This article is authored by Doug Scott. Opinions expressed may not be that of SMARTER Team Training, STT sponsors or constituents. Coach Scott has been a member of the Pingry faculty since 1999 and has served as a Physical Education teacher and Strength and Conditioning coach since that time. Doug designs workouts for both male and female student athletes competing on a variety of Varsity and Junior Varsity athletic teams, including many county, state, and conference championship teams. Listen to Doug’s podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

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As I am sure you are aware, performing at your best means paying attention to the smallest of details. You just simply cannot show up on game day and expect championship performances without preparation. The athletic “trifecta” for greatness is simple: practice your skills on the field, prepare your body in the weight room and live a champion’s lifestyle. That means making sure everything you do outside of training and practicing is leading you closer and closer to your goal of being a champion. Every bite of food, every beverage and every late night party affects your performance, even if you’re not in season. If it’s affecting your performance it’s affecting your teams performance as well, since you are a vital member of that team. Sure, the average athlete will eat some junk food or stay out later than they should. Whenever you start thinking about what “average people” do, remember this quote from legendary coach John Wooden, “to be average means you are equally close to the top as you are to the bottom.” Winners in life need to be aspiring to be closer to the top than the bottom and that means doing things the average person would not dare. Yes, this means you will have to make some tough or unpopular choices. Yes, you may get some weird looks when you leave a social function early; but that is what a member of an elite group does. They hold themselves to a higher standard and strive to be greater than average. They fight social pressure and temptation. They dare to be great and represent the masses in athletic competition. Long ago theses men and women were called athletes….and they were revered by all. Maybe its time to go back in time!


Doug Scott believes that strength training is a “means to and end” and should be a part of every athlete’s lifestyle; and it’s the coaches job to facilitate learning and put the athlete in the best position to get the most out of themselves and ultimately succeed. Mr. Scott has also worked as a personal trainer and has written a number of fitness-related articles and chapters. Coach Scott is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and hold the title of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. You can contact him at dscott@pingry.org.