Why is it so hard to understand that you must have fundamental
movement skills well developed before specific sport skills can be developed to
any degree of proficiency? Regardless of the level of the
athlete you must work fundamental movement skills daily. It is not difficult;
it just takes attention to detail and some planning. The basics of running, jumping and throwing
are the foundation to everything that makes up the intricacies of sport skill. Reach,
grab, pull, push, skip, gallop, leap, jump, hop, climb, crawl, run forwards,
run backwards, run sideways, roll, tumble, in short challenge the body in as
many postures and positions you can. Challenge the body to adapt, give it increasingly complex movement problems to solve. Do it with a plan and
purpose. Warm-up is a great time to reinforce movement skills and to teach
them. We do this daily including in pregame warm-up. Open all those neural
pathways. Be FUNdamental it is fun and challenging at the same time. It
prevents injury and creates skill hungry athletes who are ready to learn refined
sport skills.
Gordon Starck
Vern,
I coach a bantam (aged 13 to 14)boys basketball team. I have been working different movement skills so the kids have a better understanding of their body using benches, obstacle courses, ressitance from nother player (pushing side to side etc). Where I am kind of caught now is I am looking for some dynamic movements or at least movements that will improve the flexibility of my players. Some have grown very quickly and have ligaments that are shorter than their legs. They cannot even stretch their calf with a straight leg. Would you have some exercises that I could possible use? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Jill Gerber
In working with the Venice Volleyball team what kinds of things are you doing to connect the whole body movements of throwing to the body movement of the attack arm swing?
I am finding that most volleyball players rely heavily on a shoulder/arm movement rather than a more hip, trunk, shoulder, elbow, wrist chain of movement.
I would love to hear your thoughts on better training methods in this area.
Doug Straw Trainer
I’ve found martial arts is good at teaching fundamental movements and body mechanics. By far the best are the grappling and joint manipulation arts such as ju jutsu, wrestling, etc.
Fitness Blog
I have found martial arts very good for the fundementals. I also recommend Plyometric exercises, to develop the basics.