Comments on: Knees, feminism, and young warriors: the relief of Michael Sokolove’s new book http://hugoschwyzer.net/2008/06/03/knees-feminism-and-young-warriors-the-relief-of-michael-sokoloves-new-book/ Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:21:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Hugo Schwyzer http://hugoschwyzer.net/2008/06/03/knees-feminism-and-young-warriors-the-relief-of-michael-sokoloves-new-book/#comment-367516 Hugo Schwyzer Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:37:30 +0000 http://hugoschwyzer.net/2008/06/03/knees-feminism-and-young-warriors-the-relief-of-michael-sokoloves-new-book/#comment-367516 Col Steve, that's good news about pliometrics -- I'm a great believer. As for your second paragraph, this is all stuff Sokolove deals with in the book; he makes a compelling case against too many tournaments and "showcases". Sounds like things are improving, happily! Col Steve, that’s good news about pliometrics — I’m a great believer.

As for your second paragraph, this is all stuff Sokolove deals with in the book; he makes a compelling case against too many tournaments and “showcases”. Sounds like things are improving, happily!

]]> By: Col Steve http://hugoschwyzer.net/2008/06/03/knees-feminism-and-young-warriors-the-relief-of-michael-sokoloves-new-book/#comment-367508 Col Steve Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:19:14 +0000 http://hugoschwyzer.net/2008/06/03/knees-feminism-and-young-warriors-the-relief-of-michael-sokoloves-new-book/#comment-367508 Hugo - Thanks for the review. I think, in general, US Youth Soccer is already moving in the direction you note. After going through advanced coaching courses for youth soccer over the past few years, the emphasis has shifted to dynamic over static stretching. (Dynamic stretching is allowing the body to warm-up and stretch using active sport specific motion. You’re basically allowing the body to go through a controlled range of motion without over stressing the muscles.) The basic message is over-flexibility may actually hurt performance and does not reduce injuries. We have focused on pliometrics and core exercises as well. My anecdotal observations are the growth of "tournament" play" by clubs/association (with often 3-4 games in a 48 hour period with multiple tournaments over short periods) and the push for earlier, single sport commitment (year round training) may also contribute to injuries. Rest, proper post-game recovery, cross-training, and nutrition often get less focus. Hugo - Thanks for the review. I think, in general, US Youth Soccer is already moving in the direction you note. After going through advanced coaching courses for youth soccer over the past few years, the emphasis has shifted to dynamic over static stretching. (Dynamic stretching is allowing the body to warm-up and stretch using active sport specific motion. You’re basically allowing the body to go through a controlled range of motion without over stressing the muscles.) The basic message is over-flexibility may actually hurt performance and does not reduce injuries. We have focused on pliometrics and core exercises as well.

My anecdotal observations are the growth of “tournament” play” by clubs/association (with often 3-4 games in a 48 hour period with multiple tournaments over short periods) and the push for earlier, single sport commitment (year round training) may also contribute to injuries. Rest, proper post-game recovery, cross-training, and nutrition often get less focus.

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