Daily Training Tip #608

Sport Specific Training


Specific or precise training is the final touches of the never ending training process. Sport specific training is learning how to throw a curve ball, perfecting how to draw a golf ball or practicing your slap shot. Sport specific training helps you become better at one specific sport, however, don’t mistake sport specific training with becoming a better athlete.

In order to throw a curve ball better or take a better slap shot, you need to practice that skill, but you also need to become a better athlete. Becoming a better athlete is really similar for all athletes, regardless of sport. The better your athletic skills are, the better you will become at your sport of choice. If your shoulder, back, core and lower body are stronger, you will throw a better curve ball. Also, if your shoulder, back, core and lower body are stronger, you will have a better slap shot! So why not work on becoming a better athlete?

What football coach wouldn’t want a lineman that has great explosive power? What basketball coach wouldn’t want a point guard that has great jumping skills? What track coach wouldn’t want a sprinter that is lightning fast? What hockey coach wouldn’t want a forward that can change direction on a dime? What coach of any sport wouldn’t want an athlete that is able to do all of the above?

With proper training all athletes regardless of sport should improve on all the skills of athletic ability; explosive power, first step quickness, lateral speed, strength, stamina, reaction time, balance, etc. These words are used in the gym all the time. They are used in the gym all time with different sports and different athletes. Improving on these above words, improves your athletic skills, regardless of sport.

Off-ice or off-field training is compatible to athletes off all sports. Becoming bigger, faster, quicker and stronger are the objectives of all athletes. These objectives can’t be accomplished without hard work in the gym. Workouts need to replicate athletic movements. It doesn’t matter if you are a linebacker taking your first step to the right to make a tackle or if you are a tennis player taking your first step to the right to hit a forehand winner. Improvements happen by completing the right workouts off the field.

Competitions/Games are used to showcase your skills and see how you compare against others. Games aren’t for improvement, practices/workouts are for improvement. Brainerd Warriors High School Coach Jim Archibald says; in terms of development, 1 practice/workout is equal to 11 games and he is right on!. If you want to improve on your abilities, then practice and workout more!

Minnesota Hockey Camps has developed a unique training program that works for all athletes by improving athletic ability. This program is time tested and has the results prove it. The athletes that train @ MHC leave better hockey players, but also better athletes. A lot go on to star in fall sports before the hockey season starts. Come train with us this summer!