Post-Season Rest and Recovery for Hockey Players: Why It Matters and How to Do It Right
As the junior, college, and youth hockey seasons wrap up, now is the time to reflect, recover, and reset. Whether you’re heading into the USA Hockey National Championships, NCAA Frozen Four, or Junior Playoffs—or watching from the sidelines—this is a crucial period to...
Strength Training for Soccer Players: Unlocking Power, Speed, and Durability
Soccer is a fast-paced, dynamic sport requiring players to be agile, explosive, and durable. While skill, technique, and tactical knowledge are all essential to succeed on the field, strength training plays a crucial role in taking a player’s performance to the next...
The Key to Effective Injury Rehab: Preparing the Whole Athlete for Return to Play
When an injury occurs, athletes think of the rehab needed to get back to play. Many times, the rehab is only focused on the injured area and getting it back to baseline. A well-focused rehab program includes not only decreasing pain and swelling while regaining range...
Understanding Elbow Tendinitis, Rotator Cuff Tendinitis, and Rotator Cuff Strain
Injuries to the elbow and shoulder can significantly impact daily activities, especially for those engaged in repetitive motions such as athletes, fitness enthusiasts, or individuals with physically demanding jobs. Among the most common injuries in these areas are...
How to Prepare for College Sports: A Complete Guide
Starting college sports is an exciting transition but comes with unique challenges that require preparation and dedication. The level of competition is higher, and the expectations are greater. While the journey can be intense, it’s also an incredible opportunity for...
Choosing the Best Strength Training Plan for You
There are many different theories on strength training. Most have their place, but one key is knowing why you are lifting weights. Yes, to get stronger seems to be the common sense answer, but in what way? Is your goal to lift the most weight, gain bodyweight, get...
Navigating Your Child’s Growth Spurts: What Parents, Coaches, and Trainers Need to Know
As parents, we marvel at how quickly our kids grow—one day, their shoes fit perfectly, and the next, they’re suddenly too small. We celebrate their increasing height, strength, and athletic abilities, but one thing we often overlook is how their bodies need time to...
Strength Training and Competitive Youth Sports: Are You Behind?
The ability to move your body safely and efficiently should be the focus of your athletes' strength training program. Your coach should evaluate each athlete on multiple levels, biomechanically, physiologically, and psychologically. Simply put, build a “road map of...
The Importance of a Return-to-Sport Protocol After ACL Reconstruction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and challenging injuries for athletes. Whether sustained during a pivot on the basketball court or a sudden stop on the soccer field, an ACL tear often requires surgical reconstruction and months of...
Why Test the Countermovment Jump?
The countermovement jump is a test we frequently use at Compete. Hawkins Dynamic states "the countermovement jump (CMJ) is an excellent movement for evaluating athletes in several scenarios. Not only is it easy to measure, but athletes from almost every sport...
You’ve Committed to Play College Sports… Now What?
You’ve worked hard. Countless days honing your skills, tons of games and tournaments, extra work on days off, hours in the weight room, and stressful times trying to get recruited to play college sports. The day has finally come when you announce your commitment to...
High School Soccer: Off-Season to In-season
As the soccer season approaches, high school athletes are gearing up for the challenges that come with intense competition, long practices, and high-pressure games. To be truly prepared, athletes need to adjust their workout routines to ensure peak performance and...