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Freshmen can work with strength coaches

The NCAA has changed its rules to give incoming freshmen players more access to the strength and conditioning coach. The move comes on the heels of a pair of training-related deaths prior to the 2001 season.

The new rule is thought of as a no-brainer by most coaches because of the disadvantages freshmen can sometimes face going against upperclassmen who have been working out all summer according to the school’s program.

Under the new rule, as long as an incoming freshman is enrolled in summer school, the player is allowed to train with the team’s strength and conditioning coach.

The rule is advantageous for both player and school. Previously, incoming freshmen would work out in “unofficial” workouts with upperclassmen from the team. Strength and conditioning coaches have long contended that these workouts don’t adequately prepare incoming freshmen for the rigors of the official begin to the practice season.

Enabling freshmen to have access to the strength and conditioning coach could better prepare the players to contribute on the field. Most coaches know the freshmen players rarely come into their first training camp experience as well conditioned as upperclassmen. This is mainly because their bodies are younger and not as fully developed, and they haven’t been exposed to the level of competition.

By allowing those players to work with the strength and conditioning coach, it does not necessarily mean they’ll come to training camp in the fall in the same physical condition as the older players.

It could prevent them, however, from attempting to match the upperclassmen workout regimen during an unofficial workout, when they are not yet physically conditioned to do so.

Access to the strength and conditioning coach can help the player be conditioned to achieve more in his freshman season. Most importantly, it allows professional conditioning coaches to monitor player performance, and take the necessary steps to ensure the player does not over exert himself, or become susceptible to heatstroke.

For the conditioning coach’s part, it is incumbent to closely monitor these workouts and make sure the player has ready access to water or sports drinks designed to replenish fluids quickly.