Add the use of a ball to performance training

Adding the use of a ball to your performance training makes your training more sports specific. Bridging the gap between training and playing can be done quicker when athletes utilize a piece of playing equipment from their sport.

For example take the use of the soccer ball. A soccer player can implement the use of the ball into performance drills such as:

• perform ladder drill, sprint to ball and weave addition yards through cone configuration


• perform explosive hurdles hops forward over mini-hurdles, land, and explode frward with the ball


• perform either of the above drills, in reverse: first ball action, then ladder/hurdle action

The combinations are endless. This can be applied to other sports that use a ball such as football and basketball. Be creative