Brilliant and insightful Facebook post from Devan McConnell that I wanted to share. We as strength coaches have the responsibility of sharing information and educating parents, sport coaches, and administrators.
Early Specialization Case Study:
15y/o plays 21 games plus 4 "skill sessions" over the course of 2 weeks. Has to miss a week of training. Can't wear shoes due to massive bone spurs on his heels. Loses so much strength, we basically have to start over.
Reaction from my pro players who are in the gym training: "What the hell is wrong with kids? I haven't put my skates on since April 17th."
Mind you, thats the reaction from players WHO MAKE THEIR LIVING PLAYING HOCKEY. #earlyspecializationisamyth
More From Devan McConnell:
http://devanmcconnell.blogspot.com/
http://www.hockeystrengthandconditioning.com/
Devan McConnell Bio:
Devan McConnell was named UMass Lowell's first Director of Sports Performance in September of 2011.
The position is tasked with integrating a cutting edge sports performance program into the University's athletic department. McConnell works primarily with the Division I hockey team, as well as the field hcckey and golf programs.
Prior to joining UMass Lowell, McConnell served as the Sports Performance Coordinator at Stanford University from 2008-11. He worked closely with the women's basketball team, along with men's and women's volleyball--all NCAA Tournament regulars. During his tenure, the men's volleyball program won the 2010 NCAA Championship.
While at Stanford, McConnell also served as the Performance Education Coordinator, instructing the Cardinals' personnel, building a staff library and scheduling guest speakers.
Before his appointment to Stanford, McConnell worked at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, one of the leading sports performance facilities in the Northeast. He also spent time working with two NHL teams, the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.
McConnell is a certified Performance Enhancement Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is also a Functional Movement Screen Specialist. In addition, he is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on the topics of hockey , physiological monitoring and athlete development.
McConnell received his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Fitchburg State in 2008. While attending Fitchburg State, he was a standout hockey player, twice recognized as the team's Most Valuable Player. He is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Public Health Policy.
