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“Why Jack & Jill Can’t Run Up the Hill”: Four reasons why youth athletes lack speed.

The next time  you are at a kids game, practice or just at the park note how many kids can’t run. Yes, I said it, can’t run. I’m not talking Olympic sprint technique just basic coordination. Notice the herky -jerky, waddling, shuffling, flailing movements.  It doesn’t take a trained eye to see somethings amiss. Whats missing are basic coordination and balance skills. Running is natural, it’s just that some of us come pre-wired to do it better than others.

The most basic skill in any field or court sport is running. If your child’s abilities are sub par in this most rudimentary athletic skill they will suffer.However, when it comes to speed for sports your now talking the development of a skill.  A skill that can be learned and honed to achieve a competitive standing or even dominance in sport.

Why cant kids run?

Here are my top 4 reasons why athletes today struggle with running.

1. Decline of recreational play activities. The youth of today spend less time playing fun games. Remember dodge ball, kickball, hop scotch, tag. These games taught balance coordination and laid the foundation for the more complex […]

“Why Jack & Jill Can’t Run Up the Hill”: Four reasons why youth athletes lack speed.2019-08-03T12:24:41-07:00

Baseball: Gamespeed athletes among top twelve players to watch in NCS baseball this season.

The North Coast section is one of the most competitive and talented baseball sections in California. The CC Times has just announced the season preview and noted some of the top 12 players to watch.  We’ve got two on this list.  See below. However not to be out done are some of our athletes that are not on this very short list. Max Dutto of SRV definitely comes to mind. Congrats to:

Courtesy CC Times

James Marvel, Campolindo: James under went an extensive  six month pitchers off season conditioning program. His work included tendon-ligament strength, total body explosiveness, arm care and strength, our “Tornado” core development, and body durability training.  He put on 20lbs of muscle and is throwing hard. We worked hand in had with his pitching coach Jeff Pick (Orinda) in managing James’ talent. He has committed to Duke but don’t be surprised to see him get draft interest.

Courtesy cc timesMitch Kranson. De La Salle, The “Hardest working man in Baseball” to turn a phase from the legendary performer James Brown. […]

Baseball: Gamespeed athletes among top twelve players to watch in NCS baseball this season.2016-12-09T00:03:29-08:00

Track: Chabot Relays , a grreat chance to compete before the spring break

Hey guys I know Stanford steals the show for most of you the April 6-7 weekend but not everyone will get into that meet. Want an opportunity to compete on a fast track with other high school or collegiate athletes? Enter into the Chabot Relays meet. This meet hosts both relays and individual events. A fast track,  finishlynxx electronic timing and sprint races run with the wind! Medals and awards to winners and some participants.

Welcome to Chabot Relays Track Meet
Friday & Saturday April 6 & 7, 2012
High School portion of the meet is hosted by San Lorenzo High School

Entries must entered by Wednesday April 4th @ 10 PM
at www.directAthletics.com

Some Meet Day Entries will be considered with $30 in CASH. Arrive early if you plan to enter on meet day.

  KGrace@ChabotCollege.edu prior to March 19th if your school would like to officiate a field event. Schools wishing to eliminate their entry fee for their entire school can do so by providing the officiating for […]

Track: Chabot Relays , a grreat chance to compete before the spring break2016-12-09T00:03:29-08:00

Track: Coach Aaron defends national sprint title, runner up in Long Jump

Bloomington, Indiana

Last weekend I competed in the Masters Indoor National Championships. To keep it brief:

1st place 60m dash 7.10

Happy with my performance but still dealing with Anterior tendonosis (runner’s ankle). Getting it under control but painful to run. Had an excellent start and accelerated well. Bodes good for outdoor 100m races. Keeps my unbeaten streak alive for 60m five years and running.

2nd place Long Jump 6.05 m

Honestly jumped like a rookie. First jump was best then downhill. Jammed my leg on third attempt and leg was dead thereafter but wanted to take all my jumps. Saving grace was I hit the board 4 out of 6 times. A major improvement for me. Yeah! Hope to take jumps at full speed in my next competition.

All in all a success and only came back bruised but not beaten!

 

Track: Coach Aaron defends national sprint title, runner up in Long Jump2016-12-09T00:03:29-08:00

Track: Block Starts as Easy as 1-2-3!

The start is probably the most important part of the short sprints. Not from the stand point that if you react first you will win. More often than not the person who gets out the blocks first is not always the winner. The importance of the start is how it  “sets up” your acceleration.

Scientists have measured all the components of racing and reaction only contributes to 1% of the total effect of your race. It is those athletes that accelerate best; over the longest distance and reach faster speeds during it are most successful.

Setting Your Blocks

Block Spacing: There are no set parameters for block positions. It depends on leg strength, leg length, and comfort.  Some methods of determining block settings include measuring from the starting line, measuring space between the blocks or setting spacing based on leg length (table). What I suggest for most athletes is something I’ve devised called the 1,2,3 Method. […]

Track: Block Starts as Easy as 1-2-3!2021-05-27T11:49:05-07:00

Young trackster drops .65 off his 100m time.

Enzo Villadolid has been at Gamespeed for 5 months working on his track technique.  In his first outing of the year it showed with a whopping personal best at the Los Gatos all comers. The twelve year old speedster is already posting times that would compete highly against any high school freshman. Way to go Enzo!

His dad Joey alerted me to the race in an email:

Hi, Coach!

Enzo ran today at the Los Gatos All Comers. Set his PB in both the 100m. and 200m.

He ran 12.93 in the 100 m.. His previous PB was 13.58 set in July 2011 (6 months ago). That is 0.65 secs. faster.

Also, even to my untrained eye, I can see that his running form is much improved. He runs in a more efficient way now. Not much wasted energy on unnecessary movement.

Thank you, Coach.

Young trackster drops .65 off his 100m time.2016-12-09T00:03:30-08:00

GS Seniors get AOW Honors

Contra Costa Times Athlete of the Week:

Noria also is the two time DFAL Sprint champion at 100m/200m for the Gaels and NCS finalist. She will be one of the areas top sprinters this year. She has also signed a letter of intent to play soccer at St Mary’s College right here in the Bay Area.

NORIA MITCHELL, Dublin, soccer, Sr. — Mitchell had a true hat trick for the Gaels in their 4-0 win over Moreau Catholic in the first round of the NCS Division II playoffs, then added a goal and an assist in their 3-0 win over Northgate in the quarterfinals.

Ive worked with Brandon off and on for about five years and this guy is dedicated. He asks for basketball training to do at home and obviously he’s been doing it. Having a breakout senior year and helping his team to its first NCS appearance since 1985.

Brandon White      SCHOOL: Liberty    SPORT:    Basketball    YEAR: Junior                    POSITION: Guard

THE STAT LINE: White led the Lions to two Bay Valley Athletic League victories. He had 27 points in Liberty’s thrilling 66-65 win over Deer Valley and 11 in a 51-42 win over rival Heritage.

 

GS Seniors get AOW Honors2016-12-09T00:03:30-08:00

Joey Epperson continues to impress and scouts watching.

Just got a little update and sounds as though Joey is doing well. His club is struggling a bit (4-6) but he is hot.

He is currently 14 for 37 (.380), with 4 doubles, 1 homerun. slugging .580 and an on base percentage of .500. He is also leading the conference with 7 stolen bases. There have been anywhere from 2-5 scouts at most of his games to see him play.

Here is the article from his most recent game. http://presidiosports.com/2012/02/l-a-pierce-overcomes-vaqueros-epperson/

Great going Joey!

 

Joey Epperson continues to impress and scouts watching.2016-12-09T00:03:30-08:00

Track Clinic this Saturday!

Chabot College Track & Field

“Learn By Doing Track and Field Clinic”

Saturday February 25th

Chabot College Track Stadium

9:30 am to 12:30 pm

 

presented by Chabot College and Local High School Coaches

 

for all ages – Youth to Master’s

 

  • Learn Sprint Drills, Starting and Sprinting from Chabot College Coach and Master’s World Class Sprinter Aaron Thigpen
  • Learn Long Jump, Hurdling Technique by Coach Mike Jordan
  • Learn to Throw the Shot, Discus and Hammer with Chabot College Coach Mark Marshall
  • Learn to Pole Vault with Dougherty Valley Coach Kevin Stang

 

$10 per Athlete and Coach – Pre-Registration by February 18th

$20 per Athlete & Coach – Day of the Event

 

Make Check Payable to: Chabot College Track & Field

 

Send to: Chabot College Track, c/o Ken Grace, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545

Track Clinic this Saturday!2012-02-21T19:01:38-08:00

Baseball: Controversial subject of “Scap loading”

In my seventeen years at of providing training for baseball at Gamespeed working with pitchers and pitching instructors there’s one thing for certain. No one agrees on everything. There are many philosophies on pitching mechanics. With this always comes great debate. “Scap Loading” is just one of the latest, especially if you believe its contribution to shoulder and elbow injuries.

I was forwarded this article by Dave Giberti former minor league pitcher, now a private instructor and coach at California High.

Thanks Dave.

Check it out: http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/PitchingMechanics101/Essays/ScapularLoading.html

Baseball: Controversial subject of “Scap loading”2016-12-09T00:03:31-08:00

Gym Hours

Gym Hours

Monday 4-7pm

Tuesday 4-7pm

Wednesday 4-7pm

Thursday 4-7pm

Friday & Saturday Closed

Sunday 9-11am

One to One by appointment

 

 

 

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