Mar 1, 2018Mixing It Up
Switching up your workouts in practice can not only keep athletes engaged, but also get them moving and learning sport-specific actions in new ways. At Boise State University, Strength and Conditioning Coach Jeff Pitman took this idea to heart when he implemented boxing training into the football team’s training regimen last summer.
According to an article for the Idaho Statesman, the training began with just the offensive and defensive linemen. This past winter, all athletes but the quarterbacks and specialists engaged in this unique workout with former Boise State wrestler and Mixed Martial Arts Instructor Jesse Brock as their teacher. And while one of the reasons for this addition was to change things up a bit, Pitman also recognized the positive correlation between boxing and the game of football.
“We were ready for something different,” Pitman told the Idaho Statesman. “You hit the pad and it pops, they like that. Those bigger guys, the rips and swims, hitting a strong, moving target…it correlates onto the field. There were some situations last year, I could see guys strike harder and sustain it in games.”
It can even serve to help specific positions with their jobs on the field. For example, running backs can improve their pass blocking, receivers and cornerbacks will be better at keeping or getting off press coverage, and linebackers can excel in getting off blocks. And every player will also build shoulder strength as well as footwork skills.
“Footwork is key in football, and same thing with boxing,” said Brock. “Your feet have to be underneath you. That’s what sets up the punches. People laugh when they hear it, but the arms are the least important part of boxing.”
Training with Brock has also taught the team to continue working the right way throughout a game or practice. Even when they are tired, the Boise State athletes are now better able to maintain the right positioning, helping to reduce the chance of injury and keep them playing their best.
“It kind of gives you that natural balance,” said Head Coach Bryan Harsin. “The skill, it’s a different skill, it’s not something we ever talk about. I think it’s been a great tool for us to improve our guys athletically.”
This isn’t the first time that Boise State has been creative when it comes to their workouts. The team also incorporates yoga into offseason conditioning. And being open to ideas that might not always be directly associated with football is something that many coaches are doing to get the most out of their athletes.
“I was definitely excited,” said Brock. “I think some of the more forward-thinking coaches out there have started using things like martial arts or yoga, outside-the-box stuff, to train their guys. I’d never done it…but I’m a Bronco, so I was really happy to do it.”
