HS S&C Desperately Needs To Be Simplified
One of my biggest frustrations as a strength coach was kids, and sometimes coaches, wanting to do complicated training techniques out of boredom. This often causes some tension between a strength coach and a team. We have an obligation to keep kids safe while teaching and coaching them to get stronger, faster and more durable. These complicated fancy exercises are ineffective and sometimes dangerous and can be easily found on Instagram and TikTok. They’ve become popularized by “influencers” whose goal is to get as many views and clicks as possible.
Alternatively, there's ChatGPT. A coach can ask AI for a program and ChatGPT spits out a rather basic program which always has at least 2 holes.
It’s missing key components of a well rounded strength & conditioning program.
It can’t teach a coach how to effectively teach and coach that program.
It’s no secret that I strongly detest both the influencer with the overly complicated and dangerous fancy gym stunts as much as I hate the partial workouts with no substance that AI can produce. Neither is useful for a coach who’s trying to help their team get better.
What every single High School sports program needs is not something you’re going to find in an internet download, because what it needs is real people and coaches who work every day to engage with athletes to solve problems. The internet can’t do that for you.
A strength & conditioning program should solve problems and enhance play and that can only be accomplished by having a great strength coach on staff, or by consulting with someone who can teach you how to run your own program.
(This is where I plug my consulting services. If you want to talk about your program and how you and I can get your team stronger, faster and durable for a fraction of the cost of an onsite strength coach.. tap the contact page and fill out the form).
Strength & Conditioning is not easy, but it should be simple. The most effective programs are ones that are safe, simple and effective. Effective programs are not TikTok entertainment, and they don’t lack substance like an AI generated workout. It seems coaches are either not doing enough or feeling pressured to do way too much in the weight room. If you’re giving in to the pressure to entertain via strength & conditioning, your weight room will become a circus. We need balance in programs that are simple along with team cultures that are accountable and consistent. THAT is the golden formula.
Finding the balance is only going to be accomplished by simplifying.