More Than an Exercise

The focus in the Athletic Development approach is not on the exercise. The selection of the actual exercise is the
last step in a multi-step process. In the strength coaching approach it is all
about the exercise. Apparently the latest go to exercise is the RFESS (rear
foot elevated split squat), an exercise introduced twenty years by Angel Spasov
in his tour of the US. I call it the Bulgarian single leg squat.

I need to go
back to step one: What are demands of the sport I am working with? Step two:
What are the demands of the position in the sport? Step three: What are the qualities of
the individual athlete? Last but not least: What is the pattern of injuries in
the sport? Once I have thoroughly researched all of these, then I will begin to
lay out the plan. What is the time period available, both daily and long term?
I will then determine themes for each block and then specific measureable goals
for each microcycle in the block. Then and only then will I start to focus on
the exercise. I start with my menu, analogous to a toolbox. I will then begin
to eliminate exercises until I settle on my absolute need to do exercises that
will give me the most bang for my buck, that will not add stress to stress and
are manageable in terms of personnel, facilities and time available. I have
learned over the years that less is more. Fewer exercises, that are very
focused are better that more exercises trying to cover all bases. I can tell
you right now that this RFESS exercise would not on my list for hockey (Field
or Ice), soccer, rugby or football. All those sports are plagued by sports
hernia. The position this exercise puts you in under load adds stress to
stress. I am not sure why this is now the leg exercise of choice, but I do know
it is low on my hierarchical menu. My advice to those of you interested in
defining the field of Athletic Development, is beware of false prophets bearing
gifts. It is more than an exercise.