Football strength training is not just weightlifting, we perform agility, plyometrics, speed training, power development, and mobility (joint) exercises. We train to transform students into athletes. Developing strength is one part of being an exceptional athlete.
Beyond physical training, we prioritize fostering strong bonds among teammates and creating mentorship opportunities. Our emphasis on training together isn't solely about building strength; it's about instilling trust and unity, key elements for success on the field. Athletes should attend the evening sessions as much as possible.
To be successful at any endeavor in life usually requires full-time commitment. A person cannot expect to improve their character, gain mental strength, or have a massive physical transformation in just a few weeks. Change requires commitment and patience. Research shows that developing a new habit usually requires at least three weeks of daily commitment, but to continue the habit is a year round process. This also applies to being a Shell Lake football player; it is a year-round commitment.
We will train athletes to improve physically, mentally, and develop their character in our strength training program. So what some people look at as just "weight lifting", we view as transforming a person’s body, mind, and heart.
Physical Development (Body)
Our strength training program will help students become better athletes and football players. The training program will include an active warm-up, weight lifting, agility (quickness) exercises, speed training, an emphasis on developing power, improving an athlete's overall conditioning, and will provide coaching on proper nutrition. Athletes will also reduce the potential of sustaining certain injuries and develop habits that may contribute to a lifetime of healthy living.
Mental Development (Mind)
Strength training is more than just about physical development. Our strength training program will help athletes become more confident, teach athletes to develop mental toughness and willpower by overcoming physical struggles (the mind is stronger than the body), and will help athletes develop a focus on achieving goals. Most importantly, as the players lift together, struggle together, improve together, they will become a brotherhood of players, they will become a team. This is why we insist that players should lift at the school with their fellow athletes. It is unrealistic to believe that team cohesion will occur if athletes train separately.
Character Development (Heart)
Our strength training program will help students become better people. Strength training is an opportunity for athletes to build character. It reinforces dedication, commitment, and responsibility, which are key values needed in life. It helps players feel more accepted by their teammates and can help shape their identity. It provides leadership opportunities. Athletes will be given daily opportunities to take on leadership roles, from determining an exercise/lift that they and their teammates will perform, to leading a warm-up exercise, agility training, or conditioning drills. People cannot be just told how to lead they have to be provided the opportunities to do so. Our weightlifting program will develop character in the athletes that participate.