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ELITETRACK: Sport Training & Conditioning




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Stimulus Threshold

Vern Gambetta
Monday, 15 March 2010
Stimulus threshold is the optimum training load required to elicit an adaptive response. There is a different stimulus threshold for each capacity, in the same manner there is a different time to adaptation for each capacity. There is an art and science to this. But the simple rule of thumb is that it is optimum not maximum that we are seeking.
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Rating: 3.2/5 (12 votes cast)

Wooden - The Teacher

Kebba Tolbert
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Wooden, TeacherI recently picked up a book You Haven't Taught Until They Have Learned by S. Nater and R. Gallimore. I've read a few chapters, faxed a few chapters to friends, and started some interesting discussions.

Wooden was the consummate teacher who was organized, demanding, yet humble. One of the best chapters is "It's What You Learn After You Know It All That Counts Most". I think back to some earlier years where I said to myself "ok, I've got this figured out" only to realize years later that I wasn't even close. Many passages in the book provide opportunities for self-reflection and self-improvement. This book was originally mentioned in The Talent Code (J. Coyle) which is another great read as Vern suggested several weeks ago. After we master biomechanics, training theory, sets, reps, meters, foot contacts, rest:work ratios, therapeutic methods, testing, etc... we still have to go out and teach. That's really the essence of what we do. Those who have talent and can teach, who can get ...Keep Reading
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Rating: 4.5/5 (11 votes cast)

March DVD Offer

Kebba Tolbert
Monday, 08 March 2010
For a limited time this month I am offering a DVD set with Tom Tellez, Dan Pfaff, and Boo Schexnayder.

Tellez - Methods to Improve Sprint Starts and Sprint/Hurdle Mechanics (2 DVD set)

Over 2 hrs of lecture, demonstration and video analysis by the master.

Pfaff - Technical Problem Solving - 80 min lecture on how to detect and solve technical errors... covers a myriad of overlooked topics.

Pfaff - Technical and Training Aspects of Sprinting with Power

Schexnayder - Triple Jump (a great clinic presentation)

Bonus, the first 20 orders will receive a CD with over 4 hours of audio from a high-level master coach. Topics covered include cueing, training design and progressions, and biomechanics.

The price for this set is $85. As with the other DVD offers a portion of all sales will be donated to help Mike's athlete. If you would like to order simply .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for details. Orders will be taken through March 16th only.
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Rating: 3.7/5 (14 votes cast)

Running Mechanics

Vern Gambetta
Monday, 08 March 2010
Running MechanicsStumbled on this picture today while searching the internet for something in preparation for my talks this week. This is Kip Kieno and I think Peka Vasala from the early 70's, may actually have been 72 Olympic games. Regardless this picture speaks a thousand words. You don't get this from doing drills, you get this from running fast!Look at this from the PAL Paradigm.
  • P = Posture
  • A = Arm Action
  • L = Leg Action
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Rating: 3.7/5 (11 votes cast)

Periodization – Some Thoughts Random and Otherwise

Vern Gambetta
Friday, 05 March 2010
There is so much mumbo and confusion in this whole area I am not sure where to begin. Perhaps these thoughts will lend some clarity.

Lets start by defining Periodization, it is the planning and organization of training into a cyclic structure to develop all biomotor qualities in a systematic, sequential, and progressive manner for optimum development of performance capabilities.

Another way to look at it, it is the timing, sequence and interaction of the training stimulus to allow optimum adaptive response in pursuit of specific competitive goals. It is not about time, it is about timing. It definitely is not random, it is always undulatory in nature based on how the body adapts. You can write a linear program, but the body adapts in an undulatory manner. Despite all that is written about the difference between undulatory and linear periodization, in my opinion those are term of convenience, that confuse rather enlighten.

All components must be trained during all phases, only ...Keep Reading
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Rating: 3.7/5 (14 votes cast)

Coaching Education Opportunities

Mike Young
Thursday, 04 March 2010
I have a couple things that might be of benefit for professional development for some of our members.

SOLD OUT Dynamic Warmup Considerations for Speed-Power Athletes DVD for only $14.95

My DVD publisher misprinted several of one of my DVDs such that the DVD has the content of Dynamic Warmup Considerations for Speed-Power Athletes but the label of Maximal Velocity Sprint Mechanics is on the cover. The DVD is fully functional otherwise so if you were interested in purchasing a copy of the Dynamic Warmup Considerations for Speed-Power Athletes DVD and don't care about the imprint or case then here's a great opportunity to get the thing for very cheap. Click here for the discounted DVD. There are a limited number of copies so act fast if you want one.



USA Weightlifting Sport Performance School on March 13-14

My training center, Athletic Lab, is hosting a USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach Course on March 13th and 14th. Early registration is over but you can still sign up ...Keep Reading
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Rating: 3.1/5 (7 votes cast)

Physical Competency Assessment – A Rational Approach

Vern Gambetta
Wednesday, 03 March 2010
physical competencyOver the course of my career I have used various forms of assessment to determine the athletes readiness to train and compete. Sometimes they looked more like something you would see in physical therapy clinic and other times it was just pure end range jumping, throwing and running tests. I kept searching for an assessment tool that would give then information I was looking for. A few years ago someone suggested I look at The Functional Movement Screen, that did fit the bill for me. Too one size fits all and based on some questionable assumptions’ about the body and how it moves. I knew Kelvin Giles had started work on a Physical Competency Assessment when he was head of S&C at the Queensland Academy of Sport. It seemed to make sense, I was missing the overview and explanation that I needed to begin to implement it. Then I met Kelvin a few years ago when we were both presenting to the English Institute of Sport S&C coaches. It was like a light went on. His physical competency ...Keep Reading
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Rating: 3.8/5 (16 votes cast)

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  • January 02nd - Ring in the New Year with our 30% off sale at HPC's company store. All individual DVDs are discounted 30% off and all books and DVD bundles are discounted 5-10% off their already low prices.The sale lasts until January 10th 31st.

  • October 13th - The quarterly sale at the HPC store is now on. All items are 25% off with the use of the coupon code 'fallsale' at checkout. You can even grab the on sale 'item of the week' for about half off by using the code on the already low price of $26.95. This is a great DVD by the legendary Tom Tellez on block starts and acceleration mechanics. This fall seasonal sale extends through the end of the month (October 31).

  • August 30th - HPC is offering up to $30 off merchandise in the company store as part of an End of Summer Clearance. All individual DVDs are 25% off (marked down to $29.95 from $39.95); DVD sets and DVD bundles are similarly marked down. Take advantage of this sale now as it ends September 10th.