Isaac Roeder

Responsibilities

Each day we started by distributing the catapults to the players lockers so they just had to put them in their pads so we could collect velocity data during practice. Then we took a look at the lift for the day and set up the weight room and field accordingly. This meant setting the bars up for different variations of squats, deadlifts, bench, setting up sleds with weight for sled pushes and pulls, and other various things. During the lift we mostly observed, unless there was an injured player who had a modified workout. In this case we were given instruction on what the players lift was going to look like and then we ran that player through their lift while the coaches focused on everyone else. During practice we helped out when asked, but our main job was to switch the periods for the catapult data so each part of practice was split up and the data could be easily interpreted. At the end of the day we returned all equipment and weights to its designated location and cleaned the weight room for the next day.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment was learning how to run players through their lift and getting good experience doing so. Over time I became very comftorable coaching them and was able to develop a little bit of my own coaching style. These opportunities allowed for good times to provide individual feedback on their lifts and build better connections with the players.

Learning experience

I learned a lot about how to modify players workouts based on their injuries as well as how to structure workouts depending on the time of season and overall stresses that they are experiencing. When they are in season the lifts are much easier and more geared towards maintenance and injury reduction, while the offseason is designed for building strength and power. One key point I took was regarding speed training, and not to do much during lifts when in season because they get it through practice and games.

What advice would you give?

Do not be afraid to take every opportunity you are given, and do not be afraid to reach out to different professionals about a job or just some advice. I have learned that it is not always about what you know but rather who you know and your willingness to connect. But still focus on coursework and if you have room for additional classes that may benefit your career path, definitely do so.