You quote Schwenzfeier and his research, what you might not know is that Aaron Schwenzfeier was at the first GAIN clinic I attended at Rice Unversity in 2011 (he gave me his bullet belt which I still use to this date).
Vern Gambetta and Jim Radcliffe got into a big argument with Aaron and a guy called Carl Valle about the 'false step.' It may have been instigated when I showed a footwork pattern from MMA and was told 'not' to do it by Vern.
Anyway, that turned into a massive, and quite heated, argument on the now defunct forum, which led to Aaron seeking to 'prove' Vern wrong: it took him 11 years, but he eventually published the article!
I think a lot of it was miscommunication (as is so much misunderstanding). I think the 'plyo' step was being actively coached at the time, and Vern and Jim said it shouldn't be. As Jim Radcliffe literally wrote the book on plyometrics, I paid attention.
I work hard on improving mechanics now and do games that lead players to do 'false' steps and then I ask them why they go backwards/sideways before they go forwards/ to the other side.
I do this to teach them balance and understanding of their positions, and also to get them to change direction with their foot as close to being under the hip as possible (this reduces knee injury potential).
A lot can be improved through practice and improving single leg strength (Radcliffe uses the cue: "sit, dip and drive" which I have stolen).
I then put them into games situations. It's not perfect, but so far, we have avoided serious injuries.
I tend to agree that if the argument for the negative step is that it is a natural movement, then it follows that it should not need to be taught. Let it happen, but do not try to make it happen.
I started as a coach who tried to prevent the negative step, partially because it causes traveling violations (or makes it appear as though one traveled). But, there is a difference between a constrained triple threat movement and a race from a static parallel stance with no constraints.
Gum disease! Never, ever woulda thought. Fascinating suggestion.
You quote Schwenzfeier and his research, what you might not know is that Aaron Schwenzfeier was at the first GAIN clinic I attended at Rice Unversity in 2011 (he gave me his bullet belt which I still use to this date).
Vern Gambetta and Jim Radcliffe got into a big argument with Aaron and a guy called Carl Valle about the 'false step.' It may have been instigated when I showed a footwork pattern from MMA and was told 'not' to do it by Vern.
Anyway, that turned into a massive, and quite heated, argument on the now defunct forum, which led to Aaron seeking to 'prove' Vern wrong: it took him 11 years, but he eventually published the article!
I think a lot of it was miscommunication (as is so much misunderstanding). I think the 'plyo' step was being actively coached at the time, and Vern and Jim said it shouldn't be. As Jim Radcliffe literally wrote the book on plyometrics, I paid attention.
I work hard on improving mechanics now and do games that lead players to do 'false' steps and then I ask them why they go backwards/sideways before they go forwards/ to the other side.
I do this to teach them balance and understanding of their positions, and also to get them to change direction with their foot as close to being under the hip as possible (this reduces knee injury potential).
A lot can be improved through practice and improving single leg strength (Radcliffe uses the cue: "sit, dip and drive" which I have stolen).
I then put them into games situations. It's not perfect, but so far, we have avoided serious injuries.
I tend to agree that if the argument for the negative step is that it is a natural movement, then it follows that it should not need to be taught. Let it happen, but do not try to make it happen.
I started as a coach who tried to prevent the negative step, partially because it causes traveling violations (or makes it appear as though one traveled). But, there is a difference between a constrained triple threat movement and a race from a static parallel stance with no constraints.
I do think some players exaggerate the movement because they lack basic strength: their body finds a way to compensate.
what an article. Thank you so much for this. seriously kudos
Thank you.