No matter how sore you are, you can not afford to slack off on your football training program in season!
I got a call last night from a panicked football player. He started off the season with a bang, dominating everyone on the line.
But, since then, his progress has been going backward. His coaches are complimenting his technique, but he’s starting to get beat. He’s slower off the ball and his “pop” is gone, according to him.
So, I asked what his strength training workouts are looking like these days.
“Um, we really do not lift much in-season.
There’s the problem.
You must continue to train hard and heavy in the weight room during the season. You spend all offseason going all out in your football training program, why let it all go to waste?
Next week I’m gonna give you guys the big, In-Season Football Strength Training Report, but, until then, here is a quick example of one of my old in-season strength workouts.
This workout was done on a Thursday and our games were played on Saturday night. This is the ’05 season.
Front Squats – 8 x 1 @ 85% of max, 1 x 1 @ 90% Push Press – 6 x 2 @ 85%
Again, quick and to the point, work the shoulders and tris and get done
Clean Pulls – 6 x 3
Olympic Lifting assistance exercises are excellent for in-season football strength training because they allow you to work explosively but can completely cut out the eccentric, or lowering, portion of the movement
The lowering phase is where most soreness occurs
Curls – 3 x 8
Behind the Head Extension – 3 x 8 (superset with curls)
Yes, yes, even I have my void moments. Hey, who does not want huge guns hanging out of your jersey? I know most of you guys spend more time taping your sleeves up than you do your homework.
The purpose of this in-season strength workout is to:
Continue to push your strength levels (focus on just maintaining and you’ll backslide)
Work the muscles hard without causing extreme soreness
Get as strong as possible so you do not lose speed or explosiveness.
Featured Image: American Football International