Athlete Needs

Skill sets. Athletes need skill sets.

Why?

Because skill sets make the athlete the total package. Within these skill sets function, position-specific, player-specific, and a challenging order of exercises/drills are possessed. Gone are the days when a college and especially a professional athlete can gain a considerable competitive advantage by simply being the highest jumper or the fastest runner on a team and have the title of best player on that squad- it works in the 100m dash and in the high jump because those events measure running and jumping.

I am willing to hold steadfastly that the fastest runner in the NFL is not going to the Pro Bowl. The strongest defenseman in the NHL is not the absolute best defenseman.

I am not saying that these prototypical athletes do not have skills, but the top-notch players in these sport leagues can play and entertain audiences with their many skill sets. These athletes truly work at their game physically and mentally. They are dynamic in preparation and stagnant in mistakes - many faults do not flow. The athletes that tone their skills minimize total dependency and optimize proficiency - they most likely get the job done!!!

Aside from all of this information, training the body in non-traditional ways is as important as rest and sleep because the body makes necessary adjustments. It is great that an athlete or non-athlete can squat 500lbs. or bench press 325lbs; in addition, it is also great that the same individuals can do a lot of unbalanced work or large reaction work. Sports such as, football and ice hockey, are as physical as they are reactive. Moving a sofa is as physically demanding as it is important to get in the right position to move the sofa.

We all have an inner athlete, but the major difference is our athleticism is vastly contrasted and some skill sets are more toned than others by sport, by age, by experience, by desire, and by talent. Everyone needs skill sets, but it is an athlete's job/career to perfect this practice year-round with necessary breaks and with re-invention!

Take care of yourself,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS