Quick Twitch and Bat Speed

Beyond Athletic Life Lessons (BALL) teaches a unit about strength conditioning and quick twitch versus slow twitch muscles and the effect on bat speed/arm speed.  Both are important.  But in athletics, (especially softball, baseball, golf, etc.) there's a time and a place for conditioning each.  The on-deck circle is an excellent place to excite your quick twitch muscles...but it's no time to be lifting weights.  

We've always believed that weighted bats (donuts, etc.) hurt quick twitch response in the on-deck circle.  Many coaches scoff at this - even at the MLB level.  Have them watch this Sports Science clip...and if they prefer a written version of the research, go to a Wall Street Journal article here...it just might change their mind... 

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Focus on the process, the end result will follow your lead...

While history will ultimately vet Saban, there's no denying his success in developing what he calls "The Process".  Sports Illustrated describes it as simply focusing "on the steps to success rather than the end result." Eerily similar to Coach Wooden's prescription for success, no?

Here's an article about how it can be used in other areas of your life.

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Creating a REAL strength and conditioning program...

Those of you who have followed BALL know that Eric Cressey and Cressey Performance have generously shared their resources and knowledge with Beyond Athletic Life Lessons for a long time.  It's been awhile since I've mentioned Cressey on this blog, but his presence can be felt all over the place at BALL for those fortunate athletes that have followed his advice.  

For those of you that don't know him, Cressey's business is training elite athletes.  There is no one-size-fits-all approach with Cressey Performance.  They custom-design each program for the individual.  I think that about 70% of his clients are pro or elite level baseball players, but he also trains Olympic athletes and the general public.

The video that follows is another great example of his expertise.  If you want a very thorough and in-depth look at training program considerations, look no further.  Cressey spells it out for you here:

Once again, Cressey absolutely rocks the house.  If you want more fitness resources (especially you baseball players), I highly encourage you to check out www.EricCressey.com.  I personally use his products and advice (and gladly pay full retail for his stuff). 
 

 

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Wooden's Witness Protection Program

Many of you are aware that Coach Wooden was very public about his Christian faith, but was very careful not to "shove it down people's throat". 

By allowing athletes to find their own path, he believed that he could "do more damage for the Kingdom" by living a Christ-centered life and mentoring them in life skills than the "christian" (small "c") that was conviction-centered Fire-and-Brimstone. Those of us that have witnessed the pebble in the pond that he dropped more than 80 years ago know that by any measure, Wooden was successful. 

Because of Wooden's example, by popular demand, a few months ago we began a new project. BALL was asked to create faith-based versions of several of our sports lessons for use in private school curriculum and faith-centered football, basketball, and baseball/softball clinics. This is in addition to our existing lessons that are secular. 

It turns out that these lessons are becoming pretty popular. So now, we need a few volunteers to help convert and/or research more content. This is not a huge time commitment (maybe 2 hours per lesson conversion), and you will be helping change lives through sports... If you are interested in helping this worthwhile endeavor, please message us (privately) at Success@GoToBALL.org so we can work you in to the rotation. Make each day your masterpiece! 

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Andy Griffith and Football

Comedic genius comes in all flavors. I prefer the storyteller.

Andy, you reminded us of our better self...of an innocent time and high moral integrity. And you were a master storyteller.

Andy's take on football is here.

RIP, friend!

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Coachless baseball team adopted by teenagers...

There's a saying: "The older I get, the better I was."

Memory has a way of blurring of how myopic us older folks were as kids. It happens every generation. Sometimes, we perpetuate the myth through how we coach. Sometimes when we see youth doing stupid things, sometimes we forget that they're just kids. Yet sometimes kids will do something truly special...this is one prime example.

Read this article and see if they don't teach you a thing or two about what it takes to be a good coach. Love of the game - and each other - go a long way in being successful. 

 Make each day your masterpiece!

 Ted Browne

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Making a difference...

Just 5 minutes away from BALL's headquarters stands La Quinta High School...high caliber people who care about their students inflict (good) damage on a nasty living environment...

This story is all about taking personal responsibility for your future. There’s more than meets the eye when UC Irvine’s Christian Ramirez takes the plate.

Taking A Different Kind of Walk...

You never know who's watching.  So always do your best!

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