How good am I?

Question
QUESTION: Hey coach I got a question. I am 14 years old I max 150 on the bench but I only weigh 135. How do I compare to other corners that have talked to you? (Weight wise and bench wise for my age)

ANSWER: Hi Michael,


Congratulations on all your hard work so far. Football is a game that requires dedication and to get bigger and stronger there is just no substitute for hard work. I think you are on the right track as far as strength for your age. What I would suggest is that you focus your strength work on the core muscles of the back, abdomen, chest and upper legs. Let's face it you are a corner and bench max has little to do with how you will perform. Keep working on your bench but focus on the core muscle groups and work on speed and agility training. Visit the SPARQ website for information on increasing explosive strength and agility.

Remember, it is not where you are now that matters, it is where you end up!

Good Luck

MW

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QUESTION: thanks Coach and yes I have been working on explosion in my jump and agility but I do have another question. The muscles in my back, abdomen, chest and upper legs what does each muscle group do for me when I play corner (I could probably take a educated guess but I want to hear a professional opinion). I do have another question Coach. What workouts should I do in the weight room to really isolate those muscle groups and work them out.(I am pretty sure I already do work them out but I don't think I isolate them when I do workout). thanks again
ANSWER: Michael,

Continue the weight work you are doing but if you want to work on the core muscles you can do medicine ball work, weighted situps and dips, plyometric box jumping ect. Go to www.sparq.com for some ideas. If your core is strong it will make you faster, and quicker to adjust in coverage as a corner. It will also give you strength to fight for balls in the air. I am away doing a camp today so I have to run but if you want more detail let me know and I will email  when I get home.

MW

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QUESTION: you know if it would not be trouble I would like more detail thanks again

Answer
Hi Michael,

My advice to you would be to find a fitness training center in your area who specializes in preparing football players. I dont know where you are located but if there is a Velocity Sports Performance center near you they are great. The coaches there can look at your specfic needs and work with you to improve. It is kind of hard for me to do it via the web since I cant actually see you work out. You seem to be very interested in improving and I know you will do well. Let me know how things go as your season progresses.

Mark