Will Heffernan Strength and Conditioning coach blog

Mickk

A very good blog which details the training of a few professional athletes, some up and coming international stars, like a 16 y/o girl who can deep squat bw+15kg for 15 reps, and one of the best rugby clubs in Ireland. Very good read and would be good to follow and/or copy! Its great to see that atleast some elite Irish sports are moving away from "laps" to get in shape for the season...
http://willheffernan.blogspot.com/

Pen1987

Good blog alright... He keeps it to the basic in a very structured and focused manner, certainly gets results.

Id be very interested to see David Gillicks developments in his run up to Beijing.

Wonder what the usual standard of athlete he trains are at to begin with, I recognised Daira Fanning in one photo who plays rugby for Irish Colleges and St.Marys in one photo, dont think hes any aspirations to be a pro-player... but hes also training Gillick and Sutherland who are professional standard, then talks about training a slightly overweight 40year old male in other posts. It'd be interesting to see a general overview of his client base and their rate of improvement in some kind of graph. I always wondered what type of % performance improvement our average bloke could get with the best of training, in comparison with the uber-talented... or even if there is an catergory of super-talent, or are they the ones who just train the best.


PS... Cant find anything on the 16 year old girl lifting 15+BW

Size=everything

Pen1987 wrote: »

Good blog alright... He keeps it to the basic in a very structured and focused manner, certainly gets results.

Id be very interested to see David Gillicks developments in his run up to Beijing.

Wonder what the usual standard of athlete he trains are at to begin with, I recognised Daira Fanning in one photo who plays rugby for Irish Colleges and St.Marys in one photo, dont think hes any aspirations to be a pro-player... but hes also training Gillick and Sutherland who are professional standard, then talks about training a slightly overweight 40year old male in other posts. It'd be interesting to see a general overview of his client base and their rate of improvement in some kind of graph. I always wondered what type of % performance improvement our average bloke could get with the best of training, in comparison with the uber-talented... or even if there is an catergory of super-talent, or are they the ones who just train the best.


PS... Cant find anything on the 16 year old girl lifting 15+BW

He's training Irish and Leinster youth players as well

Malteaser!

Pen1987 wrote: »

PS... Cant find anything on the 16 year old girl lifting 15+BW

Just had a quick look - First one on this page!

There's probably more!

thirtyfoot

Pen1987 wrote: »

Id be very interested to see David Gillicks developments in his run up to Beijing.

Gillick is now coached and has been for the past two seasons by Nick Dakin in Loughborough, (unless he has returned to Will Heffernan in the meantime) No slight on Heffernan (or Jim Kidd his coach in DSD), but Gillick has gone through the roof since he made the transition to the UK probably because of the whole structural change of his training as opposed to his move from Jim Kidd or Heffernan. It was Kidd who really got him to where he was for his first Euro gold too and I'm guessing the move to involve Heffernan was to supplement Kidd's excellent sprinting knowledge with WH's excellent S&C knowledge. Unfortunately, that season was a disaster and it pre-empted Gillick's move to the UK (with the full blessing of Kidd by all accounts).

http://www.sportsmanagementireland.com/jan_news_04.html

He split with his coaches, Jim Kidd and Will Heffernan and moved camp to Loughborough where he now trains under Nick Dakin. It was a painful decision for him at the time.

"It was a hard decision leaving my coaches and home but I feel it was the right decision," he said. "I am working in a different environment but this is all about little inches and adding them up ? extra conditioning work training with really good athletes."

littlefriend

Mickk wrote: »

Its great to see that atleast some elite Irish sports are moving away from "laps" to get in shape for the season...
http://willheffernan.blogspot.com/

He's married to a friend of mine - he's Australian
Really sound guy, very smart and knowledgeable too

figs86

the big fella is in my class,

very friendly bloke despite being....30 years older than the rest of us (hope he reads this!)

pretty modest too, in 2 years he hasn't mentioned any of these high profile athletes he works with, doesn't name drop at all.

interesting athlete himself, had a conversation with him about how he used to run cross country internationally (ending in disaster!), then hit...think he said 130 odd kg last year and now looks like a rugby player.

has a sweet ducati too!

Mickk

figs86 wrote: »

the big fella is in my class,

very friendly bloke despite being....30 years older than the rest of us (hope he reads this!)

pretty modest too, in 2 years he hasn't mentioned any of these high profile athletes he works with, doesn't name drop at all.

interesting athlete himself, had a conversation with him about how he used to run cross country internationally (ending in disaster!), then hit...think he said 130 odd kg last year and now looks like a rugby player.

has a sweet ducati too!

Wow you have slightly above average grammar for an 8 year old I think the 130kg he was was muscle rather than fat but I am not sure?

Pen1987

he ran cross country? frick off! hah, hes huge now! who did he run for?

KERPAL

Dont know him but have heard some stories:
Hes a chancer, fired from his old job with a Province, and is full of it, doesnt have a clue bla bla bla.

Could/prob is complete bull****, but its an alternative view.

thirtyfoot

KERPAL wrote: »

Dont know him but have heard some stories:
Hes a chancer, fired from his old job with a Province, and is full of it, doesnt have a clue bla bla bla.

Could/prob is complete bull****, but its an alternative view.

Interesting. Does anyone know if he is actually coaching David Gillick or just putting up youtube links to give the impression he is? If he is no longer coaching Gillick then maybe putting a post on your blog to give the impression you are and talking of Beijing (as was assumed by someone in this thread) could be regarded by some as being a bit of a chancer. Gillick did work with him in 2006 but I'd be very suprised if he has returned to him and left Dakin and the coaching excellance of Loughborough in the UK, anyone know for sure?

KERPAL

I could elaborate but that wouldnt be fair because i dunno if the guy i was talking to has an agenda. But if he has coached Gillick in the History i wouldnt be shy makin the point known to be honest.

figs86

according to the man himself and his blog he was 140kg and 30% odd bodyfat!

he ran cross country as a youth or some such for....i THINK he said oz/his province in oz and he said he weighed - gonna have to ask him again but less than 80kg! - it all came to an end when whilst running through a forest in some race he couldnt see where he was going and ran over a ledge and down into a quarry, wrecking his back and legs and breaking bones in the process. he can't sit still in class, always getting up and stretching his back, sitting at weird angles and grimacing in pain a lot!

gillick mentioned will in a times article this season so he must have been involved in some capacity, i read the article but i forget what he said, it's possible he was talking about previous seasons

Mickk

Tingle wrote: »

Interesting. Does anyone know if he is actually coaching David Gillick or just putting up youtube links to give the impression he is? If he is no longer coaching Gillick then maybe putting a post on your blog to give the impression you are and talking of Beijing (as was assumed by someone in this thread) could be regarded by some as being a bit of a chancer. Gillick did work with him in 2006 but I'd be very suprised if he has returned to him and left Dakin and the coaching excellance of Loughborough in the UK, anyone know for sure?

Here is a link to an article where gillick talks about will favourably
http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2006/02/21/story573139374.asp
as already mentioned he did move to england after this which was more to do with training with other world class athletes. People here seem to not know what a strength and conditioning coach is, he does not coach how to play better, he coaches on how to be better athletes and then their sports team coaches coach them on how to play their chosen sports. I believe gillick went to him to help come back from an injury and after training with him for the winter had his best season of the last few years...

Also I don't think any of his posts are made to look like he is currently training him, he wishes him all the best in beijing, from that alone I would have taken that he is not currently on the scene, its not the type of thing a current coach would say is it?

thirtyfoot

Mickk wrote: »

Here is a link to an article where gillick talks about will favourably
http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2006/02/21/story573139374.asp
as already mentioned he did move to england after this which was more to do with training with other world class athletes. People here seem to not know what a strength and conditioning coach is, he does not coach how to play better, he coaches on how to be better athletes and then their sports team coaches coach them on how to play their chosen sports. I believe gillick went to him to help come back from an injury and after training with him for the winter had his best season of the last few years...

Also I don't think any of his posts are made to look like he is currently training him, he wishes him all the best in beijing, from that alone I would have taken that he is not currently on the scene, its not the type of thing a current coach would say is it?

I think the year he was with him was 2006 which was in fact Gillick's worst year but then again it doesn't really matter. You are correct, Gillick spoke highly of him and has a high regard for the man. Though if a coach is going to get kudos for breaking Gillick through it should be Jim Kidd. Don't know the guy Will Heffernan and if you are going to vouch for his intentions that is fair enough, I see what you mean by his posts if I look at it like that.

On the broader topic of Strenght and Conditioning Specialists or gurus, they are usefull if they have a good understanding of the systems and focus of the main coach. Sometimes there can be a disjoint and the S&C is not integrated into the overall training system to the max benefit. Not saying thats the case here as I'm not familiar with the training Kidd had Gillick doing but in track its best if the S&C is overseen by the main coach or at least someone from within the coachs camp. In team sports, the need is probably more as the main coach is probably more focussed on tactics etc and doesn't have the technical strength or conditioning knowledge. In track (especially the power stuff) a top coach worth his salt shouldn't need S&C help.

Scaldy Monster

1. He doesn't coach anyone. Certainly does not David Gillick or have anything to do with.
2. He's too fat and out of shape to have ever trained himself. Not a chance in the world that he ever competed in cross country let alone competed in any sport at international level. I doubt that he has ever competed in any sport from the look of him. No chance he ever did it at under 80kgs.
3. I agree with Kerpal. The guy is definitely a chancer, fired from his old job with a Province if he ever had one in the first place, and is full of it and absolutely doesnt have a clue about real strength training or fitness.

KERPAL

Scaldy Monster wrote: »

3. I agree with Kerpal. The guy is definitely a chancer, fired from his old job with a Province if he ever had one in the first place, and is full of it and absolutely doesnt have a clue about real strength training or fitness.

I never said he was a chancer, I said i heard he was a chancer:).
Just to clarify.
One thing I know is he can bench 190kg:D

Mikel

Nice first post..........

figs86

strong suspicion that its the man himself - defo his sense of humour

otherwise....it is indeed a charming first post!

Hanley

figs86 wrote: »

strong suspicion that its the man himself - defo his sense of humour

otherwise....it is indeed a charming first post!

Lol... either way whoever posted it has an agenda!!

Mickk

figs86 wrote: »

strong suspicion that its the man himself - defo his sense of humour

otherwise....it is indeed a charming first post!

Haha just what I thought, not very suttle is he. Welcome to boards Will, I heard you are training Colin Montgomerie now and he is benching 180 for reps?

Hanley

Mickk wrote: »

Haha just what I thought, not very suttle is he. Welcome to boards Will, I heard you are training Colin Montgomerie now and he is benching 180 for reps?

I heard he got him down to 6% bodyfat too... :pac:

Pen1987

To the person who said Will was in their class... what are you studying?

I read the whole blog, he has the exact same line of thinking as myself, I love his attitude toward training.

Will Heffernan

Some really weak hate going on here guys. Very disappointed at the general standard of ridicule and rumour. You all need to lift your game.

If you want...you can email PM me and I will give you a hand with your hating because the standard here is really low.

Al_Fernz

That blog is class- I like the cut of this guy's jib, and it seems to be updated regularly too. Defo one for the favorites list.

I did see in one of the routines has 95kg squats for 100 reps - filthy!

Will Heffernan

Al_Fernz wrote: »

That blog is class- I like the cut of this guy's jib, and it seems to be updated regularly too. Defo one for the favorites list.

I did see in one of the routines has 95kg squats for 100 reps - filthy!

Don't get too caught up in the hype....apparently I'm an idiot...and it isn't just me that thinks that.

There will be some guest appearances on the blog over the next few weeks that might make some of the posters here feel a little stupid...but isn't that why we all love forums...the opportunity to be faceless and anonymous and take pot shots at people...I love that stuff...like I said I'm just upset that the standard of 'hating' is so poor on this board.

I would love to hear what people have heard? What rumours there are? I tried to start more than a few myself but none of them really took off unfortunately.

For those that like the blog...cool....and for those of you that don't...that is cool too.

Al_Fernz

Will Heffernan wrote: »

Don't get too caught up in the hype....apparently I'm an idiot...and it isn't just me that thinks that.

You're quite fat too. Don't forget that!:pac:

Will Heffernan

Al_Fernz wrote: »

You're quite fat too. Don't forget that!:pac:

So it isn't just me that thinks that? Damn...I knew my mother was lying when she said I was just big boned.

Mickk

Ok Will, now brace yourself I have been working on this one for a while and it might hurt, you are both fat and skinny.
Stings doesn't it.

Will Heffernan

Mickk wrote: »

Ok Will, now brace yourself I have been working on this one for a while and it might hurt, you are both fat and skinny.
Stings doesn't it.

Ouch...you guys are really cruel here....I think it might be a little too nasty for me in this forum...I've a very thin skin....even if I do have a huge amount of fat right underneath it.

thirtyfoot

Will, leaving the bullsh*t and self-deprecating forum bravado aside, what do you think of the quote below, that in track and field a track coach shouldn't need an external S&C expert in that if they are are devising and implementing a programme the S&C is holistically included in the overall program and very much aligned to what the athlete is doing on the track.

When working with Gillick/Kidd how did it work? Did you talk to Kidd and see where he was at in his program with Gillick and work and base it from there or did you talk and look at Gillick and devise a strength program from there independently. Interested to know. Coaching track athletes myslef and strength is my weakness. I usually build the track/running program first and then work in the strength and get advice externally if I come unstuck but generally try and keep it simple in the gym. I suppose this applies to all sports in that what level of interaction do you have with the main coach when they are building their overall program?

Tingle wrote: »

On the broader topic of Strenght and Conditioning Specialists or gurus, they are usefull if they have a good understanding of the systems and focus of the main coach. Sometimes there can be a disjoint and the S&C is not integrated into the overall training system to the max benefit. Not saying thats the case here as I'm not familiar with the training Kidd had Gillick doing but in track its best if the S&C is overseen by the main coach or at least someone from within the coachs camp. In team sports, the need is probably more as the main coach is probably more focussed on tactics etc and doesn't have the technical strength or conditioning knowledge. In track (especially the power stuff) a top coach worth his salt shouldn't need S&C help.

Will Heffernan

Tingle wrote: »

Will, leaving the bullsh*t and self-deprecating forum bravado aside, what do you think of the quote below, that in track and field a track coach shouldn't need an external S&C expert in that if they are are devising and implementing a programme the S&C is holistically included in the overall program and very much aligned to what the athlete is doing on the track.

In all seriousness...I think it is really, really stupid and speaks to the root cause of the under performing of Irish athletes in a lot of sports.

When working with Gillick/Kidd how did it work? Did you talk to Kidd and see where he was at in his program with Gillick and work and base it from there or did you talk and look at Gillick and devise a strength program from there independently. Interested to know. Coaching track athletes myslef and strength is my weakness. I usually build the track/running program first and then work in the strength and get advice externally if I come unstuck but generally try and keep it simple in the gym. I suppose this applies to all sports in that what level of interaction do you have with the main coach when they are building their overall program?

We worked together as a team...we met regularly and talked even more frequently.

KERPAL

apologies if what i said i heard is bull****. the chap who told me isnt the most reliable, but everyone else was licking your hole sooooooo....

Will Heffernan

KERPAL wrote: »

apologies if what i said i heard is bull****. the chap who told me isnt the most reliable, but everyone else was licking your hole sooooooo....

Like most things...it is probably somewhat correct and partly bull****.

Believe me...I didn't take offence.

There is a certain individual in Irish sport who went on a rampage bad mouthing me to everyone and anyone who'd listen...2 things happened...1. A heap of those people couldn't wait to tell me what had been said because they actually hated his guts and hoped I'd go and punch his head in but unfortunately because of his position and influence had to sit back and take it and 2. I got a sudden spike in job offers and work from people who really did hate this guys guts and thought that if he hated me then I really must be good...a my enemies enemy is my friend sort of thing...either way I don't actually care...I only care about what my athletes think and the people who pay my bills think....everyone else is entitled to think whatever they like....and that doesn't bother me either way.

thirtyfoot

Will Heffernan wrote: »

In all seriousness...I think it is really, really stupid and speaks to the root cause of the under performing of Irish athletes in a lot of sports.

What is the really, really stupid part? That if you are going to use a S&C coach that they should know exactly what you as a track coach are trying to achieve? Thats what seems to have happened in your work with Gillick/Kidd. Or that if the track coach is qualified or confident enough in their abilities (its not rocket science after all and no point making it too complicated) that they oversee all apsects of training? Makes sense to me. Yes, if a track coach (or any coach for that matter) believe they have deficiencies get help but I think educating yourself is the better path to follow. Indeed getting help may be part of the education process.

The attitude that Strength & Conditioning specialists are some all knowing holy grail sourcing oracle guru grates on many track coaches (and its something thats proving very devisive in US track circles at the moment). We have some top class technical power coaches here in Ireland (young guys too) and I think its a bit of sweeping statement to say that not embracing the S&C specialist is the root cause of Ireland's sporting ills, kinda feeds the guru perception above. But then again, I presume thats not what you are saying, that all our track coaches are sh*t when it comes to S&C and you have all the answers to their problems, is it?

Will Heffernan

Tingle wrote: »

What is the really, really stupid part? That if you are going to use a S&C coach that they should know exactly what you as a track coach are trying to achieve? Thats what seems to have happened in your work with Gillick/Kidd. Or that if the track coach is qualified or confident enough in their abilities (its not rocket science after all and no point making it too complicated) that they oversee all apsects of training? Makes sense to me. Yes, if a track coach (or any coach for that matter) believe they have deficiencies get help but I think educating yourself is the better path to follow. Indeed getting help may be part of the education process.

OK...I just finished writing a big response to this...but I decided not to put everyone's nose out of joint straight away....I'm sure I'll get around to it eventually any way.e

This can be debated all day and all night and there isn't a right or wrong answer...like many things in relation to training it is just a matter of opinion.

I have mine and you have yours...and they obviously differ.

The attitude that Strength & Conditioning specialists are some all knowing holy grail sourcing oracle guru grates on many track coaches (and its something thats proving very devisive in US track circles at the moment). We have some top class technical power coaches here in Ireland (young guys too) and I think its a bit of sweeping statement to say that not embracing the S&C specialist is the root cause of Ireland's sporting ills, kinda feeds the guru perception above. But then again, I presume thats not what you are saying, that all our track coaches are sh*t when it comes to S&C and you have all the answers to their problems, is it?

That isn't what I said...you said amongst other things that 'In track (especially the power stuff) a top coach worth his salt shouldn't need S&C help.' and I said 'I think it is really, really stupid and speaks to the root cause of the under performing of Irish athletes in a lot of sports.'

The fact that you don't see what the problem is just goes to further my point...but like I said...you have your opinion and I have mine.

Pen1987

I'd love if both of you would have a mature debate and state the points each of you hold without cloaked insults or sly jabs. It would be a very interesting discussion and very educational for alot of people who are interested, yet only developing in the field of S&C/Athletic coaching...

and to Will directly, someone stated they were in your class, I presume that youre studying in some form, any chance you could tell me what you're studying and previous qualifications you've gained? not that I'm questioning them its more that I'd love you're job or something simialar but don't know how exactly to go about it.

Will Heffernan

Pen1987 wrote: »

I'd love if both of you would have a mature debate and state the points each of you hold without cloaked insults or sly jabs. It would be a very interesting discussion and very educational for alot of people who are interested, yet only developing in the field of S&C/Athletic coaching...

I'm fine with that...and I wasn't having a go at Tingle...it is just that you tell by his post that he has a particular opinion and I don't really see it as my job to change that...he's entitled to it and obviously it is based on his experience. My opinion is different is all...no big deal.

and to Will directly, someone stated they were in your class, I presume that youre studying in some form, any chance you could tell me what you're studying and previous qualifications you've gained? not that I'm questioning them its more that I'd love you're job or something simialar but don't know how exactly to go about it.

You can question all you like mate. I'm studying Sports Science and Health (again) and other than that I studied Sports and Remedial Massage in Australia back in the olden days. I also have and did all the usual industry stuff and various stages...fitness leader/instructor stuff as well as NSCA and ASCA qualifications.

I'll be really brief here but getting 'qualified' as such is not the way to get into the industry....I could go to art school for 4 years...I guarantee you that I wouldn't be a painter....coaching is a cross between science and art...you need to understand the fundamentals and have the artictic flair to be able to apply them...plenty of graduates come out of university sports science courses they don't all produce quality athletes.

You want to get experience working with good coaches and go to as many coaching and training seminars as possible...if not for the information...go for the reason that the people who are actually going to employ you or help you get a job will be there.

TrueMass

where is your gym based will? do you attend Poliquin seminars

Will Heffernan

TrueMass wrote: »

where is your gym based will?

In a cave...sort of like Batman.

do you attend Poliquin seminars

Don't even get me started on Chuckles.

Mickk

Will Heffernan wrote: »

In a cave...sort of like Batman.
Don't even get me started on Chuckles.

Who you kidding man, you wont sell anything you are far too abrasive. You have to be nice to sell (like me ) , approach things with a feather duster not a sledge hammer. Plus you are far to fat and skinny.

Will Heffernan

Mickk wrote: »

Who you kidding man, you wont sell anything you are far too abrasive. You have to be nice to sell (like me ) , approach things with a feather duster not a sledge hammer. Plus you are far to fat and skinny.

You know the reason that I am bitter and twisted is because unlike you...I don't actually have anything decent to sell....except my coaching....so like I said...nothing decent to sell.

I was told a few months back that I looked more like a swim coach than a weights coach....that hurt me more than anything you could possibly say.

thirtyfoot

Will Heffernan wrote: »

I'm fine with that...and I wasn't having a go at Tingle...it is just that you tell by his post that he has a particular opinion and I don't really see it as my job to change that...he's entitled to it and obviously it is based on his experience. My opinion is different is all...no big deal.
.

Exactly, no big deal. I admit I do have a chip on my shoulder regarding S&C gurus (should really stop using that word as its sly) but on the other hand you all can't be that bad and if Gillick thinks you are half-decent then that's a fair enough endorsement for me. I have included this smilie to emphasise my joining of the Will hole licking vibe of the thread that irked KERPAL (to emphasize I'm being sarcastic)

Will Heffernan

Tingle wrote: »

Exactly, no big deal. I admit I do have a chip on my shoulder regarding S&C gurus (should really stop using that word as its sly) but on the other hand you all can't be that bad and if Gillick thinks you are half-decent then that's a fair enough endorsement for me. I have included this smilie to emphasise my joining of the Will hole licking vibe of the thread that irked KERPAL (to emphasize I'm being sarcastic)

Good God...please don't be too nice...I'll have to set up some accounts and start ragging on myself if you guys can't do a proper job of it.

I think you probably just haven't worked with any decent S&C coaches before...there aren't many that I'd recommend here....and I think that is unfortunate.

Pen1987

thanks for the reply there. I looked at sports science for a uni course here but didnt get in unfortunately. My uncle runs a sports rehab/athlete recouperation/alternative mediciene camp/practice thing (yeah its a lot of stuff I know, hes a doctor/accupuncturist/bowen therapist and black belt in Judo - and your standard ozzy lunatic) in Melbourne, he said similar stuff to you about getting into the conditioning coaching field i.e its not the academics of it but the drive/talent/passion and attitude that makes a good coach...

You say in your blog that you approach every athlete as just that, an athlete - not a footballer, rugby player, swimmer, rower etc and that its your job to make them a good athlete and their sport-specific coaches job to make them a good competitor in their field...

Does that mean you approach every athlete the same way - address their weaknesses, correct them, build upon them? Or would you look at say a back row rugby player, see they are strong overall but to 'immobile' (wrong word) and work out a plan for their speed/flexibility. Then look at a soccer player, see they are speedy, but weaker on the bench than your average athlete and work on their upper body?... though some would say that upper body conditioning is slightly irrelevant in soccer, but if youre addressing every athlete as an athlete, then a soccer player with a similar standard upper and lower body would be a more rounded athlete in your eyes, yet possibly wouldnt see the actual benefits on the field? (not meant as a barbed question)

Will Heffernan

Pen1987 wrote: »

thanks for the reply there. I looked at sports science for a uni course here but didnt get in unfortunately. My uncle runs a sports rehab/athlete recouperation/alternative mediciene camp/practice thing (yeah its a lot of stuff I know, hes a doctor/accupuncturist/bowen therapist and black belt in Judo - and your standard ozzy lunatic) in Melbourne, he said similar stuff to you about getting into the conditioning coaching field i.e its not the academics of it but the drive/talent/passion and attitude that makes a good coach...

Exactly...if you have those attributes you'll seek out the technical know how you need.

You say in your blog that you approach every athlete as just that, an athlete - not a footballer, rugby player, swimmer, rower etc and that its your job to make them a good athlete and their sport-specific coaches job to make them a good competitor in their field...

Well that sure sounds like me.

Does that mean you approach every athlete the same way - address their weaknesses, correct them, build upon them?

I do have a pretty standardised approach..yes.

Or would you look at say a back row rugby player, see they are strong overall but to 'immobile' (wrong word) and work out a plan for their speed/flexibility. Then look at a soccer player, see they are speedy, but weaker on the bench than your average athlete and work on their upper body?

Along those lines yes...I went over this in response to a question I got today regarding conditioning.

... though some would say that upper body conditioning is slightly irrelevant in soccer,

Try running and playing a soccer came with your arms tied to your side and come back and tell me the upper body condition is irrelevant.

but if youre addressing every athlete as an athlete, then a soccer player with a similar standard upper and lower body would be a more rounded athlete in your eyes, yet possibly wouldnt see the actual benefits on the field? (not meant as a barbed question)

http://www.dw-world.de/image/0,,2056828_4,00.jpg

Do you think this guy neglects his upper body conditioning? Do you think for a second he couldn't bang out some pull ups? Do you know how many soccer players and GAA footballers I've seen who are too weak to do a pull up?

Do you think that having better body weight mastery wouldn't help their football?

Hanley

Will Heffernan wrote: »

Do you think this guy neglects his upper body conditioning?

Wow... he looks like just about every other footballer that I've ever seen.

He has nothing on this beomoth tho http://cm1.dotspotter.com/media/0/28/19/69796820---david_beckham_topless.jpg

littlefriend

Hello Will, you old charmer you. When you set up your blog did you mean to answer questions on there? looking well btw

Will Heffernan

littlefriend wrote: »

Hello Will, you old charmer you.

Hello yourself.

When you set up your blog did you mean to answer questions on there?

I am and will answer any questions posted there.

looking well btw

You mean...not like as much of a fat mess as I used to...thanks...I think.

I only came here because I was told I was being rubbished and wanted to see if anyone had any good dirt on me...knowing me you can imagine how disappointed I was when I got here and found that people were calling me name...I was hoping for better hating.

Al_Fernz

Hanley wrote: »

Wow... he looks like just about every other footballer that I've ever seen.

He has nothing on this beomoth tho http://cm1.dotspotter.com/media/0/28/19/69796820---david_beckham_topless.jpg

LOL.

Apparently, Beckham attributes his poor Euro 2004 form to too much weightlifting and the fact that he was too "bulky".

Interestingly enough, I was reading an interview with Micah Richards:
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_01/richardsDM0509_468x803.jpg
where he says that he has never lifted any weights in his life.

Will Heffernan

Al_Fernz wrote: »

LOL.

Apparently, Beckham attributes his poor Euro 2004 form to too much weightlifting and the fact that he was too "bulky".

I wouldn't disagree with that...like any type of coaching....sometimes some coaches just get it wrong.

Interestingly enough, I was reading an interview with Micah Richards:
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/09_01/richardsDM0509_468x803.jpg
where he says that he has never lifted any weights in his life.

That is always the case....there are plenty of ways to skin a cat training wise...you have to find what works best for you or for your athletes if you are a coach.