Unleashing the Need for Speed: Developing Linear Speed for Field Sports

Unleashing the Need for Speed: Developing Linear Speed for Field Sports

In the realm of field sports such as football, lacrosse, soccer, and baseball, linear speed is a game-changer. Athletes who can accelerate rapidly in a straight line possess a distinct advantage. Atlas Performance Training understands the pivotal role of linear speed and, in this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of developing this crucial attribute. We'll provide insights into training methods and coaching principles that enhance linear speed and emphasize how proper technique and form can significantly impact an athlete's performance on the field.

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Speeding Sideways: Building Horizontal Speed for Lateral Excellence in Basketball and Soccer

Speeding Sideways: Building Horizontal Speed for Lateral Excellence in Basketball and Soccer

In the dynamic world of sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer, mastering horizontal speed is a game-changer. Athletes who can move quickly and efficiently laterally gain a significant advantage. Atlas Performance Training recognizes the importance of horizontal speed in these sports and, in this blog post, we'll dive into its significance. We'll describe training strategies that focus on improving lateral speed and agility, and we'll discuss specific movements and exercises that can enhance an athlete's ability to change direction quickly.

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Functional Movement Screening and Corrective Movement: Ensuring Proper Athletic Development

Functional Movement Screening and Corrective Movement: Ensuring Proper Athletic Development

In the pursuit of athletic excellence, understanding the concept and significance of functional movement screening is paramount for youth athletes. Functional movement testing goes beyond the surface, probing the intricacies of an athlete's mobility, stability, and overall physical function. In this blog post, we will explore the essence of functional movement testing for youth athletes, delve into practical methods for conducting these tests, discuss strategies for correcting and improving functional movement, and provide real-life examples illustrating the transformative power of these assessments and corrective exercises.

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Speed Training Fundamentals for Young Athletes: Tailoring for Sports Excellence

Speed Training Fundamentals for Young Athletes: Tailoring for Sports Excellence

As a dedicated coach at Atlas Performance Training, we understand the crucial role that speed plays in the success of young athletes. Whether they are aspiring basketball players, football stars, soccer enthusiasts, volleyball champions, rowing contenders, or baseball prodigies, speed is a fundamental aspect of their athletic journey. In this blog post, we will explore the foundational principles of speed training for young athletes, emphasizing its importance in sports performance. Additionally, we will delve into how speed training can be tailored to specific sports to meet the unique demands of each, and we will highlight training techniques and drills suitable for young athletes to enhance their speed and quickness.

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Will squats work your hamstrings and calves to improve the strength?

Will squats work your hamstrings and calves to improve the strength?

Squats are a fundamental exercise in any strength training routine, but many individuals wonder whether they effectively work the hamstrings and calves. Neglecting these muscle groups can hinder your overall health and performance journey, potentially leading to imbalances and decreased performance.

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Identify Core Muscular Weaknesses and Strength Imbalances to Tailor Training Programs for Athletic Excellence

Identify Core Muscular Weaknesses and Strength Imbalances to Tailor Training Programs for Athletic Excellence

In the realm of youth athletic development, the pursuit of excellence extends beyond honing skills and perfecting techniques—it hinges on understanding the significance of identifying core muscular weaknesses and strength imbalances. This blog post embarks on a journey to explore the pivotal role that recognizing these physical limitations plays in enhancing athletic performance among young athletes. We'll delve into methods for pinpointing these issues, delve into customized training approaches aimed at addressing individual core weaknesses and strength imbalances, and illustrate the remarkable transformations young athletes can achieve through targeted training.

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Mastering the Game: Balancing Skill and Strength in Youth Athletic Development

Mastering the Game: Balancing Skill and Strength in Youth Athletic Development

In the world of youth sports, success isn't just about perfecting a jump shot or scoring a goal; it's also about building a solid foundation of physical strength and stability. At Atlas Performance Training, we recognize the importance of striking a delicate balance between honing sports skills and developing physical prowess. In this blog post, we'll explore the top five ways athletes benefit from this holistic approach to training and how it plays a crucial role in injury prevention.

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The Road to Greatness: Long Term Athletic Development in Youth Sports

The Road to Greatness: Long Term Athletic Development in Youth Sports

In the world of youth sports, success is not just about winning today's game; it's about nurturing young athletes for a lifetime of achievement. At Atlas Performance Training, we understand the profound significance of a structured and long-term approach to athletic development for our young athletes. In this blog post, we will delve into why Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) is the cornerstone of future athletic success and how it fosters lifelong healthy habits.

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Progressive Overload in Strength Training for High School and Middle School Athletes

Progressive Overload in Strength Training for High School and Middle School Athletes

Progressive overload is a fundamental concept in strength training that plays a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance, regardless of an athlete's age. For high school and middle school athletes, understanding and implementing progressive overload can be a game-changer. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of progressive overload, its positive effects on athletic performance, and provide practical strategies for young athletes to safely and effectively incorporate it into their training routines. Additionally, we'll highlight the critical role of consistency in achieving strength gains.

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Meal Planning and Timing for Tournament Weekend Triumphs: Nourishing Young Athletes for Success

Meal Planning and Timing for Tournament Weekend Triumphs: Nourishing Young Athletes for Success

Tournament weekends bring a unique set of challenges and opportunities for young athletes. At Atlas Performance Training, we recognize the importance of proper meal planning and timing during these intense competitions. In this blog, we will explore the distinctive aspects of tournament weekends, provide a meal planning strategy to optimize performance between multiple games, discuss timing and recovery strategies, and offer practical solutions, including meal delivery services, weekly meal prep, and easy breakfast ideas for youth athletes.

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Building Champions: Periodization and Progression in Youth Athletic Development

Building Champions: Periodization and Progression in Youth Athletic Development

Youth sports are more than just games; they are a journey of growth, development, and achievement. At Atlas Performance Training, we recognize that the path to athletic excellence involves careful planning and structured training. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of periodization and its critical relevance in youth sports. We'll also explore periodized strategies for developing the athletic abilities of young athletes and the transformative outcomes achieved through this structured approach.

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The Role of Nutrition in Elevating Adolescent Athlete Performance

The Role of Nutrition in Elevating Adolescent Athlete Performance

Nutrition is the unsung hero of athletic performance, especially for adolescent athletes who are embarking on their journey towards excellence in sports. When it comes to club athletes engaged in intense, same-day competitions, the significance of good nutrition habits cannot be overstated. In this blog, we will explore how nutrition can play a transformative role in an adolescent athlete's performance, provide meal plan options, and offer guidance for parents looking to support their child's sports goals.

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Building Strength Safely for Teen Athletes

Building Strength Safely for Teen Athletes

Strength training is a cornerstone of athletic development, and it holds particular significance for adolescent athletes. During this critical phase of physical growth and development, proper strength training can have a profound impact on athletic performance, injury prevention, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of strength training for teen athletes, explore safe and effective training methods, and emphasize the crucial role of supervision and technique correction.

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          Every Push deserves a PULL:          Posterior Chain Development

Every Push deserves a PULL: Posterior Chain Development

Posterior chain development is extremely important for athletic development and for the prevention of injuries. One of the main objectives for posterior development is to make sure there are no strength imbalances between the front which is the anterior the back which is the posterior during physical activity….

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Build a Stronger Kid: Lift and Learn

Build a Stronger Kid: Lift and Learn

There is an age old question that goes back as far as I can remember, I tried to find out where or who came up with this myth and google failed to give me the definitive answer. But that is not important, what is important is that we are going to look at the benefits of learning to lift by briefly looking at the process of LEARNING to lift weights, which is based on two important principles. The first principle is developing the young person’s Relative muscular strength, which learning to perform basic bodyweight movements like a push-up, bodyweight squat, and lunge Pull-Ups, etc. with proper form and body control. In developing youth strength training programs for beginners exercises should in my opinion be limited to the use of specific types of resistance equipment like dumbbells, rubber bands, and tubes, with minimal intensity (lightweight) after they have learned how to properly execute the basic exercises that improve their Relative muscular strength. Developing relative strength varies and depends on the commitment of the individual youth, and their parents. After a solid foundation of relative strength has been developed, start developing their Absolute muscular Strength. This is when Free weights and resistance machines are added to the training program, examples of Free weight movements are……

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Strength Training: The Foundation of Speed Training for Youth Athletes

Strength Training: The Foundation of Speed Training for Youth Athletes

Everyone understands that speed kills, but the foundations of training that skill can be developed in athletes of all ages starting with a good foundation of strength training. There are two types of speed, there is linear speed which is running in a straight line and lateral or what I like to call Multi-directional speed which is transitioning from a linear direction to lateral direction at different angles of movement. Both of these types of speed are developed by increasing the force that is applied to the ground, and the only way to increase the force that is applied to the ground and increase your RFD or Rate of Force Development……..

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