When Health and Recreation Programs Become Human Performance Laboratories, Who Pays?
Last week I saw a friend I hadn’t seen in some time. She has three kids: one graduating college, one beginning his second year at university and one nearly finished with high school. “So, what about you?” I asked, “What are you doing with yourself?” “Oh, the kids are still keeping me busy. I really […]
5 Things to Look for if You’re New on the Soccer Team
Just joined a new team or are considering one? How do you know whether it is a good fit? Here are 5 things to consider: other players, other parents, the coach, the team feel, your own kid. Other players … watch these at tryouts and practice: Does your kid fit in? Can she keep up with […]
Pain AND Gain: On the Edge of Injury AND Glory
I got to spend my mornings last week with the First Ladies of soccer, the Washington Spirit. I have never seen that kind of soccer quite so up close and personal. These women are phenomenal. Just standing by, I can hardly believe the power and accuracy and quickness of their ball drills and their small-sided […]
Training the Fittest, Be Smart About Functional Over-reaching
Don’t call it over-training, they say, call it over-reaching. Or better yet, call it under-performing. All that to get away from the accusatory tone that comes with the word. How much is too much? Well, it all depends on how they play, right? At the ACSM conference I attended a session on “Over-training” in high-performing […]
Breaking News from the Science of Sports
I just got back from the 60th annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine. It’s a HUGE meeting. The conference program had nearly 300 pages worth of scientific sessions, presentations, posters, and workshops to choose from. Everything for every body involved in sport and physical activity. By the end of the week I […]
Save the Ankles! Make Strengthening into Dynamic and Fun Fitness
When my girls were small, they deferred to the other player. “Here, you want the ball for a while?” their body language would say. It drove me nuts. Where was there competitiveness? their assertiveness? their drive? They were just too polite for their own good. I was sure I was a coaching failure. Until we […]
Coaching Girls vs Boys – Is it Really That Different? ~ by Mike Mancini
Here is a guest post from Mike Mancini, coach, parent and website owner of “Athletic Training Now,” where he offers health information and training for the youth athlete. Fit2Finish is happy to support others in the field who are leading the way to health in youth sports. Here…..’s Mike! When my daughter was born 13 […]
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 […]
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… […]
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 […]
