Football Strength & Conditioning - Mission/Philosophy

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to create an environment of safety, excitement and intensity while implementing a scientifically proven program developing each athlete on an individual basis both physically and mentally.

Philosophy

Physical
• Scientifically Based
All implemented strength and conditioning programs must be scientifically based to safely execute and successfully prompt a positive training effect. In addition, no two athletes are the same, and therefore, cannot be treated as such. Every training program must be designed to strengthen areas specific to each athlete and areas of necessity based on the nature of the sport.

• Work Capacity
Training Work capacity is the foundation upon which an athlete builds his/her training. Improved general strength, conditioning, and flexibility provide this foundation. More stressful components of training cannot be properly developed without first establishing work capacity.

• Strength Training
Strength training adds another layer to an athlete’s foundation. With proper methods of developing strength, an athlete can efficiently generate more force to move and control loads that are both relative and absolute. Our program emphasizes strength through various bodyweight, free weight, and multi-joint movements whenever possible.

• Explosive Strength Training
Bridging the gap between strength and sport relevant speed is developed through explosive strength training. This type of training causes higher stress on the body through Olympic lifting and Olympic lifting variations.

• Plyometric Training
Plyometric training aims to achieve a higher intensity than explosive strength training. With careful consideration to volume, plyometric training manipulates muscle fibers to fire faster, the ultimate goal of any anaerobic athlete.

• Speed Training
Speed training requires fast-twitch movements through applied force to get from Point A to B in the shortest amount of time possible. The health of our athletes, and their ability to maintain speed is predicated by our efficiency in all prior methods of training.

• Recovery/Regeneration
Our athletes are encouraged on a daily basis to be as equally diligent toward their recovery and regeneration habits as they are toward their training. As an athlete, what you do on your own time will dictate the gains made with the strength and conditioning staff. These three main areas include nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Frequent one-on-one meetings are held weekly to help each athlete with their own needs regarding these areas. Nutrition manuals are also provided in an attempt to encourage each individual to make the best choices possible.

Mental/Emotional
Hanging above the weight room doors of the Fishers Training Complex Weight Room is the motto of the Ball State Football Strength & Conditioning program: Fight the Mirror. With only 12 guaranteed opportunities to face an opponent every 365 days, our fight to get better every day must lie within ourselves. It is through this mindset that passion, love for the game, and the desire for improvement must be evident.

• Fight the Mirror
Cardinals are known for fighting their own reflections. This is not a lack of intelligence, but rather instinct and a territorial behavior. The Cardinal is defending its turf. It's interesting what maintains and accentuates the behavior. So here is a scenario. You are the territory holder ... and an intruder comes into the area. You look at the intruder, he is smaller than you ... you have more investment in the area, the intruder less. The intruder recognizes the mismatch, and runs in fear of being maimed. Now, another intruder comes ... he is larger than you. He may even fluff his feathers to appear larger. The equation shifts a little towards the larger intruder. Even though you have an investment in the area, you might think you will lose any real fight, and give up your territory. So what size intruder would elicit the maximum and sustained fight? The answer is, one that is the same size as you. And that's what the Cardinal sees in the reflection ... another bird the same size but without the investment in the area ... thus MAXIMUM AGGRESSIVENESS.