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With the Major League Baseball season about to get underway, we are nearing the end of baseball's pre-season and about to enter the regular season.  For colleges and high schools, they have been in-season for about a month already.  This article will discuss the importance of in-season training and how it differs from off-season training.

These are the foam roll, ball, and stretch exercises that we use every day at Compete to keep our athletes healthy and to prevent injuries. Utilize this chart as a guide and implement it into your daily routine. The supplies that are needed are a foam roll and a lacrosse ball/tennis ball.

Today’s hockey game is faster than ever. Today’s young stars like Connor McDavid and Johnny Gaudreau are so effective because of their speed. Perennial MVP’s Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have an unreal ability to accelerate and beat their opponent to the puck, which makes them so successful. Speed is determined by stride length times stride frequency. Obviously, DNA has a lot to do with speed, but it can be trained successfully. Improving flexibility and strength in the legs and the mobility of the hip and ankle joints can allow for more efficient movements and a faster stride. Utilize the following two exercises to improve your strength and power that will make you a faster skater.

Even though most pitchers have unique deliveries and mechanics, there are some basics that all pitchers should have in common to pitch safely.  First, pitchers should generate their power from the ground up.  The arm is like a bullwhip.  It is mostly there to direct where the ball is going, and that is dictated by the hand/wrist and the timing of ball release.  Kids should not be trying to "muscle up" on their pitches by using only their shoulders.  The sequential nature of pitching allows for the pitcher to build up power from their legs, hips, and core, and then unwinding this stored power during the acceleration phase.  Now, the arm does need to generate rotation about the shoulder, but the vast majority of the throwing velocity depends on  

February 22, 2017 – Compete Sports Performance and Rehab is proud to announce that they are now an Official Partner of The Rinks. “I’m excited to further our relationship with the organization that I have been involved with for many years. Both groups are committed to growing the sport of hockey in California and I feel we have both made an impact in doing so.” stated Chris Phillips, owner of Compete and former Head Athletic Trainer of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.  Compete has locations inside The Rinks in Westminster and 3100 square foot facility in Lake Forest. They offer sports performance training, personal training and sports injury rehab. Compete clients have had over 75 college commitments since opening in 2009.

The Rinks Marketing Manager, Jesse Chatfield noted

As the hockey season begins to wind down, every game becomes more and more important. The tail end of the season can include tournaments, showcases and playoffs where teams may have to play multiple games on the same day or weekend. These busy weekends can take a toll on a players body, causing fatigue and soreness that can lead to decreased performance on the ice as well as injuries. A quality off ice training program includes stretching and cool down exercises at the end of the session to decrease muscle soreness and improve flexibility, but many athletes 

Strokes are devastating, not only physically, but mentally. They change lives, many of which are very young and active. When stroke patients are discharged from physical therapy, many are just beginning to recover physically, especially from a fitness and strength perspective. This is where the experienced Athletic Trainer, Strength Coach or Personal Trainer can make a huge difference in their quality of life.

Both physical and mental aspects must be addressed when entering a fitness program. From the physical perspective, balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular fitness are just some parts that may be incorporated into the fitness program. The mental aspect may be even tougher in addressing fear, complacency and motivation, to name a few.

Chris Phillips is the owner of Compete Sports Performance and Rehab and a member of the Medical Fitness Network. Please visit www.medicalfitness.org for more information.

Hockey Nutrition: The Right Meals To Help Your Game

Checking the fridge first thing in the morning is not uncommon. Sadly, nothing seems appealing, so you decide you will skip breakfast and feast come dinner hour.

Such decisions are made on a regular basis in all parts of the world. But all meals — especially breakfast — are important if you are going to grow as a hockey player. Part of exceling on the ice is exceling at home as well. Proper nutrition is essential to having energy and making key decisions during a game.