We've all heard of "sport-specific training" when it comes to preparing athletes for performance—but what does that really mean? Does the human body function all that differently in volleyball than in field hockey? Guest author and Volt Advisory Board member Devan McConnell explains why he uses "Human-Specific Training" with his athletes, and why it works so well.
Read MoreCoaches know grip strength is important in many sports: football, gymnastics, and rowing, to name a few. But how does grip strength—or grip endurance—correlate to sports that involve striking with an implement, like baseball? Coach Scott Colby, guest author, has conducted a research study into the topic and shares his findings today on the Volt blog.
Read MoreAthletes are competitive people, and often too eager to jump to the hardest lifts, at the heaviest loads, at the hugest volumes—but progressing too quickly can get you into serious trouble. Before you can flip 1000-lb tires like J.J. Watt, you have to first master the bodyweight squat. And I’m talking master—because if you don’t have a black belt in “the basics” of strength training, then you better put down that tire.
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The off-season is almost over. But does that mean your resistance training should be? Coach Jace explains how in-season training can improve performance and prevent injury—as long as it's done right.
Read MoreRead how to become a WORSE athlete in 5 easy steps.
Read MoreThis series will illustrate some of the most common mistakes we see sport coaches make in the weight room. If you are a strength coach reading this, you will very likely cringe/laugh/cry because you have seen all of this stuff too many times already. If you are a sport coach making these mistakes…well, you’re very likely to be offended. Sorry (a little bit)! But enough with the prefacing…on to the first mistake!
Read MoreIf you do not own a pair of weightlifting shoes, LISTEN UP—because this might just blow your mind. Training on a Volt program means that you will be performing squats (hell yes), Olympic lifts, and a downright plethora of multi-plane, free-weight movements. And believe it or not, standard running or basketball shoes are NOT optimal footwear for this type of training. Do you know what type of footwear IS optimal?
Read MoreHang cleans can be tricky business for athletes who are just starting a legitimate strength training program. Without a good strength coach on hand, getting the clean technique down can be a daunting task. But the good news is that the learning curve is relatively steep and once you start getting the proper feel for the basics, it won't be long until you're ready for more complex variations and higher weights. This article is intended to call out five important elements of a good hang clean. Take them to heart and you will be on your way to cleaning up your technique (see what I did there???).
Read MoreTime to beat a dead horse. Half-squats are bad. If you are serious about training, your squats should be breaking parallel every time . It's a matter of efficiency and even safety. I'm not assaulting your character if you lack the mobility required for the hips to reach necessary depth, but if you aren't taking the steps to improve that mobility then you're probably not invited to my birthday party (it's okay, no one shows up anyway).
Read MoreAh, the age-old discussion of why girls don't (or won't) lift weights. If I had a nickel for every time one of my female clients or friends has asked, “Why should I lift weights? Won’t lifting weights make me bulky?”
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