Differences
To fully understand what makes us so different from others in the sports industry, you must first understand that the same words used have come to have different meanings. We strive to stay true to the original definitions of the sports science vocabulary.
It is for this reason that it is important to understand the differences between what we do and what is commonly done by others who use the same terminology.
For example, even a common term such as plyometrics has come to mean many different things. Examples of plyometrics range from doing a slow push-up to jump training in water.Rarely do we see the shock method which is the true definition of plyometrics as created by its originator.
All our work and recommendations are science-based nd well proven in practice. Not only is our work based on sound scientific theory, but it is also well proven in practice. Even though the words may sound like something you have heard before, working with us will demonstrate to you how radical the true meaning and application of sports terms can be
Our recommendations revolve around improvement (development) of the athlete’s physical and technical abilities. More specifically, improvement in the athlete’s ability to execute the skills of his sport on the highest level possible.
The teaching of strategy and the mental aspects of the sport are very important. However, the highest level of development of only these qualities does not ensure success on the field. Athletes cannot be successful without first having the ability to execute the skills of his or her sport on the highest level.
Understand that the secret to success in any sport is the ability to execute the skills of the sport and to execute them well. This is why skill technique analysis is so important in our program. It is a qualitative analysis that brings out the strong and weak points of the skill execution so that they can be corrected and enhanced. Every athlete has his or her individual program.
Based on the individual athletes technique analysis a program is developed specific to the athlete. Corrections made in technique are done with the use of specialized strength exercises that duplicate the joint and muscle actions involved in the skill execution.
In other words, the specialized strength exercises develop strength in the same neuromuscular pathway as exhibited in execution of the skill. In addition, strength is developed over the same range of motion in which it is displayed in execution of the skill. This is a unique feature in which we specialize and which no one else does.
The specialized strength and explosive exercises are used extensively in technique improvement and enhancement. In addition, they are used to improve the physical qualities specific to the technique. General strength exercises are also used extensively especially with young and novice athletes and as a base for the specialized strength and explosive exercises.
Programs and information available from Dr. Yessis make the complex scientific information seem simple. In reality, however, it is very complex, especially when there is little objective data. He is very willing to share his expertise and does not hide any information or “secrets”. According to Dr. Yessis there are no secrets. Success comes from how the information is applied. This is the key to improving athletic performance.
We do not have one program for all athletes. Each program is tailored to the individual athlete and his or her skill execution and physical abilities. This is why each program may look quite a bit different. More similarity is seen in the use of general exercises.
More specifically, in regard to Strength Development:
What Others Do: In strength training most coaches and trainers believe in development of maximum strength using high-intensity training. In high-intensity training they do relatively few exercises with very heavy weights.
What we do: We strive to develop optimal strength using medium intensity and a greater number of exercises to fully develop a foundation with stronger joints,ligaments, tendons and muscles of the
body.
Discussion: The concept of using high-intensity as being the most effective for gaining strength has never been substantiated on a theoretical or practical level. In our research, substantiated by the theoretical and physiological bases of developing strength, lower intensity together with a greater number of exercises not only increases strength to a greater level but also improves performance on the field. This should be the ultimate goal of all strength training.
High-intensity training does not allow for total body development and as a result, does not lead to significant improvement in gameplay. It also leads to many injuries and the need for greater and longer periods of restoration and recovery. High-intensity training is needed, but it should be limited and only used with the more advanced athlete.
In regard to Sports Technique Analysis:
What they do: Many teams, especially professional teams, believe that looking by eye at an athlete perform is sufficient to determine what is effective and ineffective in his technique. Others use computer analyses in which comparisons are made between a high-level performer and the individual to be analyzed. Other computer analyses measure angles and the amount of force developed in particular movements.
What they do not do is evaluate how effective a particular joint action or movement is. Nor do they determine whether the technique may lead to injury or give any prescriptions on what should be done to correct or improve the deficiency.
What we do: We look at the athlete’s skill execution on film, frame by frame. We then evaluate to see how effective the movements are, and what actions are in need of improvement or correction. We also look closely to see if any of the actions may lead to injury. Or, if the athlete comes to us with a problem we determine if technique is responsible for the problem. It usually is.
We then take the athlete through the corrections. We do not just tell the athlete what must be changed, but we show the athlete how the skill should be changed or modified.
In addition, we prescribe specific specialized strength exercises that duplicate the motor pathway and range of motion over which strength is developed. The strength developed enables the athlete to make the changes and modifications needed to make the skill execution more effective. In this way we also help prevent injury.
We monitor technique throughout the entire training process over the years. It is one of the key components for improved performance on the field. Understand that skill execution is the main factor that determines how effective a player is on the field, court or ring and if the athlete is heading for an injury..
Note: The use of specialized strength exercises is another area in which we differ. Most coaches consider an exercise that uses the same muscles as involved in the sport as a specialized strength exercise. The specialized strength exercises that we employ have specific criteria. Strength is developed in the same neuromuscular pathway and in the same range of motion as seen in execution of the sports skill.
In regard to Explosive Power:
What They Do: The most common method used to develop explosiveness is to use high-intensity exercises. They use Olympic lifts and power training exercises. In some cases they also do plyometrics or simple jump exercises.
What we do: we do not use Olympic lifts or power training exercises. Instead, we use explosive strength exercises specific to the action needed to be improved. In addition, we use the shock method in several different types of exercises. Understand that the shock method is the true form of plyometrics as developed by the former Soviets.
In regard to Speed:
What They Do: almost all programs use various running drills and short sprints.
What we do: running technique work which accounts for considerable speed. In addition, we do running specific strength and explosive exercises that duplicate what the athlete does in the running stride.
Strength is developed in the same neuromuscular pathway as seen in execution of the running stride and strength is developed in the same range of motion as it is exhibited in the running stride. In this way there is a immediate improvement in performance.
We also do speed development for body and limb movements. This involves both technique or skill learning and the use of specialized strength and explosive exercises.
In regard to Quickness (Agility):
What They Do: almost all coaches and trainers use drills especially ladder type drills. Note: we have found that most ladder type drills lead to greater slowness, not quickness. The reason for this is that the leg action is different in the ladder drill as opposed to what the athlete must do on the field.
What we do: we teach and perfect the cutting action, which is the key to quickness and agility. Without proper execution of a sharp and quick cutting action the athlete will never be able to elude or stay with his opponent on the field. We do specialized strength exercises to not only learn cutting technique, but also improve the physical qualities specific to the technique.