I always get a good chuckle when I am asked what are my
favorite exercises and I answer I don’t have any. Why don’t I have any favorite
exercises, really it is quite simple. I have a big toolbox of exercises
accumulated over my years of coaching; I must know how to use each of those
tools appropriately as demanded by the needs of the athlete and the sport and
position. I have to be careful that I don’t go to my “favorite” because I like it but it may not fit the athlete or situation. I try to think about movements
that would appropriate. I want to look at pulling, pushing, squat & squat
derivatives, bending, hinging and bracing movements. Then I will begin to apply
exercises that will fit the movements and address the need of the athlete. In
other words I will put the horse before the cart to effectively train the
athlete. Exercise should never drive the program, movements should, and
exercises train movements.