Lacrosse looking for athletes

Did you happen to catch Inside Lacrosse: Season Preview on ESPN2 yesterday? If not, I’m sure they’ll have reruns on ESPNU. (Click HERE for the story.) But I thought it was a good hour long program. I liked listening to the college coaches talk about recruiting. Since I work with guys who are already established, I don’t really get to see things from the recruiting point of view. I was especially interested in a comment made by Dom Starsia, Head Coach of Virginia. He says he’s looking for athletes who can move their feet. And if they’re big and can move their feet…even better.

That comment gives me some satisfaction because that’s exactly what we’re trying to do with our personal training clients. Our goal is to get our athletes as strong as possible while improving agility, deceleration, and footwork. Honestly, I don’t consider these abilities to be separate. I believe strength will naturally improve speed, agility, acceleration, deceleration. Improving strength is also a factor of neurological training. The nervous system has to be functioning optimally in order to recruit more muscle fibers and gain strength. A highly functioning nervous system will also improve footwork, coordination, balance…all qualities posessed by an “athlete”.

How else can you become a better athlete? Play other sports. I’ve always felt it’s important for young players to be exposed to as many sports as possible. The experience can only help you. Not only will playing other sports improve your athletic abilities, but possibly improve other qualities such as vision, concentration, and mental toughness.

College coaches are looking for athletes. So go out and try new things and improve your athleticism. But don’t forget to play some wall ball, too.