In one sentence, the irreconcilable tragedy of a journey ending too soon; yet in the very next, the infinite potential of beginning a journey anew; and, that is just one of the challenges making sense of 2020, isn’t it?
Hard to believe that 2018 is nearly in our rear-view mirror. This year proved to be one of my life’s most challenging years yet. But, there is no growth without resistance, and for all of the challenging moments, there has been some significant professional and personal growth. I’ve learned a lot. More than I could…
At first, I believed my deepest passion was baseball, and that this, alone, was what drove me. But, in reflection, I have learned that it is about something different entirely: developing relationships with others. And, at the foundation of every interpersonal relationship is communication. Despite being tasked with coaching athletes my own age (and sometimes…
As the early stages of the fall and the new school year begins, many high school sport coaches around the country will now take up a pad and pen (or keyboard) to devise a strength training plan for their team. In a perfect world, every high school would have a full-time strength and conditioning professional employed…
The goal of this series is to help coaches at the high school level and beyond expand their coaching “tool box” with practical movements, drills, and exercises – ones that aren’t just for show, but ones that can positively impact a training program. Each week I will post an exercise along with a video demonstration, as…
Note from the editor: Since sharing the first part of this incredibly well-thought out and written piece with us, Coach Lauren Green (formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization) has taken a new position, now working as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach with the Brooklyn Nets organization. Even though Lauren has spent considerable time working…
Dear Athletes of Generation Z: First, let me preface this letter by saying it doesn’t apply to all of today’s young athletes. But, I’d say it does apply to many. If you feel that this doesn’t apply to you, read it anyway, share the message, and continue to lead by example. Also, let me make…
Whether it be the daily commute or early morning cardio, cooking dinner or doing the chores, walking the mall or relaxing poolside on a weekend – podcasts are a great way to conveniently sneak in a little extra learning for the week. In this weekly installment, I share with you a shortlist of listen-worthy podcasts – old and…
Originally written and shared in Fall of 2015 *Disclaimer: ALL thoughts, opinions, claims belong to myself, and in no way are intended to reflect the thoughts and beliefs of my current employer. It is undeniable that youth athletes are specializing at younger ages than ever before. For those that don’t know, Early Sport Specialization (ESS)…
Of all the “healthy” foods out there, cottage cheese had to be one of my least favorite. The texture of the curds, the smell, and the taste – it was all just a but much to handle. But, with its high protein and low Glycemic Load score (which combines the Glycemic Index of a food with…
Ryan J. Faer 