Strength Report – A Year Round Strength and Conditioning Program, Part I

As strength coaches, it is our job to maximize the performance of our athletes and to minimize their risk of injury. Proper programming and organization go a long way in ensuring our athletes are prepared for each season. Periodization, in its simplest terms, refers to the organization of training phases to maximize performance for the competitive season. The year is broken down into different cycles. The cycle traditionally goes:Off-Season, Spring Season, Pre-Season, In-Season, Post SeasonFIRST THINGS FIRSTThere are two things that should be a part of all programs, no matter the time of year - mobility and stability. These two principles work together to create movement. Mobility is the ability to move through a range of motion, and stability is the ability to control movement. For movement to occur, the deep muscles have to contract to stabilize the joint, while the superficial, or