Update from Defrancos...
Starting to build some relationships with some of the athletes which is always key. If you have that connection with the athlete it is so much better working with them because they begin to trust you and that mutual respect/caring starts to take place on both ends. You genuinely start to care about their successes and failures and it drives you to be a better coach for them. Charlie Francis wrote a lot about taking that genuine interest in his athletes in the book I read, Charlie Francis's Training System. This is something I also realized while working at my previous job at a physical therapy office. Once I got to know all the patients I was working with on a personal basis, I became to really care about the progress they were making so they could get back to their normal family, work, and personal life (all of which we would talk about). So excited to start hearing about these athletes personal achievements once their season begins.
I also got to work with my first client one-on-one Monday. The little guy is a twelve year old football player with some lower limb issues (one leg longer than the other). Even got to talk to this guy about school and sports. While his program wasn't very complicated (sprinting in place, planks, lunges, all bodyweight stuff), it was rewarding taking him through his workout and just talking to him. Looking forward to working with him in the future.
Also been hanging more one-on-one with some of the baseball guys that come in on a regular clip. One is a AAA pitcher with the Twins and another is a college player (not sure what position actually). They have been coming in for two and three off-seasons, respectively. Because they come three to five times a week for months a time, I usually ask them a few questions about their own programming and some of the exercises so I can get a better grasp on how the coaches program. The college guy has walked me through a lot of the upper body "circuts" and med ball work that the guys go through on a regular basis. The AAA guy opened my eyes to his programming (look up Cal Dietz's programs at the U of Minnesota) and some of his specific warm up. This is the great thing about Defranco's. They don't just "give you the fish, they teach you how to fish" if anyone has heard that before. As I posted in the past, they teach the athletes to be self reliant, the only time they need the coaches is to watch their more explosive/sport specific exercises or to tell them the next part of the workout.
Starting to feel pretty comfortable here, which is strange for me settling in so fast in a new environment. Usually I'll have incredible anxiety for awhile, but the coaches (specifically Coach M) have really welcomed me and been very open with all my questions. I have received so much reading/video/audio material from Coach M also that it helps me understand the reasoning behind his and a few other coaches methods which helps me settle in as well. I am also finally in a setting with athletes that I haven't been able to have since I played sports in my own undergrad. Growing up primarily playing sports and then being thrust into the "grown-up" world without much transition, you miss those memories and experiences with your teammates. This is a comfortable setting with familiar types of people (athletes) for me.
Been taking some pics and videos. Take a look at what I get to be around everyday!!
The pro guys getting some sled/speed work in. SUPER FAST!!!!
Pitcher getting some throws in.
Pitchers programming.
Bondarchuk's general/sport specific model.
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