Maximizing Youth Soccer Performance: The Importance of Off-Season Strength and Conditioning

youth soccer athlete training

As professional youth performance development coaches with years of experience in shaping young athletes, we understand the critical role that off-season strength and conditioning programs play in the development of youth soccer players. While honing technical skills is undoubtedly vital, dedicating time to enhance athleticism during the off-season can truly elevate a player’s game to […]

The Power of Strength Training for Young Athletes: Building Strong Bodies and Minds

A common question that parents of young athletes and children may ask at some point in their adolescent years, “is it safe for my child to engage in resistance or strength training?” The answer?  Absolutely.  With proper form and technique, it is not only safe, but hugely beneficial for all kids to begin strength training. […]

Ankle Mobility – Knee to Wall Stretch Test

Ever wonder if your ankle range of motion was sufficient for your exercise needs? Did you know that a common side effect of ankle sprains is actually losing the flexibility of your ankle bending forward on itself? Did you know that one facet of impaired squat depth could be a lack of ankle bend!? And […]

Shoulder Stabilization – Hanging Scapular Retraction

All right my ninja warriors, obstacle course race athletes, Cross-fitters, and ANYONE wanting to master the pull-up, this is one for you! I want you to take a second and appreciate how important our shoulder blade is and all the muscles that connect to it that impact how our shoulder and arms move in space. […]

Addressing Knees Over Toes

There is a common myth in the fitness industry that you cannot push your knees over your toes during lower body strengthening exercises. This is not the case and should be explained. It is often said that you are at a higher chance of injuring your knees if you go knees-over-toes during your exercises. Now, […]

Off Set Resistance Exercises

Offset resistance exercises are strength based movements that asymmetrically load one side of the body. This type of training can help improve coordination, motor control, and overall movement posture. Here are some examples of exercises using this method: ▪️REVERSE LUNGES – Place the weight on the same side as your working leg. Turn hips forward […]

Summer is Here

Summer is here and we are ready for all the good things that come along with these warmer months – like cook outs, beach/lake days and maybe a trip or two . . . AND, we think summer is a perfect time to refocus on your health and fitness!  Here are a few things to […]

Single-Leg Squat Test

By: The Obstacle Doc Here is a helpful tip from our partners in health, physical therapists – Dr. Chris Kosobucki and Dr. Daniela Ortiz-Kosobucki. We love that they share their expert knowledge and best advice for maintaining healthy, strong bodies and exercises to help common orthopedic injuries with our team and our clients! One of […]

Workout Wednesday

Workout Details Using two kettlebells in this position adds an instability factor to the shoulders, which then translates to the core. Make sure to use two lighter kettlebells because the weight will add up!  These are exercises where you are pushing or pulling against an immovable object. These are effective for training certain postures during […]

Squat Touchdowns: the Only Exercise Your Knees Need?

Knee stability is nearly entirely dependent on the mobility and strength of the ankles and hips. While we covered ankle mobility last week and will cover hip mobility next  week, today we’ll discuss the three reasons why squat touchdowns can be the best fool-proof way to bullet-proof your knees. Reason 1: Targeting the VMO The […]