Flow Shiatsu RMT Clinic

Training Methods Learned from Calgary Stampeders #19 Toshiki Sato

Tad:Please tell me about the training methods of football players.
Sato: In football, due to the intense contact involved, training on the field is not permitted until a certain level of neck strength is achieved for safety reasons. The training regimen typically consists of three days of practice simulating real gameplay out of six days, with the remaining three days dedicated to weight training and field exercises, meticulously separated. In the professional realm, there are restrictions on practice hours to mitigate the risk of concussions and maintain fairness among teams.
Tad;Could you provide specific training methods?
Sato: There isn't a set routine for football players. What's crucial is adopting training methods tailored to oneself, based on solutions accumulated from past injuries and setbacks encountered throughout one's career, learned from individuals with diverse backgrounds.
Here's the process to find one's own style:
Identify movements seen in top NFL players that one can't replicate.
Determine whether it's a technical issue or a physical difference.
Address technical issues by adjusting one's approach and body mechanics.
Consult specialists to pinpoint physical deficiencies hindering desired movements and work on targeted muscle strengthening and joint mobility for improvement.
I believe that clear identification of problems yields precise solutions from experts.
Training Points to Remember
Sato: It's crucial to constantly communicate with one's body, assessing fatigue and identifying areas of poor movement to adjust training volume and intensity accordingly. The era where pushing through high volume with sheer determination leads to results is over.
For me, the training goal is to maintain the movements required for kicking in optimal condition and to kick the ball farther. The ideal motion I aim for is when the body's axis is aligned.
I learned from Aoyashima-sensei that "when things don't go well in play, there's always a problem somewhere in the body," which resonated with me.
Tad:It's gratifying that this message has been conveyed.

Reasons why stretching might not be effective:

Lack of precise understanding of the movements.
Insufficient time allocated for stretching.
Lack of understanding of critical points.
Solutions for effective stretching:

A. Points to consider for shorter durations involve finding efficient methods and addressing the causes of pain and stiffness to observe changes. For instance, addressing ankle issues to alleviate lower back pain. Understanding that joints are interconnected, focusing on smaller joints before larger ones in a sequence can maximize effectiveness.

B. Points for enhancing comfort include controlling the speed and intensity of stretching. Maintaining a rhythm similar to deep breathing and stopping just before discomfort sets in can ensure a comfortable experience while effectively loosening muscle fibers.

By being mindful of these points and controlling the sequence and speed, previously ineffective stretching routines can become more fruitful.

Now, an exercise to introduce is "Door Frame Pull":

Stand within the door frame (as if entering the center with the door open).
Bend the right elbow at a 90-degree angle, keeping it close to the body, and grip the door frame with the right hand.
Take one or two steps forward with the right foot (about 30-40 cm forward).
While keeping the upper body (spine) extended, lean forward about 45 degrees.
Maintain the grip on the door frame with the right hand, allowing the elbow to naturally extend. The position resembles a ski jumper's gliding position when viewed from the side.
Maintain the position for about 30 seconds.
This stretch targets the deep areas around the front of the shoulder. Adjusting the position of the grip on the door frame higher or lower can target various parts of the shoulder for relaxation.