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', ); STT Football – SMARTER Team Training https://smarterteamtraining.com Baltimore Coaching for Teams and Athletes Fri, 09 Oct 2020 02:03:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.10 Deadlift Variations To Help Your Pull https://smarterteamtraining.com/deadlift-variations-to-help-your-pull/ Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:10:29 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=7853 Bent Iron Performance

The deadlift is often considered one of the fundamental exercises for developing the strength of an athlete. Although very taxing on the nervous system, it can build a significant amount of strength and muscle in an athlete’s back, and legs. Athlete’s are looking to get stronger but, like all people, they may hit a wall in their strength development. Here are four deadlift variations that may help breakthrough those strength plateaus.
Trap Bar Deadlifts
Trap Bar Deadlifts are a great alternative to a conventional deadlift, especially if you have an athlete who struggles keeping their center of mass properly in line with the bar. For some athletes their trap bar deadlift movement pattern may look closer to a squat than a deadlift or a hybrid dead-squat motion. This is fine as long as the body remains in a proper lifting alignment, and the low back stays in an engaged, but neutral position.
[tubepress video=”AXT8r111XMY”]
Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)
The RDL variation is a great way to emphasize strength development in the athlete’s hamstrings, low back, and glutes, and may help the lifter with the lockout portion of the deadlift. If this a new variation for the athlete, have the athlete perform a normal deadlift first, then from the top of the lift descend as low as they can while maintaining a flat back and minimal flex in the knees, and return to the standing position. As the athlete becomes more accustomed to the motion of the RDL, they can begin pulling directly from the floor instead of performing a deadlift first, then performing the RDL from the top down.
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Snatch Grip Deadlifts
Snatch Grip Deadlifts challenge the grip strength, mobility, and mid-back strength of an athlete. Many pulls are lost due to weak hands, so snatch grip deadlifts are a great way to build grip strength while still performing pulls from the floor. To properly perform a snatch grip deadlift, the lifter has to keep the middle and upper back engaged throughout the entire rep, another area where many athletes struggle . The pull of a snatch grip deadlift will be longer than a normal pull from the floor, so the greater range of motion is a way to increase the workload without increasing the weight, sets, or reps.
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Deficit Deadlifts
Deficit deadlifts can help athletes who struggle with the initial part of the pull, and are a great way to emphasize the role of the quads during the motion of a deadlift. To perform a deficit deadlift, you need to stand on a two to four inch box, or stable plates, then perform a normal deadlift. This exercise increases the range of motion of the pull and is another way to generate greater stress on the muscles of the body without increasing the sets, reps, or weight of the exercise.
About the Author:
Mike Whitman is the Director of Training for SMARTER Team Training effective November 2014. Whitman has previously been the performance director of a training facility, a site manager for the health and wellness program of a multi-national corporation, and a consultant for the Under Armour E39 project. Whitman has worked with current or former NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, MLL, NLL athletes, as well as clients ranging from ages 13 to 58. CLICK HERE for more information about Coach Whitman.
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Four Squat Protocols To Get Your Numbers Up https://smarterteamtraining.com/four-squat-protocols-to-get-your-numbers-up/ Thu, 01 Jan 2015 13:55:44 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=7841 The squat has become a fundamental movement in the strength and conditioning community. Here are four ways to change up the basic squat pattern that challenge your athletes and can help break through strength plateaus.
[tubepress video=”1h-vDSXiUco”]
Pause Belt Squats
Many athletes struggle to control the bottom portion of their squat. Athletes often can’t get low enough, try to bounce out of the bottom and lose control, or just lack muscular drive when deep in the squat. With a pause squat, have your athlete descend as deep as they can while maintaining proper form, stay at the bottom for 3 – 5 seconds keeping their core tight and engaged, and then drive out of the hole. The forces the athlete to use proper form, engage his core, and build strength from the bottom.
[tubepress video=”NG_mJneEEWY”]
1 and ½ squats
This squat variation allows the athlete to increase the workload in their weakest range of motion. If an athlete struggles in the bottom part of the squat, or ‘getting out of the hole’ then you would have them go all the way down, half way up, all the way down to the bottom of the squat, then all the way up and repeat.
[tubepress video=”qZF4Hz_TVuo”]
Pause Front Squats
These are the same as the normal pause squats, except we are using a front squat movement pattern. The force the athlete to really engage their back, stay upright, and keep their elbows up so the bar doesn’t fall down and away from them. If you have an athlete who struggles with form, loses their form coming ‘out of the bucket,’ or struggles to really engage their low back in the front squat movement pattern, this is a great tool you can use.
Banded Belt Squats
By adding a resistance band to the squat motion, we can make the easiest part of the squat for most athletes, the top half, much more demanding, without reducing their range of motion. There are two ways we use banded squats. We either choose a challenging weight and then add a light band for an overload for the top half of the motion, or we choose a light weight and place one or two heavy bands on the bar and have the athlete really accelerate through the motion.
About the Author:
Mike Whitman is the Director of Training for SMARTER Team Training effective November 2014. Whitman has previously been the performance director of a training facility, a site manager for the health and wellness program of a multi-national corporation, and a consultant for the Under Armour E39 project. Whitman has worked with current or former NCAA, NFL, NBA, MLB, MLL, NLL athletes, as well as clients ranging from ages 13 to 58. CLICK HERE for more information about Coach Whitman.
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Loren Landow: A STT Exclusive https://smarterteamtraining.com/loren-landow-a-stt-exclusive/ Fri, 18 Oct 2013 12:17:33 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=6885

This week on iTunes, Stitcher and Spreaker, STT interviews a professional who is making an impact in the private sector through the pro level. Coach Landow is highly sought after for his ability to analyze and correct biomechanics. His goal is to maximize human performance, while decreasing the likelihood of injury. He has trained thousands of athletes of all ages and abilities, including over 500 professional athletes in the NFL, NHL, MLB, UFC, WNBA and Olympic medalists. Coach Landow served as the Strength and Speed coach during the NFL lockout. These training sessions included over 30 players from the Denver Broncos, as well as, 45 players from other NFL teams. Coach Landow has worked with over 30 NFL All-Pro’s and over 20 first round draft selections in the NFL. He has presented on the National and International level in the performance field, and serves as a consultant for professional and collegiate teams across the country. Coach Landow has developed the ACL prevention program and ACL return to sport protocols for the world renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Denver, Colorado. His recent accomplishments include the publication of “My Offseason with the Denver Broncos: Building a championship team while nobody is watching.” This past summer he served as a Strength and Conditioning coach on the 16th season of the Ultimate Fighter Reality Show for Team Carwin. Coach Landow’s passion is assisting athletes to perform at their peak level on the competition field.

The SMARTER Team Training Audio Interview Series has been developed to share insights from some of the best in the industry. Stay tuned for more insights, tips, drills, and techniques to come from STT on iTunes, STT on Stitcher and STT on Spreaker. Be sure to share the STT Audio Interview Series with coaches, trainers, parents, and athletes too.


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Emotions Will Be Overwhelming https://smarterteamtraining.com/emotions-will-be-overwhelming/ Sun, 13 Oct 2013 12:26:12 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=7016

I hope that you are enjoying your summer vacation since they always seem to end too soon. However, this is a different summer for you. It is a summer of transition where you will start to define the next chapter in your life not only on the field but in the classroom as well. I hope you are as excited to join our family as we are to welcome you to campus.

As you step onto campus, emotions will be overwhelming. You may feel excited, anxious, and possibly a little fearful. It is a time of unknown and everyone goes through it. You will meet all sorts of people; every student here has their own story so keep in mind that you are the author of your own chapter and that you control every step of your life. Keep this in mind every day you wake up, and before you know it you will have brought success to every aspect of your life.

When you step on campus, you will immediately be part of a unique team. This takes energy, hard work, and discipline to take charge of your life and balance the ever demanding challenges of being a student athlete. Stay on top of your studies, and let everything on the field come to you. There will be adversity waiting around every corner but remember that you have already set yourself apart from others. It is exactly this quality that brings excitement into our locker room as we look forward to the season.

I hope that you are eager to get on campus. You are becoming part of a legacy that is bigger than either of us. It will not take you long to understand what I am talking about, as you will meet other men that want to succeed just as bad as you. There is a reason that you were asked to become a part of this team and that is to win a championship. It will not be easy, and our team and coaches will challenge you every day. Expect nothing less than the very best from yourself and remember that it takes hard work to fulfill dreams.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and I look forward to meet you in the fall.

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?

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A Winning Attitude https://smarterteamtraining.com/a-winning-attitude/ Sun, 06 Oct 2013 12:16:10 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=7015

Being a part of this team is something very special. In just a few weeks I will be a proud alumnus. I have gone through four years of hard practices, great wins, and devastating defeats. But the one thing that I have learned over the four years is that nothing comes easy. Hard work, dedication, and commitment will be the keys to your success. Being a college athlete is a 24 hour, 7 days a week job. Not only are you representing your college on the field as a player, but you are representing yourself, your teammates, and your college off the field as well. As you arrive on campus in the fall you will be received by an instant family of teammates and coaches.

The one key piece of advice that I can leave you with is to come into the fall with great expectations. You chose this institution for one reason, and that is its winning attitude and rich tradition. Come into the fall in great condition because as you will soon find out you will be starting right away in the fall. It is not just about playing the game you love, strength and conditioning is a very important part of it. That aspect of the game will determine a large part of your season’s outcome. Enjoy your upcoming season and your trip throughout a completely new and exciting part of your life.

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?

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Spend Your Time Wisely https://smarterteamtraining.com/spend-your-time-wisely/ Sun, 29 Sep 2013 12:27:52 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=6912

I hope you are having a great time in your senior year of high school because it goes by very fast. We have heard about your final season and congratulations on all of your accomplishments. You are going to have a long break before you have to report to summer school and I really recommend spending your time wisely. I felt as though I came into summer school physically prepared because I worked out and did well in the workouts that were given to us by Coach Taylor. It really helps to be in good shape when you get here because you will be ahead of the game. You do not want to be out of shape because then you will have to do even more work to catch up with the rest of the team. In post season this year, we really emphasized on not giving up and finishing all of the tasks. The workouts are challenging but if you stick together as a team you will be fine.

Summer school is a lot of fun but also a lot of work. It gives you a chance to really bond with some of your teammates and become great friends on and off the court. We all have high expectations of you, so don’t let us down! Our team has been working extremely hard in the post season with all of our workouts. We plan to carry our hard work throughout the summer and the upcoming season. We want all of you upcoming freshmen to be a part of it because we want a great season.

Have fun this summer and can’t wait to see you!

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?

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Increase Your Commitment https://smarterteamtraining.com/increase-your-commitment/ Sun, 22 Sep 2013 12:39:47 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=6911

It sounds like you have had a very successful year with your high school and AAU programs. It’s very encouraging to know that our new freshmen class will be bringing in a lot of talent and experience for the upcoming season.

Although it’s obvious that you have worked hard, it is equally important that you increase your commitment over the next few months in anticipation for summer school. Our training is tough, but as long as you put in lots of work now with your strength, core and fitness training, I don’t foresee you having problems with the workouts.

I know I was really nervous coming in as a freshman because I didn’t know what to expect at all. I hadn’t done that much strength training before, but it really didn’t take long for me and the other freshman to catch up. I remember before I got to school that I tried to incorporate all the components of the strength and conditioning manuals into my workouts, and ended up getting overwhelmed. Just remember, if you have any questions before you get here, Coach Taylor doesn’t mind answering them. It shows that you’re committed and taking a real interest. Also know that as long as you keep working out and pushing yourselves now, you’ll be that much further ahead when summer school comes around.

I hope you have a lot of fun for the rest of your senior year. I can’t wait to see everyone in the fall!

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?

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Leave Everything On The Field https://smarterteamtraining.com/leave-everything-on-the-field/ Sun, 15 Sep 2013 12:17:45 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=6910

I hope you are excited to be part of the team. Take advantage of the next few months. The summer is the best opportunity to prepare for the college season. You are expected to follow the summer workout schedule to the best of your ability. This is the toughest time to do the work, so take on the challenge. When you are on your own, you need to be motivated to push yourself to your limits when there is no one running by your side. Do your job, and come into the fall prepared to achieve the goals and ambitions of this team.

Myself, and the rest of the squad, have very high expectations for this season. A conference title and a National Championship are goals well within our reach. We must do whatever it takes to get there. It will take sacrifice and dedication, and a willingness to fulfill your role on this team. Take charge and start to prepare now. It will be hard work, but you will be ready for it. Every day you should walk off the field knowing that you got better that day. Leave everything on the field, in games, and in practice. Once you step off the field, you cannot get that time back, so expect to give 100% every minute you are on the field.

We are a team and we always support each other. When you are down, expect your teammates to pick you up, and expect to be there for others. From freshmen to seniors, we are in this together. You are an equally important part of what will make this team great, so never step back because you are a “freshman”.

Part of being a member of this team means taking personal responsibility for your own actions. We have hours dedicated to team practices, but take advantage of the opportunity to do individual workouts. The extra time and dedication will make you a great player. You can always get better, always reach for the best, and then go farther.

Come in prepared for your first season. Be ready to feel the pride of wearing our school name across your chest. Come in ready to challenge the returning players. Show them how hard you are willing to work for this team. From day one set the standard high.

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?

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Sid McNairy: A STT Exclusive https://smarterteamtraining.com/sid-mcnairy-a-stt-exclusive/ Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:42:13 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=6880

This week on iTunes, Stitcher and Spreaker, STT interviews a yogi that is commonly called “coach”. As a previous football coach at Northern Illinois University with a major in Movement and Sports Science from Purdue University, and a Masters Degree in Sports Administration from Easter Illinois University, Sid McNairy’s path to healing and inspiring others was destined. One of his players, Justin McCareins, former player of the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, had injured both of his hamstrings. Under Sid’s guidance, Justin began doing Yoga to heal. Inspired by the impact Yoga had on his player, Sid began to incorporate Yoga as an integral part of his team’s training which led to the team’s first winning season in 23 years. Sid first began doing Yoga to find a way to heal both physically and emotionally. As Sid developed his own Yoga practice, he realized many health benefits such as the disappearance of his asthma which had plagued him for 30 years, as well as a full range of motion in his right ankle that was fused.

The SMARTER Team Training Audio Interview Series has been developed to share insights from some of the best in the industry. Stay tuned for more insights, tips, drills, and techniques to come from STT on iTunes, STT on Stitcher and STT on Spreaker. Be sure to share the STT Audio Interview Series with coaches, trainers, parents, and athletes too.


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Are You Ready For A Full 60 Minutes? https://smarterteamtraining.com/are-you-ready-for-a-full-60-minutes/ Sun, 08 Sep 2013 12:41:42 +0000 https://smarterteamtraining.com/?p=6909

As we all know, our sport is very demanding. We push our bodies to its limits for a full 60 minutes, then need and expect it to recover for another game just a few days later. It is important that we get our bodies in the best physical shape possible, so that it can meet the demands we place on it. We must get prepared starting now. It does not matter that the fall is our off-season; this does not mean that we can wait until winter break to prepare for the season. The work must start now!

I do not think anyone has been in better shape than where we got with Coach Taylor’s training. We place our trust in Rob to get us to where we need to be fitness wise and we believe he can get us there. This trust and belief means that we must follow the Summer workout program he has given us. We should give our all in every workout. Doing it not because we have to, but because we want to. We need to challenge ourselves every time we workout, whether it be running, lifting, or even just throwing a ball around.

We want to have a successful season this year, but to reach this success we must put in the hard work. The fall will be challenging, but it should not be a struggle. Now is the time we must have the discipline to follow the Summer packet, so that we do not have to waste time in the fall getting fit. The Summer packet will get you to where you need to be at the beginning of the fall, and we will only get better from there. Enjoy the summer, enjoy the challenge of pushing your body through workouts, and let’s get ready to have a successful season.

Sincerely,

Your teammate


Throughout my career motivated individuals have surrounded me. This inspiration at times was tough to feel during the daily grind, and other times the real life energy was obvious. When our paths cross, I am proud to see that the athletes come up to me for a handshake or high five and the stories they remind me about put an instant smile on my face.

This new segment will showcase the letters that many have written, myself or the athletes and coaches that I have worked with; to share their inspiration with those we call “teammates.” As you read through the messages that are shared, please remember that what is inside you can separate you from the rest. Look around and you may be surprised how many others are in need of just a little enthusiasm to push them closer to their goals: professionally, physically, mentally, etc.

I will begin with a letter that I sent to a team that I am still very proud of to this day. No names needed. Just a sincere message that I hope can impact others to pay it forward by giving energy to those around them.

Please leave your feedback in the comments section at the bottom. How are you preparing your team, coaches, administrators, staff, co-workers, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers to have a positive mindset in both good and challenging times?

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