Key Factors In Program Design
When developing your own athletic development program there must be certain intangibles that must be present for your program to be successful. These key factors where adapted from an article that Ken Mannie wrote more than 10 years ago. They are as important now, as they were when written a decade ago. These by any means are not all inclusive, but give you a good starting point as you develop your personal program philosophy.
ACCOUNTABILITY - Accountability is the most important factor in a successful program. Every player needs to be responsible for his designated work, whether that be stretching, conditioning, strength training or rehabilitation.
CONSISTENCY – Every athlete must understand, that to succeed in sports, consistency of fundamental skills, psychological preparation and physical development must all be addressed on a daily basis.
EDUCATION - Every athlete in your organization team should be educated on the organizational strength and conditioning philosophy, as well as the coaching staff, player development and athletic operations. Everyone should understand the practical application of the program.
TOTAL PARTICIPATION - Strength and Conditioning development is important for all team members, not just for a chosen few or for those who enjoy the activity. If for no other reason, the fact that strength and conditioning can be a deterrent to possible injury should make it the rule rather than the exception.
SUPERVISION - Regardless of the type of program you implement, make certain to provide the athletes with constant supervision. You will achieve better results if you approach it with the same enthusiasm and effort as you would a practice situation.
FREQUENCY OF WORKOUTS - Research and practical application indicate that three non-consecutive days in the off-season and two non-consecutive days during the in-season will achieve the required stimulation to maintain and increase muscular strength levels. A common mistake made by athletes and coaches is the abandonment of an in-season program. If strength and conditioning is completely eliminated during the season, the resulting decrease in strength levels may negatively affect performance and be a factor in an increased injury rate as the season progresses.
COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING - Adhering to a comprehensive approach will ensure balanced development and better prepare the players for the physical stresses of competition. A comprehensive training program should emphasize every aspect of the players’ physical development, including flexibility, strength, conditioning, agility and nutrition. It should also be evaluated during every rep, set, workout, day and week, to allow for adequate modifications. Never be satisfied.
ACCOUNTABILITY - Accountability is the most important factor in a successful program. Every player needs to be responsible for his designated work, whether that be stretching, conditioning, strength training or rehabilitation.
CONSISTENCY – Every athlete must understand, that to succeed in sports, consistency of fundamental skills, psychological preparation and physical development must all be addressed on a daily basis.
EDUCATION - Every athlete in your organization team should be educated on the organizational strength and conditioning philosophy, as well as the coaching staff, player development and athletic operations. Everyone should understand the practical application of the program.
TOTAL PARTICIPATION - Strength and Conditioning development is important for all team members, not just for a chosen few or for those who enjoy the activity. If for no other reason, the fact that strength and conditioning can be a deterrent to possible injury should make it the rule rather than the exception.
SUPERVISION - Regardless of the type of program you implement, make certain to provide the athletes with constant supervision. You will achieve better results if you approach it with the same enthusiasm and effort as you would a practice situation.
FREQUENCY OF WORKOUTS - Research and practical application indicate that three non-consecutive days in the off-season and two non-consecutive days during the in-season will achieve the required stimulation to maintain and increase muscular strength levels. A common mistake made by athletes and coaches is the abandonment of an in-season program. If strength and conditioning is completely eliminated during the season, the resulting decrease in strength levels may negatively affect performance and be a factor in an increased injury rate as the season progresses.
COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING - Adhering to a comprehensive approach will ensure balanced development and better prepare the players for the physical stresses of competition. A comprehensive training program should emphasize every aspect of the players’ physical development, including flexibility, strength, conditioning, agility and nutrition. It should also be evaluated during every rep, set, workout, day and week, to allow for adequate modifications. Never be satisfied.
