All movement is functional; it is just to what degree is it functional. Function is integrated multi-directional movement. Functional movement is meaningful movement that is part of a chain reaction, not an isolated event. Movement occurs on a continuum of function. Some movements are more functional than other based on the end object of the training.Less Functional>>>>>>Most FunctionalSterile – [...]

This past weekend, I presented at the NSCA BC Provincial Clinic on Biomotor Development for Speed Power Athletes. Here's my slidedeck from the presentation. As usual, I'll try to answer any questions on the presentation in the forum. Biomotor Development for the Speed-Power Athlete from Mike Young [...]

In the 1990s a new label for strength and conditioning was coined, it was performance enhancement specialist. Soon those that were only a CSCS had to deal with those that did a little of everything and more. I do like Athletic Development coach because it is more holistic, but Strength and Conditioning coaches is a great title because those two biomotor abilities are really the primary aspects of [...]

Most of today's successful distance event coaches are recognizing the need to train their runners like athletes rather than just tacking on countless miles. I've worked with quite a few successful middle distance and distance runners on developing holistic programs to increase their running economy, finishing mechanics / speed and resistance to injury and it's always amazing how much an enduran [...]

It's been almost two years since Peter Weyand, Vern Gambetta and I presented together at the first ever Rice Speed Symposium but I still refer back to the notes I took from Vern and Peter's talks. Casey Thom, the organizer, put together a great setup, we had an excellent turnout and the quality of presentations was superb. In fact, I put my presentation slidedeck from that talk up as an ELITETRA [...]

I was going through some notes I'd taken from meetings I'd attended in the past year and this absolutely beautiful quote from a highly successful US Athlete (4x World Championship competitor, 2x Olympian, 2x US National Champion) stood out to me: Who the f@%k thinks Olympians are supposed to have efficient training? You're supposed to train past efficiency all the way through diminishing return [...]

One of the interns at my sport performance training and research center, Athletic Lab started his internship the week I left NC to take over as the fitness coach for the Vancouver Whitecaps. While the mentorship continued in my absence, we weren't able to have the daily professional dialogue that goes on all the time at Athletic Lab between staff and interns. When I was back in NC last month, he [...]

Effective athletic development is based upon the principle of the development of fundamental movement skill before specific sport skill. In generations past this was something that everyone took for granted because the demands of everyday living took care of fundamental movement. People at all ages were much more active. Children grew up active, free play was a major part of daily activity. It was [...]

I not writing this to tell you how to train your athletes but I am asking you question what you do, why you do it, how you do it and when you do it. Think and question, seek answers. On whose authority do I speak? Frankly I speak on the authority of wisdom based on experience and common sense. I have a passionate belief in defining the field of athletic development and of the importance of coachi [...]

In my travels and I get the opportunity to observe a lot of different things. Here are some random thoughts based on things that I have seen over the past few months.Rethink the use and role of strength coaches – Ultimately the responsibility lies with the sport coach for the athlete’s performance. The strength coach does not have that same responsibility or stake in the athlete’s performanc [...]