If you are interested in learning more, then check out my http://www.speedinsiders.com/ Speed Insiders Program. I give lot's of information about speed development and coaching. I also share valuable information on business development. My Speed Insiders program has actually led me to begin a Coaching and Mastermind Program. I use the approach of getting fast results with my members. This is only fora program for the highly motivated "direct target approach people" who want results fast. If you want more info on my coaching and Mastermind proram, info@sportsspeedetc.comt and mention the Platinum Exclusive Coaching and Mastermind.

I hope you have a great week and accomplish a lot!

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: If you are already a Speed Insider...look out! You will be receiving a great coaching video this month. If you are not currently a Speed Insider and would like to find out more, visit http://www.speedinsiders.com/ ...join for 2 months FREE...simple take it for a test drive.

Another Awesome Summit!

2008-06-02T11:19:00.001-04:00

Hello,
I just returned home from Providence, RI where I presented at the Perform Better Summit. It was outstanding as usual. I always look forward to meeting new people and talking during the breaks or in the lobby. That is what these events are all about.

Of course, I always enjoy catching up with all the other presenter and the Perform Better gang. Chris Poirier is such a classy man and has such a wonderful staff. They are the best!

Chris hosted a nice dinner where we all were able to enjoy some good eats and share time together. That is what I love about this industry. Most people are willing to share their time with you and just lay back and enjoy the moment. Good time!

Re-Thinking Multi-Directional Speed

I had such a good time presenting my topic on multi-directional speed. What I liked was so many people came up to me and said what a difference my techniques and approach made to them over the past year or more. You see, many of these people saw me speak last year or in the years before that. They were able to take the information and implement it into their sports teams or training programs. I love hearing people actually take action and implement the information.

One attendee that spoke with me after my presentation told me last year when she heard my presentation, she went back to her soccer club and re-taught how goalies move. She said one girl went from an average to sub-par goalie to one of the top goalies around. She then followed this up by helping another goalie reach to status. That makes me feel incredible. Not only because the techniques work (I know they work so is why I have preached them for 20 years), but more importantly because she took action and made changes. She even did this when all the other goalie coaches are preaching a different technique and have been for years. She will make many more athletes successful along the way. Yes!

One of the key points I spoke about was how my techniques are based on natural instinct and body re-organization in space. The body is so incredible at innately figuring out angles to accelerate and decelerate the body. We as coaches need to stop trying to change this.

Some times coaching is about finding something new rather than embracing what already exists. When we understand this concept, that is when we see the athletes move the best. Also, when we allow athletes to move naturally it makes the job of assessing much easier. But when we add fancy un-needed techniques we are not sure what the real problem is when one exists. Natural movement allows for clarity.

Speed Insiders

Another great thing about this weekend is that I saw many Speed Insiders. This is a great thing because I know they are willing to invest in themselves to keep improving their knowledge. Being a Speed Insiders is about gaining usable nnowledge, things that can be put to use immediately. So, when a Speed Insider invests to attend a clinic I know they are into taking action. this means the information they get from http://www.speedinsiders.com/ will be valued and used.

If you haven't tried my Speed Insiders proram yet but would like to, simply go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and give it a try for 2 FREE months. If you are not satisfied, you may stop being a Speed Insider at any time. Since beginning my Speed Insiders program there have been very few that have quit my program. I have no problem with those whom choose to quit, but I know they are the ones who don't understand the Law of Slight Edge. This states that all you need is one idea to improve any part of your business, programs, life or what ever is important to you. I have based all my investments into coaching, books, DVD's, CD's, seminars, clinics and consultations on the law of the slight edge- believe me, it works!

Yours in Speed,

Lee

PS: Don't forget to sign up for 2 FREE months of Speed Insiders at http://www.speedinsiders.com/

Lee and The World Champ...

2008-05-24T14:28:00.003-04:00

I know this is a big family and friends weekend and it should be. Memorial Day is a wonderful time to remember all the individuals that fought for our freedom. But I had to share with you my time with the MMA Champ, Randy Couture. Listening to him talk about how he prepares himself to compete was inspiring. To be honest with you, what inspired me more was how he prepares for business. He is swamped by offers to promote this widget and that widget, but he sticks to his principles and go with what is right. I respect this about Randy.

Randy spoke about how he made a come back at the age of 43-44 to become the heavy weight champ. Talk about having a plan. He spent months preparing to fight Tim Silvia, a much taller and bigger man. He brought in other fighters that were tall. This forced him to learn how to negotiate around Tim's length. The point is, Randy had a plan and he worked his plan. I admire that so much from people that figure out what they have to do to be successful and then ACT ON IT!

I have tried to live my life, and more recently my business life, with this philosophy. I find out from other people what works and then I make it my mission to adapt it to my life and business. I would much rather learn from other peoples mistakes then to have to go through all the mistakes myself. Although, I do believe we learn a lot more from the mistakes and failures we have then our successes.

I still can't imagine going back into the ring and fighting age his age- really awesome stuff. Heck, I hate fighting traffic at my age, I can't imagine fighting someone a lot bigger at 44.

You Must Attend!!!!!!

I am hosting a REAL important teleseminar Wednesday Night, May 28 at 7:15 pm -8:15 pm EST. I am revealing three of my most important training principles and concepts that can make you a super star coach in your niche. Regardless of if you are a PE teacher, strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer or a youth coach, this teleseminar will help you make a HUGE impact on the lives of the athletes you train. If you are a athletic development business owner.. you will blow people away knowing these three key athletic speed concepts.

I will be putting on this seminar on my one night home this coming week...I am traveling between the West Coast and the East coast. I think it is important that coaches are prepared to use this information for their summer speed and agility program! You definite must attend!

As a bonus, I will be answering a few of the many questions I received this month from my exclusive Speed Insiders Members. Each month they benefit from sending me their questions and I answer them in depth. This is a great learning tool for everyone, not just the ones asking the questions.

This call is only an hour. So, it will be to the point with the most important immediately usable information. What you will discover from this teleseminar will get amazing results if you apple them the very next day. I am really excited for this teleseminar.

OK. Here is the deal, If you are a Speed Insider http://www.speedinsider.com/ or in my Platinum Exclusive Coaching and Mastermind group you can attend the teleseminar for FREE. If you are not , then you will have a small investment of $27.00. If you would like to attend for FREE and want to try my Speed Insider program simply go to http://www.speedinsiders.com/ and try it out free for two months.

If you want in on this teleseminar go to www.TheSpeedGuy.com/techniquesteleseminar. Don't forget about the special bonus of listening to some great questions that will be useful to all.

Strength versus Multi-directional Speed- are they equally important?

There are many schools of thought when it comes to making an athlete faster. There is the strength crowd that feels as long as they are strong they will develop the ability to move faster. There is the speed training crowd that feels if you improve their neuromuscular training and improve and athlete's technique they will get faster more quickly this way. Then there are variations of both of these schools of thought. Here's what I think...

I have no doubt that if I can increase the force output and the time it takes to do so- I can make a faster athlete. So I know the wt room is the foundation of speed. But I also know that if you approach multi-directional or athletic speed the correct way, strength alone won't improve great movement skill.

What do I mean? When an athlete develops great strength and power and now moves faster when force is applied to the ground it doesn't say anything about body control and movement strategies. The athlete must be taught to position the body (center of mass and legs) in such a way that they quick force being applied can be directed correctly into the ground and therefore causing efficient movement. So the strongest man in the world doesn't earn the right to be the quickest mover on a field or court. He, just like everyone else, has to learn to negotiate his body so quick movements can be common. Most track athletes that I have worked with that primarily train for linear speed don't innately understand the "feeling" of preparing to re-negotiate the bodies position in an instant.

When you as a coach or an athlete begin to understand the role of technical efficiency during multi-directional speed you now can assess movement and increase its value.

The answer is... neither is more important than the other from a global standpoint. But without the technical efficiency of movement and negotiating the bodies position at any given time- all the strength and power in the world won't make you a better athlete. Think about that...

Yours In Speed,

Lee

PS: Don't forget to jump on this Live Teleseminar Wednesday the 28th from 7:15 pm-8:15 pm EST. Go to www.TheSpeedGuy.com/techniquesteleseminar You really don't want to miss this one!!!

PSS: If you want me to personally answer your questions on a monthly basis, join my Speed Insiders Program and get the insider information. http://www.speedinsiders.com/