Frequently Asked Questions & Comments:
What are the key points when developing speed in young athletes?
- Speed is power. Optimal power requires dynamic flexibility. Teach kids how to stretch both statically AS WELL AS dynamically. Especially work on the dynamic flexibility of the shoulders and hips.
- Do some unilateral strength training. Single leg squats (with the free leg held in different positions) is a great way to develop unilateral strength and stability. Unilateral strength and stability is a MUST for good sprinters.
- Work on balance. Use games, un-stabilizing devices and anything you can think of to train the balance of a young athlete.
- TONS of core strength. Train the core endlessly through both multi-joint and specific exercises.
- In order to develop good eccentric strength, perform both in-place as well as movement based jumps. Don’t get caught up in ‘plyometrics’ - another great catch phrase. Have kids jump, gain their balance and then jump again. Be more concerned with body mechanics and execution than height, distance or speed.
- Teach kids HOW TO RUN. Break down the mechanics and show them how to become fluid. Bad mechanics means wasted energy and reduced speed.
- Build their personal confidence that hard work and focus will make them better.
The SASS programs are not static, rather evolve from start to finish and often classes are separated based on age/skill levels. Our participants range from those that have never played sports before, to those experienced in league, school and travel teams. All veterans of our previous programs have improved and gained an edge in playing at the next level that would have been difficult without getting the “fundamentals” down. Whether our young people play sports or just want to have fun while learning, this program will benefit their health and self-esteem.
Parent's comments: I just want to say thank you so much for the time and effort you and your coaches put into the skills session this fall. Faith learned so much and she was really prepared for the tryouts on Sat. Just to give you an idea of how much she improved, she was the 4th best overall in her age group and has 2 coaches fighting over her. This from a little girl who only played one other season of basketball. Thank you again for all you do.
Thanks! I have forwarded this out to a few of our football team player's parents. I told them how great the spring SASS was and they're thinking of doing it as well- Miles will be doing this one as well and I'm SO glad.
We began this program since we had four children that needed personal development, though the high cost and mass production nature of similar programs caused us to create our own that we could tailor to all ages and skill levels. As longtime coaches and trainers of successful recreational and select teams, and most importantly as parents, our goals are to see each young person be the best they can be and motivate them accordingly.
"Thank you! I appreciate all that you are doing. I am thankful for your commitment to make these young people better athletes. Thank you for your hard work. Everything you all are doing is great. If you all do any basketball, consider that Ozzie is left handed and as far as basketball is concerned, I would like for him to work on shooting and dribbling with his weak hand!"
"My girls really enjoyed this developmental program! I know they have improved, and I really appreciate your emphasis on sportsmanship and team effort. Thank you so much for this opportunity and we're glad to see this program continue. I'm sure we'll see you on the court eventually!"
Our youth deserve an opportunity to develop personally, by improving their agility, speed, and skills to a point where they can compete. The challenge for the participant is to compete against themselves and by the end of the program to know they have improved physically and developed their self-confidence. Similar programs are narrowly focused, very expensive and most of us cannot afford to utilize them. This program is designed to be affordable and focus on what we know the youth in our community need, and is managed by people active in the community through coaching, training, and directing athletic programs. This program was started by people that wanted their own children to get the best quality training available for a reasonable price. The goals are to stay healthy and get better.
"I would really just like to say that Joseph had a great time with the sports activities few months ago and looking forward to basketball. I look forward to hearing from you soon. The sooner, the quicker and I can get him registered. He is excited."
"Yes, she is loving this basketball program much more than she originally thought she would. We appreciate how much you helped improve her confidence in herself – in sports and in school!"
"How are you? Anyway, Miles is doing great! People are telling me how quick he looks for his size. Thanks to your program."
The most noticeable rewards for us are that since we started in 2007 a lot of our "veterans" continue to participate in a number of our current programs. The continuing demand from our former participants and their families is the primary reason for us to continue this program.
The personal rewards for our youth range from significant to dramatic as shown in documented improvement of their physical abilities, agility, confidence, and focus. Comments from parents, our youth, and their present and potential coaches confirm the level of improvement. More importantly we see real improvement in their self-confidence, focus, and dedication to getting better.
Coaches- Thank you! You put into the correct words exactly what I was trying to say- “it’s all about getting better! I'm so excited for him to have this opportunity.
The most important reward is that many young people that never had a chance, now have an opportunity to see how good they can be- it can also be fun for them. It also allows experienced athletes to get the edge they need at higher levels of competition.
Q. My child is a good athlete - why even do this "fundamentals" program?
Because many of our young players spend years in organized sports without learning the basics that are critical once they approach middle school or high school. At that level, unless they are super athletes, coaches will expect them to have the basics down and do not have time to teach. Many of our young people never receive agility, skill, or conditioning programs, and cannot reach their potential. During the season there is limited practice time to work with players on basics and individual needs for improvement.
My daughter is trying out for GBL. She had previously participated in the program that Jon and
I am liking the program you guys are doing to this point. More importantly,
These additonal comments, and many others, are what make it all worthwhile for us and our coaches.
Pay it forward. Thank you very much for the help. I know you two can't do this forever... hopefully just for the next 5 years :) I hope one day I can give back as much as you have given. Maybe not in basketball, but perhaps somewhere else in life.
"Jon....both my wife and I are pleased with the league...and your patience with the kids. My view is that any time on the court is good time.....and your efforts and "pats on the shoulder" for Jonah are greatly appreciated."
"I have been coaching basketball and baseball for going on almost 30 years(since a junior in high school)...and coached this past winter in the CHAA rec basketball league...and most recently in the CHAA spring baseball rec league....and would be glad to lend a hand any way I can help. I'll wear my sneakers.....and feel free to put me to work on Saturday as you wish."
