Core Fitness: Field Exercises to Build a Strong Core
Coaches, I know what you’re saying. Sure, Wendy, you’ve told us core fitness is essential. You’ve shown us how to do core fitness with the exercise ball. You’ve inspired us with your planking ability – oh wait, that was Alan Webb. These are great home exercises for the exercise video set and the really diligent […]
Core Fitness: Plank Exercises for a Strong Core
Don’t have an exercise ball? No problem. All you need is your body and a padded but solid surface. (And I’ recommend securing your pets in another room. My husky sometimes gets a bit “too helpful.”) Let me first distinguish this from the planking fad (balancing face down with arms at sides in tricky and […]
Who Needs Core Fitness?
At the VYSA convention this weekend I presented on two topics: Game Fitness and Concussion Protection. The common denominator: Core Fitness. Seem strange? Not really. Because strength in your core muscles – your torso, both front and back – allows you to do two seemingly opposite things, move and hold still. How? Glad you asked… […]
VYSA Conference this Weekend
This Saturday, February 2nd, come on down for the Virginia Youth Soccer Association Conference at the Richmond Convention Center. There will be some great soccer workshops and teaching sessions from 8-5 plus vendors and exhibitors with the latest ideas, gear and give-a-ways. Plus, you can meet Caroline Miller, UVA soccer star and member of the […]
Just Don’t Get Hurt – How do you play that game?
When our daughter took the field with the high school soccer team, these words of advice were our best attempt at injury prevention. “Just don’t get hurt.” What a game plan, eh? How do you play the “just don’t get hurt” game? Here are some options: Take the field but don’t engage. Get out of their way […]
Coaches Teach By Keeping It Simple, Thanks Mike Jorden
“Those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach.” Have you heard the expression? I used to chuckle at it. I thought, Ha, that’ll be the day. When I can’t do it anymore. “It” meaning play all-out, compete with the best, throw my body into the fray without a care in the world. Well, that day […]
When Do You Yank Your RGIII?
If the Redskins had won, we probably would not be having this conversation. But they didn’t, so we are. Why keep RGIII in? Yes, he argued that he deserved to play. He could play through the pain. He, a 22 year old rookie phenom, convinced his veteran coach to keep him in the game. Mike Shanahan […]
Two Sports in the Same Season: What Can We Do?
Two sports in the same season, it doesn’t end. We just switch which team gets dibs on our kids. Now that fall soccer is over we head into the winter season. The fall soccer players are taking on winter sports, but also playing indoor or futsal, or just plain training outside. Two sports in the […]
Want to help your female athletes think and play with confidence? Write it down
Have you ever noticed that girls like to ponder things? Me too. Have you ever wondered what they’re thinking about? Me too. Do you know the best way to find out? Ask them. But don’t expect it to be that easy. You have to read between the lines. Which means…get it in writing. I’ve had […]
What’s in a Joint?
Nope, not talking about new legislation in Colorado and Washington State. Sorry. Talking about joints of the body. I know, there’s nothing more boring than an anatomy lecture. Trust me, I know. I’ve made students sit through hundreds of them. I used to trick them into having fun on the first day of class. I brought in […]