How to Choose Training Aids Part 2

Plyo-Hurdles are ideal for running and jumping exercises. They are made of sturdy fiber glass and are safe to use in all running circumstances, since they will simply fall over if hit.

Once suggestion for safe use is for athletes to first try hurdle exercises next to the hurdles to get a feel for the activity. Then once they feel confident, let them jump over the actual hurdles.

Another breed of hurdles new to the market are made of durable high density foam. These are definitely the most safe hurdles available, particularly for stationary jumps, where the possibility exist of someone landing on the hurdle. They are available in various heights. Additionally, these new foam hurdles interlock like building blocks, allowing for variable height adjustments in seconds.

Now let's move to one of the greatest inventions to improve footwork, the PowerLadder. The varieties of drills and games which can be created with a PowerLadder are virtually unlimited, and the only safety concern is to warm up players alongside the PowerLadder first. Then when they are confident with the footwork pattern to be performed have them actually run through the ladder.

Jumping on and off boxes is one of the best plyometric exercises to improve light power and explosive speed, but be aware that not any box will do, as the force of athletes jumping up and down will challenge the integrity of most construction. The Power Plyo-Box as we have used in this video are made of one inch square tubing, with 14 gauge steel. Solid tops are covered with durable anti-slip pads, and these particular boxes come in several heights and are stackable for easy storage.

An additional safety feature is that the boxes we have used have wide basis to keep them from tipping over. They also have rubber bottoms to protect floors.

The next aid is a classic form of exercise, one of the oldest training aids in sports, but still here are two points to consider in selecting jump ropes. The first is length and the second is weight. Since different lengths are needed for different type athletes, we recommend investing in adjustable length ropes, and regarding weight, although fast ropes are affective for certain skill training, often a slightly weighted rope gives the athletes more of a workout while enabling them to maintain a more consistent rhythm.

Another commonplace tennis training aid we have used in this video for our moment drills is the Court Spot. The only issue for safety and proper use is common sense. Make sure the spots you use will not slip on a court when an athlete runs on them. Like all exercise, there is always some risk of injury, but at least we can minimize it with the best choice of equipment.

If you think that a Medicine Ball is a medicine ball, think again, most balls are intended for use in a gymnasium for static or possibly some throwing exercises. However, the newest manufacturing process of Medicine Balls allows them to bounce almost as well as basketballs. You will see these an action in our course Strength Section.

The main safety concern is to make sure that the players get used to the Medicine Ball slowly. Injuries can only occur when athletes are caught off guard and a pass from a partner breaks through their outstretched hands and hits them in the chest or face. Be a little careful and your Medicine Balls would be a great aid to help your players succeed.

The next type of equipment to consider for developing athletes are weighted throwing medicine balls to develop dynamic throwing motion strength. This strength in turn produces increased arm speed and acceleration. These types of balls are tennis ball size and come in various ways for different levels of players. They are extremely durable and can be thrown for a distance or against walls.

The final training aid to share in this review section is the patented stretch out strap, perhaps the best stretching device ever made. Hundreds and thousands of world class athletes in dozens of sports, including Michael Jordan, use it. The stretch out strap uses the broadly recognized advantages of P and S or partner stretching, but without the need of a partner.

But remember, however easy it is to use aids like this, they should be used with proper training and supervision, and like all exercise programs, make sure that each training regiment is both systematic and sensitive to the needs of each individual athlete.