Unless you understand periodization and how to correctly combine means and methods, most programs look pretty good on paper But even many programs that are actually good often fail The reason is many times they’re being performed in a lackluster environment Training to the brain is sympathetic: fight or flight So if you place an athlete in an environment that’s aggressive, where the music is loud, you’re slamming weights, and your training partners are pushing you with posit

According to the Science and Practice of Strength Training, “Lifting maximal loads (at or above 90%) is considered superior for improving both intramuscular and intermuscular coordination; the muscles and CNS adapt only to the load placed upon them. This method should be used to bring forth the greatest strength increments. CNS inhibition, if it exists, is reduced with this approach; thus, the maximal number of motor units is activated with optimal discharge frequency and the

Recent question from a HS varsity coach: “Should we be overhead pressing or “training shoulders” in our team workouts?” The answer is specific to the population: general population can certainly overhead press. Use a hammer grip, which is easier on the shoulder than an overhand grip, perform a good volume of retraction, and you’ll be fine However, for baseball athletes, I would strongly advise against it One of the reasons why the shoulder has such great mobility overhead, al