I need to preface this post by saying that in 2004 - 05 I worked for the New York Mets, not the greatest of times, but a big time learning experience. I also want to emphasize again that this is not a political blog, but sport and society are intertwined. This also could be interpreted as another baseball bashing, so be it. When I found out that Citibank, the latest financial institution to go on [...]

I have decided to institute a new award among the numerous awards given in sport. I am sure this sure will soon rival the ESPY’s in prestige. It will not be an annual but will be awarded more frequently to honor those who have buried their heads in the sand as deep as possible to avoid the most obvious of problems. The first winner is George Mitchell, that tireless anti- drug crusader who d [...]

I was sent an article written by Ken Mannie, Strength and Conditioning coach at Michigan State entitled Traditional vs. Functional: Balancing the Scales. What is the difference between traditional training and functional training or traditional strength training and functional strength training? Is there a difference? What scales are we trying to balance? Let start with a definition - Functional [...]

Last week we tested or more exactly competed in the Upper Body Triathlon. We tested Jungle Gym Pull-ups, Dips and Push-ups. The winner was determined by the player who got the highest number of total reps. Great spirit and good competition. These kids have been training since June. They have done a superb job and shown great improvement. We are now starting our Get Fast phase, more emphasis on spe [...]

The batteries are recharged and my mind is overflowing with ideas. I have spent the last two weeks pursuing the answers to life’s persistent mysteries concerning athletic development. Just kidding. For me recharging the batteries was not to take a vacation and sit on the beach contemplating my navel, it was refocusing spending more time coaching. The Venice Volleyball team starts district p [...]