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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

The NFL On US Sports Net Featuring: Brady is good target for Cowboys if things go south with Dak — Orlando Scandrick | NFL | UNDISPUTED

Orlando Scandrick joins Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe to discuss Dallas Cowboys' QB Dak Prescott's contract situation and the potential for signing the New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady.

6 Great Alternatives To The Standard Barbell Squat from Bodybuilding.com

Avoiding squats because of lower-back pain? Do one of these worthy substitutes instead for comparable gains in strength and size.
6 Great Alternatives To The Standard Barbell Squat

Can you imagine being the basketball player who replaced Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls? Or Tim Cook, the guy who followed Steve Jobs at Apple? Or the quarterback who will replace Tom Brady when he hangs up his cleats? Talk about big shoes to fill.
You may feel that same sense of incredulity as I discuss leg exercises that are alternatives to squats. Yes, the barbell back squat is the "king of exercises," and I'm as big a fan of the move as anyone. But if you're concerned that squats will increase your risk of injury—or you just flat-out don't like doing them—then don't perform them in the traditional sense.
I do strongly recommend, however, that you include some form of squatting motion in your training program on a regular (at least weekly) basis, as it's a fundamental movement not only in the realm of training and athletics, but in real life as well. I know barbell squats can be tough on your lower back and knees—trust me, I've had back issues myself. But there are many different squatting variations that can relieve the strain on these vulnerable areas yet still provide a stimulus to the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and the rest of the body comparable to putting a barbell on your back and banging out reps.
Below are six such exercises. Plug any one of these moves into your leg routine where "barbell squat" shows up, and you can reap (mostly) the same strength and muscle-building benefits offered by the "king."

Squat Alternative 1: Front Squat

Why It's Sub Worthy: It's still a barbell squat, but the position of the bar on the front of the shoulders makes a huge difference. For one, front squats place a higher proportion of tension on the quads than the glutes compared to back squats, so it's a great exercise for anyone looking to bring up his or her frontal thighs.
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Front Squat
But more important for those with lower-back issues, front squats force the torso to remain more upright than back squats do (otherwise the bar will fall forward and drop to the floor), thus relieving some of the strain on the spine.)
Key Training Tips: Cross your arms over your chest to build a "shelf" for the bar to rest on. Feel free to use a clean/rack grip if that's your preference. Descend to a point at which your thighs are beyond parallel with the floor.

Squat Alternative 2: Jefferson Squat

Why It's Sub Worthy: This exercise is often referred to as the Jefferson "deadlift," but the upright nature of the torso more resembles a squat than a traditional deadlift, where you're forced to lean further forward because the bar is in front of both legs. With this version, you're straddling the bar. That upright torso is the main reason people with bum lower backs prefer the Jefferson.
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Jefferson Squat
Key Training Tips: Keeping your core tight, chest out, and back flat, stand up with the bar by forcefully extending your hips and knees, pressing through your heels. Reverse the motion, letting your glutes track backward, to lower back down. When your thighs reach parallel or the bar touches the floor, drive up to the standing position.

Squat Alternative 3: Zercher Squat

Why It's Sub Worthy: Zerchers are another great squat variation for taking stress off the lower back. The bar sits significantly lower on the body (at the midsection, not up high on the back), which reduces the compressive forces on the spine considerably. Similar to front squats, Zercher squats require you to maintain a more upright torso, and they also allow you to achieve a greater depth at the bottom.
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Zercher Squat
Key Training Tips: Rack the bar well below shoulder height in a power rack. Position the bar in the crooks of your elbows with your arms bent at least 90 degrees. Bend at the knees and hips, letting your glutes track backward, to lower yourself into a squat. When your quads reach parallel with the floor, drive up forcefully through your heels to the standing position.

Squat Alternative 4: Single-Leg Barbell Squat (Aka Bulgarian Split Squat)

Why It's Sub Worthy: This exercise goes by several different names, perhaps because it's something of a cross between a squat and a lunge—the feet are staggered, with one directly in front of the body and the other directly behind. It's this lunge orientation that allows you to keep your torso perpendicular with the floor and clear from the excessive forward lean that often causes lower-back strain.
Also, keeping one foot behind allows you to plant the front foot as far forward as necessary to keep that front knee safe from undue stress. With this movement, you have the option of either putting a barbell on your back or holding dumbbells.
Key Training Tips: If you're holding dumbbells, you may be limited by your grip strength; in that case, use the barbell version. Bend your forward knee and hip to lower your body until your same-side thigh is parallel with the floor. Reverse the direction, driving up forcefully through the forward heel to the start position, using the back foot for balance.

Squat Alternative 5: Smith Machine Squat

Why It's Sub Worthy: Anyone who bashes the Smith machine for not being "functional" hasn't opened up his or her mind to all the function this training tool has to offer. Where squats are concerned, the Smith machine offers a couple of great benefits in particular:
  • It allows you to safely overload the lower-body muscles with heavy weight to spark new gains in both size and strength, because you don't have to worry about keeping your balance.
  • It lets you adjust your foot position to target different areas of your legs. For example, placing your feet further forward (something you can't do with a barbell) targets the glutes for those who want to emphasize that area.
This forward foot position also reduces your shin angle, which takes pressure off your knees. Think of it the same way you would lunges, where taking a larger step forward keeps your knees from tracking over your toes.
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Smith Machine Squat
Key Training Tips: This is an especially good choice when you do squats later in your leg workout (which you might do when you want to go lighter, as the legs will already be prefatigued). When using an angled machine rather than one in which the bar strictly travels straight up and down, always stand inside the unit, and face outward to better match the natural arc of the bar.

Squat Alternative 6: Barbell Hack Squat

Why It's Sub Worthy: At first glance, this exercise may look a bit odd, like you're doing a deadlift the wrong way, because the bar is behind your legs instead of in front. But this is by design; in fact, the barbell hack squat has been around for many decades, a lot longer than the hack-squat machine you see at most commercial gyms today.
This move is unique because the weight is behind you, and there's less strain placed on the lower back compared to a standard deadlift because you're not forced to lean so far forward. This version makes it much easier to keep your weight back over your heels, which is where you'd want it be when doing a regular barbell squat. This is a key benefit for anyone with lower-back issues.
Key Training Tips: Your palms can either be both facing forward or staggered so that one faces forward and the other back—whatever you prefer. Keep your back flat (not rounded) and your spine in a neutral position on both the positive and negative portions of each rep.
For more training programs, as well as nutrition and supplement articles to complement them, check out Jim Stoppani

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Stoppani, Ph.D.

Jim Stoppani, Ph.D.

Jim Stoppani holds a doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut and has been the personal nutrition and health consultant to numerous celebrity clients, including...

Trending Sports News and Live Streams Featuring: Stars Honor Kobe & Gigi Bryant at Celebration of Life Memorial and Best Body in the NBA: Semi Ojeleye

From Beyoncé to Michael Jordan, many stars join the thousands of fans at the Staples Center to celebrate the lives of the NBA star and his daughter. See the touching moments.


Best Body in the NBA: Semi Ojeleye

Semi Ojeleye of the Boston Celtics has a powerful physique and all the right moves to defend against pro basketball's superstars.
Best Body in the NBA: Semi Ojeleye


Semi Ojeleye's page on Basketball-Reference.com lists the many nicknames of the Boston Celtics wing: Muscles Jesus, The Ox, Thor, The Ojeleye Factory, The Man Made of Granite. Clearly, Ojeleye's 6-foot-7, 240-pound physique has made quite an impression in the NBA, from the moment he broke in with a 2017 scouting report on DraftExpress that referred to his "thick, jacked frame."
If you ask Ojeleye, he's always been like that and he always will be.
"I looked strong when I was young, but I think with or without lifting, I'd still be fit, because that's how my dad is and he has never lifted a day in his life," he says.
Paul Fabritz, Ojeleye's Los Angeles-based offseason strength and conditioning coach, agrees, but he also thinks Ojeleye is selling himself a little short.
"Semi's genetics are the best of anyone I've ever worked with, and I work with a lot of NBA players," Fabritz says. "But he also works very, very hard. He'd have a decent NBA body if he never stepped in the weight room, but because he does, he has one of the best bodies in the NBA."

Body Of Work

This season with the Celtics, Ojeleye has been putting that body to work. Though he doesn't always register double-digit minutes, the defensive specialist steps up when it counts. Eleven times this season, Ojeleye has played more than 20 minutes, and he has logged more than 15 minutes six times. Ojeleye’s minutes typically rise against teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Orlando Magic, which have big men who handle the ball and crash the rim. Celtics coach Brad Stevens called on Ojeleye to handle them. 
"I prepare like I'm going to play 48 minutes every game," Ojeleye told WEEI.com. "I try to be in shape. I try to keep my body right. In my mind, going into every game, I'm playing every minute. So, if I'm called upon, it's not a surprise."
Semi Ojeleye with friends
Ojeleye and teammates Tacko Fall (left) and Grant Williams (center) team up with the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club at a community outreach event.
Ojeleye has been working out since he was in the sixth grade, when his parents put him in a conditioning program to get fit for AAU basketball. In high school, he copied the lifting program his older brother Victor was given at Kansas State, but Ojeleye's serious lifting started when he entered Duke University in 2013 and began training with sports performance coach Will Stephens.
"At Duke, we took it to the max," Ojeleye says. "We went big with the Olympic lifts, leg presses, and squats, and I got really strong—but almost too strong for basketball. I didn't feel like I could move on the court."
After two seasons at Duke, Ojeleye transferred to Southern Methodist University, where he met strength coach Carlos Daniel and his focus shifted from lifting big to mobility, flexibility, and being functionally strong on the court. During the 2018 offseason with Fabritz, the focus was again on mobility. Ojeleye had trouble getting into his hips and moving well in low positions, and balance was an issue, all of which limited his ability to make moves on the basketball court.
"There were a lot of things I couldn't do, but Paul is a magician," Ojeleye says. "My mobility didn't match my strength. He gave me a base so I can be more explosive and also stabilize my movements."
With mobility no longer a glaring weakness, Ojeleye and Fabritz had a new objective for the 2019 offseason.

Going Harder For Longer

"The goal this summer was to go harder, longer," Ojeleye says. "The guys who succeed in the NBA are the guys who can go the hardest, the longest. So, we did more sets, increased reps, did sets to failure, and there was always a cardio component, either the bike or running on the treadmill, at the track, or in the sand."
Fabritz and Ojeleye worked out together five afternoons a week, in between Ojeleye's morning and evening on-court basketball training sessions. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays were for lower-body and agility workouts, while Tuesdays and Thursdays were for upper-body, core, and endurance work.
"Our workouts are always general, designed to improve a certain trait, be it mobility, flexibility, or strength," Fabritz says. "About 20 percent of the exercises are basketball-specific, but all of them will help Semi in-game."

For basketball-specific moves, they use a medicine ball in place of a basketball.
"It's the perfect size and shape, and you can use it to mimic single-leg landings and lateral movements," Ojeleye says.
Alternatively, Ojeleye will work on cuts, drop-steps, decelerations—moving one way aggressively, then stopping on a dime—and other on-court footwork as Fabritz resists him with a power band around his waist.
Traditional gym activities rarely involve a barbell because Ojeleye packs on muscle too easily and has to slow down. Last offseason, his deadlift quickly and easily topped 450 pounds. Fabritz realized that one heavy exercise a week was enough to maintain Ojeleye's strength.
"Instead of a barbell bench press, we'll use dumbbells, and it'll be with a hip lift mixed in so it is a core exercise as well," Ojeleye says. "It's funny, kids always ask me, 'How much do you bench? How much do you squat? What are your numbers?' And I'm like, 'I have no idea.'"
Semi Ojeleye
Ojeleye does hip and ankle mobility exercises every day. He loves pull-ups. He hates single-leg squats, is still working on perfecting the kettlebell Turkish get-up, and has a love-hate relationship with the sand dunes in Manhattan Beach. As Fabritz says, there are very few holes in his fitness.
"Semi can move weight, he can move weight fast, he has explosive power and can express force very, very quickly," Fabritz says. "A lot of big guys can't do that. Semi has good lateral speed and quickness, and he's one of the fastest athletes on the track. He'll outrun anyone in a 40-yard dash. And he recovers better and more quickly than any athlete I've ever seen. He's really the full package."

3-And-D

Ojeleye, 25, is now in his third season with the Celtics and is showing his potential to be a highly productive 3-and-D player—someone who specializes in defense and shooting 3-pointers. Ojeleye has proven he has the strength to defend big men and the quickness to defend on the wings, but what makes him invaluable off the Celtics bench is his ability to check athletic freaks, such as LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who are simultaneously big, fast, and highly skilled.
His improved mobility and conditioning allow him to be more offensively aggressive, as well. His 3-point shooting percentage has improved dramatically, from 31.5 percent last season to around 37 percent this season.
"Last year I made my mark playing defense," Ojeleye says, "but I think I have a lot to offer on the other end, too."
Interested in finding a workout plan to help improve your athleticism for basketball and other sports? There are plenty to choose from in BodyFit by Bodybuilding.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsay Berra

Lindsay Berra

Lindsay Berra is a freelance sports journalist based in Montclair, New Jersey.

NCAA Basketball: Eagles Defeat Howard Women’s Hoops with Hot Shooting



Bison unable to slow down North Carolina Central 
DURHAM, N.C. (February 24, 2020) – Howard University women’s basketball team fell on the road at North Carolina Central (NCCU), 71-89, thanks to hot shooting from the Eagles.


(Photo Credit – Rodney Pierce)


NCCU shot over 69-percent (18-of-26) after intermission, including 85-percent (11-of-13) in the third.

Four Bison reached double figures despite the Eagles’ hot shooting, led by third-year sharpshooter Jayla Thornton (Newark, N.J.) with a team-leading 18 points. Senior guard Ayonna Williams added 16 points and seven dimes in the loss.

NCCU led throughout the first period and nearly midway through the second until sophomore forward Krislyn Marsh (Duncanville, Texas) scored a fast break layup to put the Bison ahead, 28-27, at the 6:39 mark.

Howard took control in the second period, extending their lead as much as five on multiple occasion, but North Carolina Central would close the gap to one at the break, 38-37.

NCCU’s Kieche White drilled a trey ball moments after halftime to spark a 16-5 run and give the Eagles a double-digit lead at the 5:12 mark, 53-43.

HU fought back and sliced the deficit to single digits, but North Carolina Central regained the momentum, thanks to a 33-point third quarter that gave the Eagles a 12-point advantage after three, 58-70.

Williams cut the margin to nine, 67-76, with more than five minutes remaining, but NCCU took control and finished the contest on a 13-4 spurt, 71-89.

Marsh and fellow classmate Gia Thorpe (Pittsburgh) each had 11 points in a losing effort.

For NCCU (10-16, 7-6 MEAC), Paulina Afriyie notched a double-double (24 points and 15 boards) while White and Anissa Rivera netted 21 and 23 points, respectively, in the win.

Saturday (Feb. 29), HU concludes its long five-game road trip in Norfolk, Va., against Norfolk State. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m. inside Echols Hall.
Two days later (March 2), Howard returns to The Mecca where the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks await. The action starts 5:30 p.m. inside Burr Gymnasium.


The XFL on US Sports Net Featuring: This is the XFL Show | Episode 116: Ka-Kaw is the Law and Football Preparation: Peak Performance Training & Nutrition Overview!

From the return of pro football to St. Louis to the unexpected blow out win for the L.A. Wildcats over the DC Defenders, Week 3 was a memorable affair.

This episode includes our Week 3 awards, a look at the current XFL power rankings, and a good, crisp football talk with Jonathan Coachman of the XFL Pregame. Get a recap of all the action and dive into all the major stories throughout the XFL as we head on into Week 4! Follow us @XFLShow on all social media outlets! Call the XFL Fan Line anytime at 724-565-4XFL!


Football Preparation: Peak Performance Training and Nutrition Overview! from Bodybuilding.com

Baseball may be America's pastime, but football is its passion. Improve your game with the following training and nutrition actions.
Football Preparation: Peak Performance Training & Nutrition Overview! banner
It has been said that baseball is America's pastime, but football is its passion. Each year thousands of males (and some females) suit up to compete on the football field. Depending on the position(s) that one plays, there will be unique physical and performance characteristics that lead to better performance on the field.
The goal of this article is to provide an overview of those characteristics as well as highlight specific training and nutrition actions a football player can take to optimize both.

The Game

Football is played in a variety of climates ranging from severe cold to very warm and the players wear a full complement of pads and gear. Football games consist of four 15-minute periods or "quarters" with a halftime intermission of 15 minutes after the second quarter. This break between the 1st and 2nd half allows an opportunity for extended rest, refueling and rehydration.
College and professional football players are either part of the offense or defensive squad and thus are on the field for only half of the game. However, many high school players will play both offense and defense making rest, recovery, refueling and rehydration more challenging. Games are played once a week with a day of rest after and before the next and practice sessions in between.
In comparison to many other team sports, football has a shorter season and thus a longer off-season. In the United States, pre-season training tends to ramp up after the New Year with practices beginning in the spring.
For American football, summer camp generally begins in July with practices lasting two or more hours and may include the infamous "2-a-day" practice schedule. The regular season games begin at the end of August or beginning of September and continue through the fall and into the beginning of winter.
The regular season games end in November and December and playoffs prolong the season by several weeks for many high schools, some college divisions and professional leagues. Still, college bowl games end in early January and high school playoffs typically finish prior to winter holiday breaks.
This allows for significant time during the off-season to recover from injury and to modify body weight, composition, strength and conditioning.

Physical Characteristics Of Football Positions:

Football players have become bigger and stronger over the last few decades.1 For instance, a survey of High School All-American football teams revealed that the body mass index (BMI) of players increased dramatically during the 1970s and 1980s.2
In the NFL, linemen especially have become bigger over the past few decades, perhaps even more so than other positions.3 Today, the average weight of starting offensive or defensive linemen of many Division-I (FBS) college and professional football teams approach or exceed 300 pounds. With the higher weight comes more body fat with a recent study of college offensive linemen and tight ends reporting levels exceeding 25%.4
Linemen need to be big and strong, whereas receivers, and defensive backs and running backs must be faster and more agile. However, a high school or college linemen who is not only big and strong but also quick and agile will certainly draw more interest from college and pro scouts.
The same is true for defensive backs, running backs or receivers who are not only quick and agile but are also bigger and stronger than most. Fullbacks, tight ends, defensive ends and linebackers are hybrids of the players just mentioned. They must be fast, agile, strong and more massive in order to handle the demands of physical contact.
The presence of these characteristics were verified in a recent look at drafted versus non-drafted college football players participating in an NFL Combine.5

Football Position Breakdown:

Based on different physical and performance characteristics, we can separate football positions into three position-based groups. Special team skill athletes such as punters and kickers, will not be discussed.
  • Receivers and Defensive Backs - Includes smaller specialty players such as wide receivers, cornerbacks, safeties (especially free safeties or Cover 2) and smaller running backs that specialize in end runs, screens and downfield pass receiving.
  • Running Backs and Linebackers - Includes bigger specialty players such as running backs and linebackers. Traditional strong safeties as well as some defensive ends can slide into this group if they drop back into pass coverage.
  • Offensive and Defensive Linemen - Includes offensive centers, guards and tackles on one side of the line of scrimmage and defensive nose-guards and tackles on the other side.

Performance Characteristics Of Football Positions:

Football is primarily an anaerobic sport with a play typically lasting for six seconds. Between plays there are roughly 30 to 45 seconds which allows for brief rest and recovery as players return to position and a play is called on both sides of the ball. Each position on the field will play a different role including:
Receivers And Defensive Backs
Receivers and defensive backs engage in near to maximal sprinting on most plays with some contact associated with coverage, blocking and tackling. Because of the physical contact and ballistic nature of the positions the following qualities are of crucial importance:
  • Total body strength and power
  • Back, neck, and abdominal strength to stabilize and control the spine
  • Flexibility for all the body parts to enhance speed and function and decrease the risk of injury
Receivers and defensive backs tend to be leaner and lighter than the other positions with estimations of body fat levels averaging 9.6%.6 These players must carefully consider the relationships between body weight, body composition, agility and speed.
While the play of these positions could be enhanced by increased strength associated with a greater muscle mass (for example, in downfield blocking/tackling), these players should be careful not to compromise acceleration/quickness and speed with extra mass.
Players Should Be Careful Not To Compromise Acceleration And Speed With Extra Mass
Players Should Be Careful Not To Compromise Acceleration And Speed With Extra Mass.


Receiver Terrell Owens (formerly)of the Dallas Cowboys is the perfect example of the successful merging of additional mass with speed and agility for exceptional performance. Strong safeties, whose responsibilities include a great deal of run support as well as covering tight ends and fullbacks coming out of the backfield could also benefit from additional mass.
Running Backs And Linebackers
Running backs and linebackers engage in heavy contact on most plays. They also perform near maximal sprinting and movements requiring rapid change of direction and acceleration. Because of the physical contact and ballistic nature of their position, the following are an absolute necessity:
  • Body mass, strength, and power
  • Back, neck, and abdominal strength for the stability and control of the spine during contact
  • Mass development to help create and absorb the forces of physical contact
  • General flexibility to enhance speed and performance as well as to decrease the incidence of injury
Running backs and linebackers tend to be heavier than receivers and defensive backs, but are smaller than linemen. Meanwhile, most linebackers tend to be a little heavier than running backs. Here again, the relationship between body mass and composition and physical performance is important and players should experiment during the off-season with the assistance of team strength and conditioning coaches.
Enhanced physical size and weight would offer an advantage during moments of impact and surges to gain a first-down. However, the extra mass should not compromise quickness, speed or game endurance.
Moments Of Impact
Enhanced Physical Size And Weight Offer An Advantage During Moments Of Impact.


Fullbacks tend to be heavier than and not as lean as a halfback. Their body type is ideal for running the ball "up the middle" and blocking. The halfback is the "feature back" on all teams and tends to be geared more toward off tackle and around-the-end quickness and speed.
The body fat level of halfbacks can be similar to that of receivers and defensive backs. The body fat level of fullbacks is usually closer to that of linebackers, which seems to average 14%.6
Most of the qualities that are advantageous for running backs also work well for linebackers, however, linebackers tend to be heavier (especially middle linebackers) than running backs. Outside linebackers are usually a little lighter and leaner than middle linebackers because they are more involved in pass coverage, blitzing, and tracking down ball carriers on end runs.
Offensive And Defensive Lineman
Linemen are generally the largest and strongest players on the field. Offensive and defensive linemen engage in physical contact on every play in an attempt to control the line of scrimmage. Players line up 2 to 3 yards from one another so there is little time or space to accelerate. For offensive and defensive linemen:
  • Large mass is needed to produce force
  • Power is crucial to control their area of the line of scrimmage
  • Quickness is important, but it should not be at the expense of losing significant amounts of size and strength
Recommendations for optimal body compositions for linemen have not been proposed. However, most linemen will be able to determine the body weight and composition at which they are "at their best."
As mentioned, heavier linemen with a higher percentage of body fat can compromise quickness and agility and may not be able to endure four quarters of high-intensity play.7 Examples of this are apparent in the professional ranks when a 300+-lb defensive tackle with a higher amount of body fat becomes slower and less effective in the fourth quarter, or during long drives by the other team.
In addition, there is evidence to suggest that body fat levels may be related to the incidence of injury in linemen.8,9 For instance, high school football players with higher body fat levels have been assessed as having up to a 2 1/2 times greater risk of injury than leaner players.9

Physical Training For Football:

Physical training for football is based on the specific position played and its associated trait requirements (e.g. acceleration, speed, strength and power). Increases in body mass may be helpful for some players but are detrimental for others based on changes in speed and agility. These are discussed below as they relate to certain positions.
In addition, scouting combines often measure performance in the following activities:
  • 40-yard dash
  • Vertical jump
  • Pro-agility shuttle, 3-cone drill
  • Bench press performance (e.g. 225 lb rep count)
Pro-Agility Shuttle, 3-Cone Drill
Pro-Agility Shuttle, 3-Cone Drill.


Certified strength and conditioning specialists will be able to utilize the significant findings to help better prepare athletes as they ready themselves for the Combines.
Receivers And Defensive Backs
The dynamics of this sport (strength, speed, power) suggest that a periodized program would be the most beneficial. Addressing the specific components within the preseason should maximize the training benefits at the opening of summer camp, but excessive muscular hypertrophy for these players (receivers and defensive backs) may not be beneficial as the increased mass could compromise speed and agility.
  • Strength Training - Use multi-joint and Olympic movements to mimic athletic movements and to train the entire body simultaneously. These exercises improve coordination, stabilization, strength, and power. Several exercises focusing on flexibility, strengthening and stabilizing the hamstrings and lower back should also be included.
  • Plyometric Training - Plyometric exercises assists in the development of speed and quickness.
  • Conditioning Drills - These drills (e.g. cone drills) should emphasize footwork and maximize speed. Maximal and high-intensity endurance exercises should make up a majority of the conditioning. For improvement of speed, adequate amounts of rest (about 2 minutes) must be allowed between maximal effort exercises.
Running Backs And Linebackers
Running backs and linebackers need to consider muscle hypertrophy along with strength and power. A specific focus on each of these components suggests the use of a periodized program.
  • Strength Training - Use of multi-joint and Olympic movements for strength training mimics athletic movements and trains the entire body simultaneously. These exercises improve coordination, stabilization, strength and power. Isolation exercises may assist in mass development.
  • Plyometric Training - Use of plyometric exercises assists in the development of speed and quickness.
  • Conditioning Drills - Conditioning drills should emphasize footwork including: change of direction and maximizing quickness. Most drills and conditioning should include 5 to 20 seconds of near maximal efforts with 20 to 30 seconds of rest between.
These Exercises Improve Coordination, Stabilization, Strength, and Power
These Exercises Improve Coordination, Stabilization, Strength, and Power.


Offensive And Defensive Lineman
Because of the dual need for size and strength, a periodized program addressing both of these components is likely to produce the best results. Because of their large size, linemen often have poor flexibility and agility. Training should include exercises/actions that improve these areas.
  • Strength and Power Training - Olympic movements in strength training can assist in developing total body coordination and maintain or improve flexibility. Utilizing the power lifts (squat, deadlift, bench press), one can develop large amounts of both mass and strength, so these should constitute a large portion of the training volume.
  • Conditioning Drills - Conditioning drills for linemen should emphasize footwork and quickness. These drills should be performed in 10 to 20 seconds while covering short distances and with 20 to 30 seconds of rest between repetitions.

Nutrition For Football:

Nutritional concerns and requirements of football players must be taken into consideration with the unique physical attributes and performance requirements of the different position groups.
In addition, if changes in body weight and composition are desired to maximize performance, the player's diet will absolutely be affected. For instance, if a lineman wishes to add weight, consisting primarily of muscle mass, during the off-season he will need to ingest a calorie intake greater than his energy requirement.
Receivers and defensive backs may be more inclined to restrict their energy intake during the off-season to promote weight/fat loss.

Energy Intakes And Requirements:

As mentioned prior, there is a definite trend over the past decades for football players to become bigger, particularly in the case of linemen.1 In relation, energy intakes can be staggering with caloric levels increasing in proportion to position size. For instance, energy consumption of college linemen can be approximately 5000 to 6000 kcal daily and linemen might consume an additional 1500 kcal more daily than defensive backs.10
There Is A Definite Trend For Football Players To Become Bigger
There Is A Definite Trend For Football Players To Become Bigger.


Carbohydrate
Maximal effort sprints separated by limited periods of rest dictate a strong reliance on muscle glycogen. Training drills allow for adaptations that increase carbohydrate storage capacity in muscle.
A diet providing at least 55-60% of its energy as carbohydrates or 7 to 10 g/kg body weight is ideal and will support recovery of glycogen stores after practices and games.
Good sources of carbohydrate include breads, pastas, fruits, dairy and some nutrition supplements. Game times are usually around the noon hour, late afternoon or early evening and players need to be conscious of their carbohydrate consumption earlier in the day.
Recently, the use of larger carbohydrate sources that rapidly move through the stomach for faster digestion and absorption has become popular with football players.
One such product does just that - Vitargo S2 is a unique high molecular weight starch carbohydrate proven in university studies to empty from the stomach over twice as fast as sugars and maltodextrin, providing fast fuel.11 This means far less discomforting content in the stomach during training, practice or games. It also means that a player can consume more fuel via [this product] without the typical bloating concerns.
Sport drinks containing 4 to 8% carbohydrate should be consumed during games and practices in amounts appropriate for maintenance of optimal hydration. For instance, if a running back were to drink 4 cups ([approximately] 1000 ml) of a 6% carbohydrate beverage during a game, he would have consumed approximately 55 g of carbohydrate in addition to the fluid.
As an alternative for players whose stomach is more sensitive to lower molecular weight carbohydrate (e.g. sugars and maltodextrin) beverages can use [this great product] immediately before practice and games and on the sidelines and during halftime.
Strategic carbohydrates are especially important during 2-a-day practice schedules where there is minimal time to recover spent glycogen stores in between training.
For instance, because [this product] is a rapidly digested and absorbed carbohydrate it has been proven in research to accelerate glycogen recovery (based on biopsies of the quadriceps muscle) after exhaustive exercise leading to a faster return to higher performance compared to simpler sugars and maltodextrins.12,13
Protein
Although protein needs have not been specifically determined for football players, their requirements are higher than those of the general population because of their greater muscularity and training, as well as injury recovery.
A diet providing 15--20% of its energy from protein should provide enough protein to achieve nitrogen balance and desirable gains in LBM provided the calorie level meets daily needs. Expressed another way, protein intake of 1.2 to 1.7 g/kg of body weight should be adequate and allows for differences in training and conditioning practices among players.
Here is how these levels might translate to football players:
  • For a 195-lb athlete ([approximately] 88 1/2-kg) safety eating 4000 kcal daily with 15% attributable to protein, this equates to 150 grams of protein or roughly 1.7 g/kg of body weight. (College defensive backs have been noted to consume roughly 16% of their energy as protein.16)
  • An offensive lineman weighing 275 lb (125 kg) and consuming 5000 kcal with 17% derived from protein would receive 212 g of protein, which would equate to 1.7 g/kg of body weight.
Protein from animals is rich in essential amino acids and in particular branched chained amino acids (BCAA). This includes red meat, poultry (meat and eggs), fish and milk (dairy).
Soy is also a good source of essential amino acids, but its leucine (a branch chain amino acid) content isn't quite as high as whey protein. However most combinations of protein sources consumed before or after a workout will support muscle development especially if the level of intake is significant.
Supplement manufacturers target single protein ingredients such as whey protein isolate (WPI) or a blend of protein ingredients to create a more strategic muscle development food. Protein fractions from milk namely, WPI, whey protein concentrate (WPC) and casein can be used strategically as whey is more rapidly digested and absorbed than casein. This has led to the idea of "fast" and "slow" protein which is equivalent to a time-release system.
Protein timing, or the importance of protein either before or immediately after a workout to maximize gains in muscle development and performance, is important to football players. Resistance training sessions results in a simultaneous increase in protein synthesis and breakdown.
Several studies clearly indicate that protein, and more importantly essential amino acids, are critical to maximize gains.14,15 Some studies suggest that milk based proteins may offer an advantage over soy protein at least at the levels studied.16 In addition, consuming faster-acting carbohydrate to rapidly raise insulin (e.g. Vitargo S2) after training will support optimal results.
A recent university study showed that a 100-gram dose of [this faster-acting carbohydrate] raised insulin levels [a lot] higher than an equal amount of carbohydrate from maltodextrin and sugars within as little as 10 minutes after consumption.12 Insulin is the most potent natural way to stop muscle protein breakdown after training and is involved in the transport of amino acids and other vital nutrients into muscle during recovery.
Fluids And Hydration
Hydration status is a primary nutritional consideration for football players. Warmer climates, padding and uniforms can increase sweat losses.
Copious water consumption is necessary, especially during preseason camps in the summer months. Also, during high school, college and professional summer football camps it is common for teams to practice twice a day. Football players must strive to recover water losses between those practices.
Mesh jerseys may be worn during practices and games with the arms and lower legs often being exposed. This allows for greater heat loss via convection. Plastic and foam protective gear such as helmets, shoulder pads, hip girdles and arm pads decrease the potential for heat loss via convection.
Often, quarterbacks wear a protective "flak jacket" under their jersey. This apparatus greatly decreases heat loss from the torso via convection.
Efficient heat removal is imperative for these large athletes, and a few recent deaths of linemen have been attributed to heat intolerance during summer practice. Fans, mist-machines and other sideline devices can help cool these athletes and decrease sweating reliance.
Linemen tend to sweat more than other positions based on their total size. For instance, NFL linemen had a sweat rate averaging 2.4 liters/hour vs. 1.4 liters/hour for running backs practicing on a warm, sunny day.17
Without question, consuming either water (pure) or sport drinks would benefit a football player's hydration status. These athletes should drink fluids before, during, and after games and practices, especially in between two-a-day practices which can lead to significant daily fluid losses.18 A sport drink should be beneficial; however, the carbohydrate should not exceed 8% to allow for rapid emptying from the stomach.
Estimating Fluid Needs During Training, Practice And Games:
Players can estimate their fluid needs during practice or a game by:
  • Weighing themselves prior to and after a practice
  • Factor in how much fluid they drank during practice or a game
Assume: One pound of body weight approximates 1/2 liter or 16 oz (2 cups) of fluid.
Vitamins And Minerals
Football players tend to consume at least the generally recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals because of the higher volume of food they eat.
However, an exhaustive study of vitamin and mineral metabolism and relative needs to football players remains to be performed. For instance, some researchers and nutritionists feel that the required level of intake of several B-vitamins should be higher for athletes based on energy expenditure.19 Also, requirements for vitamin B6 are based on protein/amino acid consumption which would lead to greater needs for many football players.
Perhaps the greatest immediate concern is related to mineral losses experienced during sweating. Sport drinks providing sodium at approximately 110--165 mg/8 oz and potassium at 19--46 mg/8 oz should provide ample electrolytes to recover losses when fluid consumption covers sweat loss.
Based on incomplete knowledge and common dietary habits of high school and college athletes, it is generally recommended that football players bolster their nutritional intake with a multivitamin and mineral supplement.
Recommendations For Pre/During/Post Training/Practice Or Game
Some general recommendations for nutrition consumption before, during and after training, practice, and games are listed below. Football players should experiment with all aspects to determine what works best for them during training and practices to optimize game performance.
Players Should Experiment To Determine What Works Best For Them To Optimize Performance
Players Should Experiment To Determine What Works Best For Them To Optimize Performance.


Recommendations are provided in ranges and smaller players (receivers and defensive backs) can strive for the lower end of the range while bigger linemen should aim towards the higher end of the range.
Workout/Practice/Game Preparation (3 to 4 Hours Before) - This meal will help prepare energy stores for strenuous training or scrimmage as well as contribute to daily needs.
  • 100-200 gram of carbohydrate
  • 25 to 50 grams of protein
  • 1/2 to 1 liter (16-32 oz) of fluid (Continue to sip on fluids up until practice/ game in heat)
Pre-Workout/Practice/Game/Training ([approximately] 30 minutes Before)
  • 10 to 30 grams of rapidly digested and absorbed carbohydrate
  • Drink 400 to 600 ml of fluid 2 to 3 hours prior to a game/practice to maximize hydration status at the start
During Practice/Game/Training
  • Drink at least 250--300 ml of fluid every 15--20 minutes of play (more (300--500 ml) if sweating is heavy)
  • Sideline and halftime allows for a great opportunity to stay hydrated
Post-Workout/Practice/Game (Immediately/ASAP)
  • > 35 to 50 grams of carbohydrate
  • ≥ 1/4 to 1/2 gram of protein per kg body weight (about 1/8 to 1/4 grams per lb)
  • Continue to drink fluids over the next hour or two until you have recovered the weight you lost during practice or game

Nutrition Supplementation By Football Players:

Football players tend to be regular users of nutrition supplements. In developing a supplement strategy, football players should assess their needs relative to position and goals. Below are the keys reasons why football players use certain nutrition supplements as well as brief reviews of creatine and beta-alanine.
Principal Reasons For Supplementation By Football Players
  • Energy/Focus
  • Fueling/Refueling
  • Mass/Strength Development
  • Recovery (Post Training)
  • Hydration/Rehydration
  • Fatigue Resistance
Key Supplements For Mass, Strength And Power
Creatine - Creatine is one of the more recognizable supplements used to enhance strength and power and LBM. A body of evidence supports the notion that creatine can promote weight gains, primarily in LBM, which coincides with potential gains in strength.
While many forms of creatine exist on the market, creatine monohydrate is by far the most studied and proven effective.1 Football players can derive benefit from 3 to 5 grams of creatine daily.
Some research studies have used higher levels as well. For instance, 15.75 g of creatine monohydrate, as part of a glucose/taurine/electrolyte supplement, promoted greater gains in fat- and bone-free mass, isotonic lifting volume and sprint performance during intense resistance/agility training in college football players.20
Beta-Alanine - Beta-alanine is naturally found in meats and is structurally different from alanine and the other amino acids that can be used to make proteins. However, β-alanine can be combined with histidine to make L-carnosine. Carnosine is an important acid buffer in muscle cells especially Type II muscle fiber cells. However, ingested carnosine is extensively broken down in the blood and thus supplementation of carnosine does not efficiently and cost-effectively increase muscle carnosine levels. Meanwhile β-alanine can enter muscle cells and be used to make carnosine.
Researchers are finding that supplemental β-alanine is indeed effective in raising muscle carnosine levels as well as improving the muscle acid buffering abilities during high intensity activities such as sprinting and weight training. This in turn is related to improvements in performance.21-23
Caffeine And Performance
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, colas and energy drinks are popular and many players must be considered. Caffeine can be added to energy drinks and other products simply as itself or in herbs such as guarana and yerba mate.
Although some caffeine prior to a workout, practice or game may be beneficial for some football players, excessive consumption can hinder performance as well. Some football athletes may feel lethargic from heavy caffeine consumption a few hours prior to practice or a game. Also, caffeine is listed on the banned substance list for the NCAA at urine levels that would exceed 15 mcg/ml.

Taking It To The Field:

Game competition is fierce as adversaries on the other side of the line of scrimmage have the same goal as you - to dominate their position and be victorious in their efforts. Moreover, competition can be brutal among teammates as you fight for a starting position.
Use The Tools You Need To Optimize Your Performance On The Field
Use The Tools You Need To Optimize Your Performance On The Field.


Strategic training and effective skill development combined by proper nutrition are the tools you need to optimize your performance on the field. Take advantage and control but take no prisoners. It's up to you and no one else! Leave it all on the field and strive for nothing short of victory.

References

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