Eastern Michigan Athletics
Sports Performance - Components
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Program Missing Components
Assuming quality thought and effort have been put into a sports performance program, all else being equal, I feel that these three components are usually separating an elite level program from the average:
Incorporating Daily Competitions – The ability for athletes to compete in an every day setting is critical to the success of team and individual sports. Anything from team relay’s, to 1 on 1 tug of wars, to using a dumbbell weight heavier than the previous week. I simply make the statement to my teams, “WIN THE DAY.” Work harder – beat your last weeks sets/reps/weight/time, COMPETE! There is competitive nature in all mankind. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort on the coaching end to see it. Fill your team with competitors and your program will take care of itself.
Physical and Mental Sport Transfer – Training to the specifics of the sport, and style that the head coaches are teaching is an essential way to succeed at any level. Find out what the sport coaches are looking to achieve and speak their same language. You are an addition to their staff, hop on board and cater your philosophy to their needs. Giving each athlete specific examples of on field/on court experiences where success can either be earned or an opportunity can be lost. Being able to make athlete’s understand the importance of mental toughness that is needed in the weight room and how it transfers over to their sport. The pain, the physical and mental struggles they endure in each training session is setting them up for success for their competitive season. Fight for every rep just as you would for any rebound, blocked shot, interception, or stolen base. Make
references back to their closest contests that might have been decided by one play – (or one rep).
Positive Influential Environment – Do athletes leave the weight room looking to return for more or dreading the next time they have to mope through one of the most silent hours of their day? Each session, from the minute the first athlete walks in, to the last grueling minute they are dragging out, fill the room with ENERGY!!! Push them through their toughest moments and coach every rep. Show each and every athlete that you care about their progress. Stay vocal, provide positive feedback as well as constructive criticism, play that latest hip-hop track and find a way to create a positive training environment.
Blair Wagner
Head Sports Performance Coach
Eastern Michigan University
Incorporating Daily Competitions – The ability for athletes to compete in an every day setting is critical to the success of team and individual sports. Anything from team relay’s, to 1 on 1 tug of wars, to using a dumbbell weight heavier than the previous week. I simply make the statement to my teams, “WIN THE DAY.” Work harder – beat your last weeks sets/reps/weight/time, COMPETE! There is competitive nature in all mankind. Sometimes it takes a little extra effort on the coaching end to see it. Fill your team with competitors and your program will take care of itself.
Physical and Mental Sport Transfer – Training to the specifics of the sport, and style that the head coaches are teaching is an essential way to succeed at any level. Find out what the sport coaches are looking to achieve and speak their same language. You are an addition to their staff, hop on board and cater your philosophy to their needs. Giving each athlete specific examples of on field/on court experiences where success can either be earned or an opportunity can be lost. Being able to make athlete’s understand the importance of mental toughness that is needed in the weight room and how it transfers over to their sport. The pain, the physical and mental struggles they endure in each training session is setting them up for success for their competitive season. Fight for every rep just as you would for any rebound, blocked shot, interception, or stolen base. Make
references back to their closest contests that might have been decided by one play – (or one rep).
Positive Influential Environment – Do athletes leave the weight room looking to return for more or dreading the next time they have to mope through one of the most silent hours of their day? Each session, from the minute the first athlete walks in, to the last grueling minute they are dragging out, fill the room with ENERGY!!! Push them through their toughest moments and coach every rep. Show each and every athlete that you care about their progress. Stay vocal, provide positive feedback as well as constructive criticism, play that latest hip-hop track and find a way to create a positive training environment.
Blair Wagner
Head Sports Performance Coach
Eastern Michigan University