Plyometric training is a form of exercise training designed to increase muscular power. Athletes such as basket ball players, football players and boxers have incorporated plyometric training into their training regimen, adding explosive power to their game. Athletes can gain a tremendous advantage using plyometric training in their workouts, provided the exercises are done safely.
Plyometrics training is a high intensity work out and only well conditioned athletes should use them as a training tool. Even then athletes should be under the supervision of a qualified coach or trainer. It is also suggested athletes check themselves for signs of injury and over training.
Contractions are what cause muscles to move. Athletes have observed after an eccentric their muscle contractions are much more powerful. An eccentric contraction is when a muscle is contracting even while being stretched. This principal allows boxers to punch harder and athletes to jump higher and run faster.
. The main focus of plyometrics training is to shorten the time between stretching and contracting muscles. The exercises required take the form of explosive work outs such as jumps hops and bounds which in turn cultivate explosive bursts of speed and power.
Plyometric training shoes are used to increase the athletes speed, quickness and power for running faster and jumping higher.
Before doing a plyometric work it is vital that the athlete do a proper and thorough warm up. The eccentric contractions are the same contractions that can result in pulled muscle injuries such as pulled groin and hamstring muscles. It is also essential the athlete be in good condition and well monitored. It is easy to perform these exercises wrong and end in injury.
In conclusion, plyometrics is stretching muscles while they are contracting, teaching them to have and explosive contraction after the muscles are stretched. These workouts properly executed will increase speed, power and quickness, adding to an athletes on field performance. Athletes should first check with their coach or trainer to see which exercises would best suit their program for plyometric training.
Plyometric shoes are now part of NFL Teams training. New Orleans uses Strength Shoes
Jumpsoles serve the same purpose and slip onto shoes, check both Strength Shoes and Jumpsoles.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Does Michael Vick Deserve A Second Chance?
Vick will be released from Federal prison this July for his dog fighting conviction, does he deserve a second chance?
At rebuilding his life, yes we all deserve as many chances as it takes to get it right, to become productive members of society that make positive contributions to our communities.
Does Vick deserve a second chance in the NFL? That question will be hotly debated as his release time draws closer. Will there even be teams willing to risk the exposure of having Vick on the roster and can he even play at he level he did back in 2006?
Those are some of the questions facing NFL owners. and yes he will be looked at. In a yahoo story that prompted this article they say there are two teams that may have an interest in Vick.
Both the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49'rs have unsettled quarterback issues, both are in need of a strong quarterback with leadership capabilities. Is Michael Vick the man for either team?
San Francisco Coach Mike Singletary says Vick should be given a second chance and believes he will be successful if given another opportunity. Singletary did not go so far as to say the Niners were looking at Vick, but he didn't say they wouldn't either, making the 49'rs position as clear as mud.
The article does not address or speculate what the Atlanta Falcons have for plans regarding Vick, they could welcome him back, trade him or just cut him making Vick a free agent.
I believe Vick will be given at minimum a loo, so much depends on his sharpness, his physical condition and whether the lock up time has eroded his skills beyond a come back.
As an owner is Vick worth the trouble? Who ever gives him a shot can be sure of lots of publicity and protests from PETA and other like minded groups.
Would the Vick presence serve as too much of a distraction for his team?
Would a lesser known and talented athlete than Vick be given a second chance, I think not.
I really do not have the answer if Michael Vick deserves a second chance in the NFL, what I do know as his release date draws closer, the more heated the debate surrounding the Michael Vick question will become.
I welcome your feed back and comments, please share your thoughts and leave a comment.
Want to run faster jump higher Strength Shoes can help
At rebuilding his life, yes we all deserve as many chances as it takes to get it right, to become productive members of society that make positive contributions to our communities.
Does Vick deserve a second chance in the NFL? That question will be hotly debated as his release time draws closer. Will there even be teams willing to risk the exposure of having Vick on the roster and can he even play at he level he did back in 2006?
Those are some of the questions facing NFL owners. and yes he will be looked at. In a yahoo story that prompted this article they say there are two teams that may have an interest in Vick.
Both the Minnesota Vikings and the San Francisco 49'rs have unsettled quarterback issues, both are in need of a strong quarterback with leadership capabilities. Is Michael Vick the man for either team?
San Francisco Coach Mike Singletary says Vick should be given a second chance and believes he will be successful if given another opportunity. Singletary did not go so far as to say the Niners were looking at Vick, but he didn't say they wouldn't either, making the 49'rs position as clear as mud.
The article does not address or speculate what the Atlanta Falcons have for plans regarding Vick, they could welcome him back, trade him or just cut him making Vick a free agent.
I believe Vick will be given at minimum a loo, so much depends on his sharpness, his physical condition and whether the lock up time has eroded his skills beyond a come back.
As an owner is Vick worth the trouble? Who ever gives him a shot can be sure of lots of publicity and protests from PETA and other like minded groups.
Would the Vick presence serve as too much of a distraction for his team?
Would a lesser known and talented athlete than Vick be given a second chance, I think not.
I really do not have the answer if Michael Vick deserves a second chance in the NFL, what I do know as his release date draws closer, the more heated the debate surrounding the Michael Vick question will become.
I welcome your feed back and comments, please share your thoughts and leave a comment.
Want to run faster jump higher Strength Shoes can help
Thursday, February 19, 2009
We Have Added Two New Wide Receiver Pages
In an effort to make ScoreTouchDowns more user friendly we have added to new wide receiver pages.
Accepting that not all of our visitors want to view all the wide receiver training equipment or view all the wide receiver training videos, we have created two new pages, one of each.
Check out our Receiver Training Videos page, let us know what you think. Take a look at our Wide Receivers Training Equipment page
If you are looking for football training aids we have one page devoted to football training equipment for quarterbacks, receivers and other positions.
Check it out, let us know what you think and what other things we can do to make the site better for you.
Accepting that not all of our visitors want to view all the wide receiver training equipment or view all the wide receiver training videos, we have created two new pages, one of each.
Check out our Receiver Training Videos page, let us know what you think. Take a look at our Wide Receivers Training Equipment page
If you are looking for football training aids we have one page devoted to football training equipment for quarterbacks, receivers and other positions.
Check it out, let us know what you think and what other things we can do to make the site better for you.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
4-2-5 Defense: Five Reasons to Use It
Why is the 4-2-5 Defense becoming more popular? It offers versatility, varied fronts, making it hard for the quarterback to get accurate reads. The 4-2-5 Defense also has been proven to be effective against the spread offense. This article will focus on five reasons to consider using the 4 2 5 Defense.
***First Reason****
The ability to keep things simple, the 4-2-5 uses a basic four man front that allows for multiple defensive plays that are difficult for the offense to read. The simplicity of this defense doesn’t depend on a strong Mike linebacker or outside linebackers, instead the 4-2-5 defense relies more on the strong safety, weak safety and two inside linebackers.
*** Second Reason***
Relying more on the strong safety, weak safety and two inside linebackers the defense is more versatile and able to adjust to the formations and or motions shown by the offense.
*** Third Reason***
Using a five man secondary makes it easier to disguise the defense. With five men in the secondary, the defense can make it appear to have eight to nine men in the box, making it more difficult for the quarterback to get an accurate pre snap read.
***Fourth Reason***
A five man secondary puts more speed on the field. With more and more teams running the spread offense the defense needs to answer with sped and the 4 2 5 defense supplies the needed speed.
***Fifth Reason***
Whether a zone or man to man coverage is called the 4-2-5 defense can keep the offense off balance. Using the base front, the D can put more men in blitzing position or appear to be blitzing, making it more difficult for the offense read the defense.
In conclusion, if you are thinking of changing defenses, the 4-2-5 brings more speed and versatility to the field and has been effective against the spread. Check out our 4 2 5 Defensive coaching videos and DVDS at 4-2-5 Defense
***First Reason****
The ability to keep things simple, the 4-2-5 uses a basic four man front that allows for multiple defensive plays that are difficult for the offense to read. The simplicity of this defense doesn’t depend on a strong Mike linebacker or outside linebackers, instead the 4-2-5 defense relies more on the strong safety, weak safety and two inside linebackers.
*** Second Reason***
Relying more on the strong safety, weak safety and two inside linebackers the defense is more versatile and able to adjust to the formations and or motions shown by the offense.
*** Third Reason***
Using a five man secondary makes it easier to disguise the defense. With five men in the secondary, the defense can make it appear to have eight to nine men in the box, making it more difficult for the quarterback to get an accurate pre snap read.
***Fourth Reason***
A five man secondary puts more speed on the field. With more and more teams running the spread offense the defense needs to answer with sped and the 4 2 5 defense supplies the needed speed.
***Fifth Reason***
Whether a zone or man to man coverage is called the 4-2-5 defense can keep the offense off balance. Using the base front, the D can put more men in blitzing position or appear to be blitzing, making it more difficult for the offense read the defense.
In conclusion, if you are thinking of changing defenses, the 4-2-5 brings more speed and versatility to the field and has been effective against the spread. Check out our 4 2 5 Defensive coaching videos and DVDS at 4-2-5 Defense
Monday, February 16, 2009
Just Got My Finger Weighted Agility Gloves
In a previous post I recommend the weighted agility gloves over the other model of weight gloves on the market. I hold by my recommendation.
I just got the WAGs and they are great. They offer far more flexibility than I thought possible considering they have weights in the fingers.
They are very comfortable and no finger movement restrictions. I can see why the Super Bowl MVP chose these gloves over the others for his work out glove.
Other than the weights its just like wearing an ordinary pair of gloves.
I did some exercises wearing the gloves and found they worked muscles I had not worked in some time. The muscles were talking to me saying see what happens when you let yourself go.
Santonio Holmes swears by these gloves and now I see why. They can be used for any sport, developing stronger quicker hands.
Check them out and at Finger Weighted Gloves.
I just got the WAGs and they are great. They offer far more flexibility than I thought possible considering they have weights in the fingers.
They are very comfortable and no finger movement restrictions. I can see why the Super Bowl MVP chose these gloves over the others for his work out glove.
Other than the weights its just like wearing an ordinary pair of gloves.
I did some exercises wearing the gloves and found they worked muscles I had not worked in some time. The muscles were talking to me saying see what happens when you let yourself go.
Santonio Holmes swears by these gloves and now I see why. They can be used for any sport, developing stronger quicker hands.
Check them out and at Finger Weighted Gloves.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Defensive Back Training | The Bump and Run
Jamming a receiver at the line of scrimmage is a very effective defensive strategy. Known as the bump and run, the corner back lines up on the line of scrimmage and hits the receiver before he can start running his pass route. The goal is to delay the receiver and take him out of his pass route, disrupting timing pass plays. As a defensive back you need to learn how to bump and run. This article will discuss the basic skills needed to play the bump and run defensive coverage.
***Stance***
Defensive backs must have proper body position to be effective using the bump and run coverage. Body position begins using a well balanced stance that allows you to explode off the line, hitting the receiver before he can begin his route.
When you approach the line of scrimmage, make sure you are lined up off the receivers inside shoulder at a 45 degree angle. Position your feet less than shoulder width apart, this allows you rapid foot movement in any direction.
You want your arms loose with your hands waist high, in position to be driven upward and into the receiver’s chest, driving him back, delaying his release from the line of scrimmage.
Keep your hips down, knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of your feet so that you are in position to explode off the line when the ball is snapped.
***Man to Man Coverage****
When man to man coverage is called, you want to line up on the inside shoulder of the receiver with your inside foot as close to the LOS as possible with your outside foot back and placing you at an 45 degree angle towards the receiver.
Your eyes should be locked on the receivers numbers, totally focused on him, so when he starts to move you are ready to make your hit.
***Zone Defense***
You want to line up on the inside of the receiver, placing your outside foot forward so that you are at an angle that will allow you see both the receiver and the offensive backfield.
***The Bump***
When you “bump” the receiver or jam him, you will use one of two techniques, the one handed jam or the two handed jam. Either technique can be effective, however you will generate more power using the two handed two handed bump.
***Two Handed Jam****
At the snap of the ball you must be stepping into the receiver and his first step. With your hands waist high you are ready to make your jam.
As you step into the receiver you want short steps to maintain your balance and be able to deliver a powerful bump.
With your hands open the palms facing the receiver, bring your hands up at a 45 degree angle. Hit the receiver in the pectorals. It is important you step into the receiver hitting him as you come forward. If you reach out, you will be out position and off balance rendering your hit moot.
***One Handed Jam***
Like the two handed jam, you want to explode of the line stepping into the receiver and his first step. However when you hit the receiver you want to use your inside hand hitting him in the pectoral and with your outside foot, take a bail step. This should have you perpendicular to the LOS, your back facing the quarterback and your shoulders facing the sidelines.
If you are playing a zone defense, you can jam the receiver and run with him if he still manages an inside release. Remember the outside line backers are covering the outside short zones.
If you are playing man to man, you must keep the receiver from getting the inside release, your only help is the sideline. Your outside line backers are either blitzing or covering the man assigned to them.
***Coverage***
Not all jams will take the receiver out of the play; this is why you want your feet less then shoulder width apart and taking short quick steps. So if the bump doesn’t work you can quickly recover and fall into pass defense
When you are covering the receiver you will start out in the trail coverage, ready to move into cut off coverage.
In the trail coverage you want to be lagging just slightly behind the receiver, yet close enough to make a play. Rule of thumb is you want to be close enough you could reach out and touch the receiver with one hand. Then you will be properly covering the target and ready to transition into cut off coverage.
The cut off position has you closer to the receiver, where you could reach out and touch his front with one hand. From here you will be able to make a play on the ball, knocking it down or making the interception.
In conclusion this gives you the basics of the bump and run defense. There is much more to this defense and there are instructional DVDS that can provide your more detailed training on the bump and run.
Greg Brown of the New Orleans Saints has made what many coaches consider the best training video on the bump and run to see all his video offers use this link Bump and Run
See all of our Defensive Back training videos at http://scoretouchdowns.com/defensive_backs.html
***Stance***
Defensive backs must have proper body position to be effective using the bump and run coverage. Body position begins using a well balanced stance that allows you to explode off the line, hitting the receiver before he can begin his route.
When you approach the line of scrimmage, make sure you are lined up off the receivers inside shoulder at a 45 degree angle. Position your feet less than shoulder width apart, this allows you rapid foot movement in any direction.
You want your arms loose with your hands waist high, in position to be driven upward and into the receiver’s chest, driving him back, delaying his release from the line of scrimmage.
Keep your hips down, knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of your feet so that you are in position to explode off the line when the ball is snapped.
***Man to Man Coverage****
When man to man coverage is called, you want to line up on the inside shoulder of the receiver with your inside foot as close to the LOS as possible with your outside foot back and placing you at an 45 degree angle towards the receiver.
Your eyes should be locked on the receivers numbers, totally focused on him, so when he starts to move you are ready to make your hit.
***Zone Defense***
You want to line up on the inside of the receiver, placing your outside foot forward so that you are at an angle that will allow you see both the receiver and the offensive backfield.
***The Bump***
When you “bump” the receiver or jam him, you will use one of two techniques, the one handed jam or the two handed jam. Either technique can be effective, however you will generate more power using the two handed two handed bump.
***Two Handed Jam****
At the snap of the ball you must be stepping into the receiver and his first step. With your hands waist high you are ready to make your jam.
As you step into the receiver you want short steps to maintain your balance and be able to deliver a powerful bump.
With your hands open the palms facing the receiver, bring your hands up at a 45 degree angle. Hit the receiver in the pectorals. It is important you step into the receiver hitting him as you come forward. If you reach out, you will be out position and off balance rendering your hit moot.
***One Handed Jam***
Like the two handed jam, you want to explode of the line stepping into the receiver and his first step. However when you hit the receiver you want to use your inside hand hitting him in the pectoral and with your outside foot, take a bail step. This should have you perpendicular to the LOS, your back facing the quarterback and your shoulders facing the sidelines.
If you are playing a zone defense, you can jam the receiver and run with him if he still manages an inside release. Remember the outside line backers are covering the outside short zones.
If you are playing man to man, you must keep the receiver from getting the inside release, your only help is the sideline. Your outside line backers are either blitzing or covering the man assigned to them.
***Coverage***
Not all jams will take the receiver out of the play; this is why you want your feet less then shoulder width apart and taking short quick steps. So if the bump doesn’t work you can quickly recover and fall into pass defense
When you are covering the receiver you will start out in the trail coverage, ready to move into cut off coverage.
In the trail coverage you want to be lagging just slightly behind the receiver, yet close enough to make a play. Rule of thumb is you want to be close enough you could reach out and touch the receiver with one hand. Then you will be properly covering the target and ready to transition into cut off coverage.
The cut off position has you closer to the receiver, where you could reach out and touch his front with one hand. From here you will be able to make a play on the ball, knocking it down or making the interception.
In conclusion this gives you the basics of the bump and run defense. There is much more to this defense and there are instructional DVDS that can provide your more detailed training on the bump and run.
Greg Brown of the New Orleans Saints has made what many coaches consider the best training video on the bump and run to see all his video offers use this link Bump and Run
See all of our Defensive Back training videos at http://scoretouchdowns.com/defensive_backs.html
Friday, February 13, 2009
Bump and Run Defensive Coverages
We have added a new video Bump and Run, considered by some coaches the most definitive training video on the bump and run defensive coverage.
What makes this video so outstanding is the use of slow motion video to maximize what the game footage is showing. Included in this video is on-the-field video footage of two Jim Thorpe award winners (Deon Figures–1992, and Chris Hudson–1994).
Among the topics covered
Basic fundamentals of the bump and run
Receiver splits, releases, and route stems
Becoming a better body language reader
Mechanics of locating the ball and playing the fade
Developmental drills
This video was made in 2005 by Greg Brown of the New Orleans Saints.
To learn more about this video click on this link Bump and Run
See all of our Defensive Back videos at Football Defensive Back Training Videos
What makes this video so outstanding is the use of slow motion video to maximize what the game footage is showing. Included in this video is on-the-field video footage of two Jim Thorpe award winners (Deon Figures–1992, and Chris Hudson–1994).
Among the topics covered
Basic fundamentals of the bump and run
Receiver splits, releases, and route stems
Becoming a better body language reader
Mechanics of locating the ball and playing the fade
Developmental drills
This video was made in 2005 by Greg Brown of the New Orleans Saints.
To learn more about this video click on this link Bump and Run
See all of our Defensive Back videos at Football Defensive Back Training Videos
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