Do Quick Improvements Last?

This is one of those double edged questions. If we say that athletic improvement doesn't last well then what's the point of working with kids in 6 week camps? If we say improvement does last, then why not work with them for 6 weeks and send them on their way?

The truth is it depends on the learning environment. This is where many coaches go wrong. They don't make for a very conducive learning environment. There are different types of learning styles. Some kids are audible learners, some are tactile learners, some are visual learners. Most are a good mix of the 3.

Movements can look right and feel wrong, but it is almost impossible for them to feel right and look wrong. It just doesn't happen. If muscles are activating and recruiting properly in the right sequence and timing, then the movement will look smooth and effortless.

Learning takes place over a period of time. But the principles of why we move in certain skills/patterns can be learned quickly. The key is simply implementing the principles into the movement skills. Learning movement skills should be an everyday thing. When we learn math we progress from simple things such as 2+2=4 to more complex ideas such as 12x6=72. But when we are learning multiplication, we don't forget that 2+2=4. It is our foundation.


The same route must be taken when developing athletic skill and movement. Progress but don't forget the basics. When movement is first, sports skill will come much easier.

Eating Like a Champion

Feuling a high caliber athlete isn't easy. Most high level athletes work with a nutritionist to ensure they are getting proper caloric intake and the right ratio of macronutrients.

Certain foods are much better for you than others. Fruits, vegetables, milk, lean meats, fish, nuts and water are all important in building and re-building your body. This is true for everybody. But it is especially important for athletes because athletes break down their bodies faster than non-athletes and need to rebuild it faster as well. Just as important is what you rebuild your body with. A perfect example of this can be seen in the tale of the “3 Little Pigs”.

You see each home of the pigs was built with something. The first house was weak and didn’t stand up against the rigors of the wolf. This is what happens when you work hard (like you do during our camps) and then try to rebuild your body with candy, sweets, cookies and you leave out vegetables and fruits. Your body is going to breakdown easily and not be very strong when it needs to be.

The second house was built a little bit stronger but not by much. His house was still pretty easily taken down by the wolf. This is like drinking sugary, caffeinated drinks like Starbucks and eating greasy hamburgers and hotdogs with a few veggies on the side. Your body will still not be able to stand up to the work you put it through. You will be tired, sluggish and you won’t play too well.

Now the third pig, he had one heck of a strong house. It was made of brick and strong cement. Nothing could take it down and it was always ready for the next challenge. This is what your body feels like when you eat lots of vegetables, fruits, lean meats like chicken (no chicken strips!!), fish, low fat dairy like yogurt and chocolate milk.

These are just a few, but here are good food choices:

Breakfast
Wheaties w/ milk
Whole Wheat Toast and Peanut Butter
Yogurt and granola
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Oatmeal
Scrambled Eggs w/Salsa

Lunch
Turkey sandwich
Chicken salad
Buffalo Burger
Turkey Burger
Turkey Hotdog
Apple-Banana-PB Smoothie

Dinner
Chicken
Fish
Goat cheese Salad
Spaghetti
Chili
Soup

Snacks
Raisins
Strawberries
Pineapple
Granola
Sunflower Seeds
Yogurt

The key to making good choices is keeping added sugar out and eating foods that are minimally processed. Don’t eat food that is deep fried with batter, drenched in butter, and here is the kicker…

Ice cream only once per week and No FAST FOOD!