From Lazy to Leader
Yea… I understand calling a kid lazy might me a little harsh. But if you understood how far Alex Verikas (Carlynton HS, Junior) has come you’d completely understand. A few short years ago he walked into the gym an awkward, weak kid with a bit of an attitude. Fast forward to the present and you’ll find a dedicated, detailed athlete who understands his roll and responsibilities. Numbers aside (dude weighs 260 and continues to drop the smooth) there are three things we concentrated on to find this kid: 1-Influence, 2-Communication, and 3-Expectations. Amazing what you can get out of someone when they know how much you care. Need someone to care about you? Call me (724) 747-6229.
“When I first started FOCUS four years ago I was uncoordinated and not very strong. But working with Ryan, Josh and the other FOCUS athletes (namely Michael Dunn and Brandon Gresh) I became the focus(ed) athlete I am today. Gotta say thanks to my MOM for providing the opportunity… love you MOM.”
Alex Verikas
Popularity: 24% [?]
Winter Workout Highlights
Winter workouts have been going awesome thus far. Our DIEHARD athletes (those that train with FOCUS year round) are well beyond this time last year. I can really see program targets clicking with these kids. It truly makes a different when a high school athlete knows you care about them, and in return they trust everything they’re asked to do.
Check out this video of winter workouts in action. Are you one of the athletes that have a roster spot?
Often times you’ll hear me talk about The FOCUS System. It’s what I use to plan and prepare training programs. One of the first places I start is determining the training season (that falls in line with the sport season). By identifying the training season, I get a better handle where I should be concentrating for each athlete.
Below is an abbreviated outline of the targets I use for each season: Read more
Popularity: 26% [?]
Highlights of Bishop Canevin HS Athletes Training
Check out this highlight reel of local athletes from Bishop Canevin High School. FOCUS has worked with athletes from this district since 2004, seeing kids develop from 7th grade into their first year of college. You’ll see training at the school’s weight room and field, plus the facility we use in Robinson.
This past summer marked the first official Athlete Development Program (ADP) available to all sports at the school. Coach Josh and I coached 20 workouts covering seven weeks. It was an awesome experience to see kids, parents, coaches, and administrators go from hesitant and skeptical to true believers.
Watch the video and leave your comments below. If you want training like this for your athletes, give us a call at (724) 747-6229.
Popularity: 56% [?]
Lunge Exercises for Lower Body Strength/Power
Check out this video of Greg Jones (Denison University) and Nick Sylvester (Bishop Canevin HS) doing a couple barbell lunge variations. Both are super talented and aggressive athletes who take it to a new level every workout. Check out Greg’s balance and flexibility – something he needs as starting wide receiver in college. Nick on the other hand.. he loves pushing the weight. Watch close because the 255lbs he has on his back almost gets the most of him.
Think you can train with these guys? Really? OK… call (724) 747-6229 or email support@focushpp.com and lets find out.
Popularity: 30% [?]
Lift Weights or Agility Drills?
I’ve touched on it many times , but recently it was brought back up. Last week I received a couple phone calls from girls basketball coaches (one from Georgia, the other from Wisconsin). They had seen a FOUCS training video on YouTube (see it here).
Both coaches said almost the exact same thing:
“Hey Ryan, great video… it spoke to my situation. I’m a girls basketball coach and really want to incorporate some of the stuff you’re doing with my girls. I need help putting together a speed and agility program. We have a weight room but I think speed and agility is where I’d like to start.”
Speed and agility drills are all fine and dandy, but big improvements to physical performance are made in the weight room. Read more
Popularity: 29% [?]
The Coveted Black Shirt
The coveted Black Shirt. Everybody wants one. Not everybody gets one. These are reserved for coaches and top performers. If you’re out and about and see an athlete sporting an all black FOCUS t-shirt with DIEHARD down the spine.. take notice. You’ve just witnessed something special.
Take Patrick Clark, pictured here with Coach Josh and myself. He was recently presented with a Black Shirt for his enduring commitment to sport practice and FOCUS. This kid has come a long way. From a scrawny 135 pound soccer ‘participant’ to 165 pound PLAYER. He’s faster, stronger, and better conditioned. Congrats to Patrick on his Black Shirt. He’s officially a lot cooler than you.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Intense lifting with poor nutrition is dumb
Athletes need to keep track of what goes into their body… if improved performance is the goal. The sooner you master your nutritional needs the sooner results will come. Way too many athletes overlook nutrition and put all emphasis on weight training alone. Big mistake. Click on the spreadsheet above and print out the PDF. Record everything you eat for at least 10 days. Contact me and we’ll breakdown your habits, trends, and overall nutrition. You can email me here of call (724) 747-6229. Let’s work together and get your food intake at optimal levels.
Popularity: 21% [?]
Another program for YOU
Drake Greer has really taken advantage of our Introduction Incentive referral program. Here he is receiving a Dick’s gift card for $110. For all the details on how you can get free gift cards of your choice, check out the program here or call (724) 747-6229. Look for Drake next year at the University of Pittsburgh where he’ll continue his football career.
Popularity: 18% [?]
