The next installment of me acting I like I know what I'm talking about is my thoughts on how to train a football player...and to be more specific, a defensive lineman. I chose this particular position as I have become continually impressed by people such as Mario Williams and Jared Allen who are athletic freaks of nature for more than a few reasons:
-Usually an NFL defensive lineman is between 6'2''-6'7'' and weighs somewhere in the ball park of 250-310 lbs (depending on which part of the line you are on). Usually taller and lighter as you head to the ends of the line and thicker and heavier as you look inward.
-These men are big but they are put on defense due the fact that they have fast reflexes and footwork to be able to limit reaction time to the movements of the offense.
-The men are STRONG. They have to push offensive lineman around who usually weigh in between 300-315 lbs at the pro level.
So, how do we go about turning an athlete into an optimal defensive lineman?
Well, one obvious thing is to teach them the skills of the game, that is a given. But what can we do to augment these skills and make the happen in a more explosive and powerful manner?
There is no shortage of big people and strong people who play football. What is the edge? What is the best player going to do in order to set himself a part?
Have a Strong Core
For any type of athletic movement, you can pretty much count on the need for a very strong core. Defensive lineman hardly ever have ripped six pack abs but having a strong core doesnt just mean sculpted abs...sculpted abs just means you have low body fat thats about all. Defensive lineman need to have the ability to contort their bodies, make sudden explosive movements, swing their arms to bat away offensive lineman...etc. Having a strong core will enhance these needs and will promote the use of more force and muscle.
Be Extremely Explosive
The action starts when the ball is hiked and you must be able to register that and shoot your 250 plus pound body towards the offense as fast as you can. Not only must you have lightning reflexes and lateral dynamics, you must also possess a very strong vertical leaping ability that will translate to more power from the legs when creating contact.
Be Extremely Strong and Balanced
You can't go out there and just have a good looking torso. We're playing sports here, not modeling for the cover of some teen magazine. Yes, you must have huge arms that will devastate your opposition but you will only be half as effective if your lower body doesn't posses a tree trunk like character. Your legs are your base and you need to have two pillars driving your body forward. You need to be skilled at squats as well as the bench and the musculature should be a result of heavy lifting and thrusting...not countless reps while staring at yourself in the mirror.
Posses Quick and Light Feet
Yeah, you're big...but your gift is to be able to be as quick as a guy half of your size.
the training plan coming soon...
