Use cones for change of direction training

By adding cones to you training, you can add another element to your program. One of the best parts is that change of direction is a valued skill in most sports where movement is required, and using cones can help you mimick actions you take when changing directions.

Follow a few simple guidlines when using cones in your program:

1. Set them up in multiple configurations, from 'X', to 'square', to 'T' patterns.
2. Use different movements as you go through the patterns such as sprinting, shuffling, backpedaling, hopping, etc.
3. Work on either staying tight to the cones as you go around them, or going right to the cone then change direction.
4. Vary the number of cones you use from just 2 cones to several cones.

Follow these simple guidelines, and it will help make cone training an important part of your training!

Use resisted parachute sprints for speed and conditioning

Parachutes have long been used by coaches for speed and acceleration training for straight ahead sports such as track.

But now, coaches and athletes are starting to realize the significant use of parachutes in sports specific training.

Parachute training adds another dimension to a training program, by providing added resistance to forward and backwards motion. Typically, most chutes are constructed of light weight nylon material that enables them to "catch" air as athlete performs athletic actio.

Athletes can perform drills that involve short quick burst sprints, or long speed endurance sprints for conditioning. Multi directional drills can be created with the use of cones, as resistance can be added to change of direction drills. Also, adding a ball can make the use of the chute very sport specific, as well as combining the use of the chute with another training tool such as an agility ladder.

For a complete line of training products, visit ProPowerTraining.com.

Post-Workout liquid nutrition for explosive training results

Wanna get the best results from your workouts? Try liquid nutrition with a carb-protein combination---this simple tip can do wonders for your performance nutrition.

Post strength training workouts is the most optimal time to consume much need nutrition for recovery and regeneration. However, the breaking down of what we consume into usable nutrients can be a very "mechanical" process for the body, and afterall, we want the nutrients into our bodies ASAP.

The answer? Liquid nutrition. A simple protein shake within 45-minutes following workouts has the ability to get much needed nutrients to your system faster than solid food which has to be broken down by the body.

An added tip would also be to make sure whatever protein you consumed also contained some carbs. Studies have shown protein to be utilized by the body more efficiently when combined with carbs.

Check out these two books, "Advanced Sport Nutrition" or "Power Eating" for more great sports performance nutrition tips!

The Vertimax as a complete sports performance trainer

The Vertimax Platform training system was designed in the late 90's as a training device for improving vertical jumps and explosiveness.

The Vertimax consisted of a platfrom with a network of bungee cords running beneath it that come through the surface of the platfrom. From here, the cords are attached at the hips of athletes, giving them resistance throughout all forms of athletic movement.

The Vertimax has evolved into a multi sport training unit, with applications that exceed the original intent. The unit now has connections that enable the bungie cords to attache the the hips legs and arms, along with handle units for rows and strength training.

What do I like about the Vertimax? You can train in one spot---atop the 6X3 platfrom, and that is all the room required. Several drils and exercises can now be performed the include training to improve:

• Speed and Acceleration
• Explosiveness
• Strength and Power
• Conditioning and endurance

Add the use of a medicine balls and other sports balls and you can make training on the Vertimax sports specific.

Check out the Vertimax in action below

Med Ball training for total performance

Train your body with med balls for maximum results.

Medicine balls are a fantastic ballistic movement, kind of like the equivalent of upper body "plyometrics". Med balls range in size from very light (2lbs) to very heavy (30lbs +).

Med balls can be used in a variety of positions such as standing, kneeling and lying down. Total body workouts with the balls can incorporate legs, hip, and arm action as balls are thrown away from the body.

Balls can also be used in motions without throwing the balls, such as "wood chops". Many top trainers add the ball to explosive jump training workouts, as athletes either explode upward or forward throwing the ball as they move. Balls can also be implemented into explosive sprinting, as they can be thrown away from their bodies as athletes take off into a sprint or back wards run.

Med balls are a great compliment to weight training, combining a set of chest passes with a set of DB incline bench presses.

Be creative, and add med balls to the mix in your performance workouts!

New Sports speed, agility, quickness e-zine aims to become online sports training resource for athletes

Performance Sport Magazine is a new resource for athletes and coaches as a source to get some top information on speed, agility, quickness and power training.

The new "e-zine" premiers with the Nov-Dec issue, which is available to be viewed online and printed from it's pdf format.

Beginning in January 2008, Performance Sport will be published each month with features on:

• monthly workouts and drills
• sports nutrition
• training product profiles
• mental training

....and more! To read you issue of Performance Sport Magazine, click here.