James Smith DVD

James Smith:

James Smith, assistant strength coach at Pittsburgh, gave a seminar where he went over a lot of his different philosophies.  James works with the skill players at Pitt.  Like many strength coaches, he admits to being a product of several different schools of though.  He seems to not have had the classic sports science education, but has done the research and really incorporated information on the energy systems of the body into his workouts.

James Smith begins his lecture by addressing the energy systems.  In Football, the Phosphagen system is the main system used.  Since 6 seconds would be a long play in Football, the athletes are mainly working in this system.  This being true, Smith points out that an overall greater level of aerobic conditioning is important for recovery between plays.  This will enable the athletes to maintain their level of intensity for the duration of the game.  In any sport I feel it is important to consider the energy systems that are in play.  A marathon runner certainly need to train differently than a football player.  Smith refers to bioenergetic sequencing, and describes how he has a different focus depending on the current stage in the annual cycle.

Smith describes strength coaches as physical preparation coaches.  He feels that GPP is a great amount of what we do and that everything else just falls under that.  I feel that it is more the reverse.  I think that we are strength coaches, and that the GPP is one small part of what we do.  If we only prepared athletes for physical activity, than they would never reach that next level.  I feel that a good strong base is essential, but that must also must be build upon. 

The last thing that I found interesting in James Smith’s lecture was his mention of Gymnastics.  He likes to incorporate gymnastics elements into his exercise programs.  He mentioned planches and ring skills.  I feel that planches are more difficult than any Olympic lift, but can still be beneficial.  The ring skills are also good for training the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder.  I would definitely like to get a few sets of hanging rings at FAU.  Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life, and I like to see a strength coach utilizing our techniques!