Foundational Strength Development for Athletes
Today's athlete does not have the same degree of foundational strength preparation that athletes of the past had due to a more inactive lifestyle. As coaches we must address this and work to develop this foundational strength base necessary for more advanced strength training. I will emphasize the progressions necessary to prepare to lift heavy. I will begin with the principle of developing strength to handle bodyweight before adding external resistance with emphasis on developing functional strength in postures and positions that will allow the athlete to better utilize the strength developed in the weight room. I will also cover the concept of "weight room without walls" in order to enhance the strength component in a field or court environment. In addition I will cover the whys and wherefores of various modes and methods of strength training to develop foundational strength.
Vern is currently is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He is considered the father of "Functional Sports Training." Vern's coaching experience spans 43 years at all levels of competition in a variety of sports. He has authored over 100 articles and nine books on various aspects of training. He received his BA from Fresno State University and his teaching credential with a coaching minor from University of California Santa Barbara. Vern later attended Stanford University and obtained his MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education.
-Track & Field: Coached at all levels. National Hurdle Coordinator. Editor of Track Technique, USA Track & Field Technical Journal. Editorial Advisory Board IAAF Technical Journal New Studies in Athletics. Division I Head Coach, Women's Cross Country and Track & Field, University of California, Berkeley. Nike Oregon Project
-Baseball: As Director of Conditioning for Chicago White Sox he pioneered conditioning for baseball with model program. Consultant to Cincinnati Reds, Director of Athletic development, New York Mets
-Basketball: Assistant conditioning coach for Chicago Bulls. Conditioning coach for Canadian National men's team and women's team. Consultant to Milwaukee Bucks.
-Soccer: Conditioning coach for Tampa Bay Mutiny. Consultant New England Revolution. Consultant to Chicago Fire Consultant University of Virginia Women's Soccer. Conditioning coach 1998 US men's World Cup team. Consultant Chivas of Guadalajara. Consultant UNC Women's Soccer.
-Swimming: Consultant on dryland training to: Mission Viejo Natadores, Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins, University of Michigan Women's Swimming, Harvard Women's Swimming, Kenyon College Men's and Women's Swimming, Carmel Swim Club.
-Softball: Consultant to Australian Women's National Team
-Hockey: Consulted with San Jose Sharks
-Football: San Francisco 49er's. Kansas City Chiefs.
-Rugby: Australian Rugby Union. Brisbane Broncos. Leicester Tigers. Canberra Brumbies.
-Cricket: English Cricket Board. Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board
-Field Hockey: University of Michigan Field Hockey
-Tennis: Conditioning Coach, Monica Seles. Billy Stearns tennis Academy, Consultant. University of Michigan Women's tennis.
-Product Development: Involved in biomechanical analysis and product development with Nike. Product development and testing with Converse in. Lynx System Developers product development and testing Optojump testing system. Developed SPARQ scoring tables and testing protocols. M-F Perform Better. Product development and testing Foster-Miller TrainTrak physiological monitoring system.
-Educational: Developed successful seminar series "Building and Rebuilding the Athlete" directed to physical therapists, athletic trainers, conditioning coaches, personal trainers and sport coaches. Developed GAIN Apprentorship, a unique educational program to define the field of Athletic Development. One of three founders of the USA Track & Field Coaching Education program.
-Competitive Athletic Career: Played Football at Fresno State. Competed in decathlon as a post collegian.
