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Game Changers

When I get back from Trinidad I am going to start work on a
new book on game changers. What is a game changer? A game changer is a person,
idea, method or event that changed or is changing the way we train and play
sport. Here are a few that I
have so far:

Nort Thornton – Swimming

Doc Counsilman – Swimming and training in general

Bob Hoffman – Strength Training

Bob Gajda – Functional Training

Lois Klatt – Functional Training and Evaluation

John Jesse – Strength Training and Injury Prevention &
Evaluation

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation – Rehba and
Training

Arthur Jones – Strength Training

Chuck Coker – Training Throwers and Strength Training

Bud Winter – Sprint Training

Circuit Training – R.E. Morgan & G.T. Anderson (1953 Univ of Leeds)

 

Just a start, I am
looking forward to working on this. There are many people and ideas that are
out there that deserve recognition for originating the ideas, methods and
concepts we use today. Many game changers have passed away. I plan to interview as many of those still living as possible, possibly compiling an oral history.
I welcome your ideas and input.

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8 Comments
  1. Great idea. Was just reviewing history with my coaches and interns and we need to share it with them more. There is a history of this profession before the internet and many dont know it.

    Reply
  2. You have to add Arthur Lydiard to the list for distance running. He really changed the game on a fundamental level by introducing higher volume and hard/easy training.

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  3. Check out the story of Boyd Epley:
    “Epley is universally credited for his seminal role in creating the phenomenon of the strength and conditioning program in college football — and deservedly so. The first full-time paid strength coach in history, Epley is also arguably the single most important individual in the history of strength and conditioning in college athletics.”
    http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5312405

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  4. Distinct lack of russians!!

    Reply
  5. Coach
    How about Bill Walsh or Paul Brown…they changed the face of modern football..major game changers with a ripple effect

    Reply
  6. Vladimir Janda, Rinus Michels

    Reply
  7. a. Everyone seems to be looking for a competitive advantage in youth football. Safety is always a concern when discussing strength training for youth. One Exercise: Modified Push Ups -As I read your blog post, I couldn’t help but think of the Push Up Bench as the most effective way for people who struggle with push ups , to be able to do them correctly (with full range of motion). Most modified push ups make them easier but only allow one or two variations. The Push Up Bench has 11 different levels to work through on the way to a full push up. The Push Up Bench also allows youth to be able to do assisted Pull –ups.

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  8. Steve Morris- Martial arts, completely different from everyone else, and probably the only true innovator.
    Re reading John Jesse’s book,stands up very well today.

    Reply

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