A Functional Path™ Manifesto
My journey
on the Functional Path began many years ago as a search for secrets, just like
any young coach I was looking for that 2% that would give me the edge. After traveling
down many one way dead end streets I began to realize that there were no
secrets, no one answer. I realized that I must take care of the first 98% in
order to be able to do anything with the last 2%. When I discovered the
Functional Path approach I realized that this was a path well traveled. I was
quickly able to stand on the shoulder of many giants who had traveled the road
before with great success.
The road on
the path begins with a definition of function as integrated, multidimensional movement.
With that as foundation functional training is defined as training that
incorporates a full spectrum of training methods, designed to elicit optimum
adaptive response appropriate for the sport or active being trained for. A
spectrum incorporates a broad range of related values, qualities, ideas and
activities. Just as with the spectrum of light certain training methods are
visible and other invisible.
The characteristics
of Functional Path™ training are:
No system of the body is emphasized to exclusion of another, all
systems of the body work together synergistically to produce smooth efficient movement.
No one method or physical quality becomes an end unto itself.
Each athlete is a case study of one; each athlete brings
something unique to the table.
In order to
be considered functional, an exercise or training method must meet all of the
following criteria:
Multiple Plane
Multiple Joint
High Proprioceptive Demand
The Work Must Be Mindful
The goal of
all this process is to develop Athleticism. Athleticism is the ability to
execute athletic movements (run, jump, throw) at optimum speed with precision,
style, and grace in the context of the sport or movement being trained for.
Effective
Functional Path Training™ respects that there are three movement constants that
are continually manipulated. Those constants are the body, gravity and the
ground. In order to optimize the function of the body we must recognize muscle
synergies and train movements not muscles. We must recognize that we are training
connectivity through unity in movement that is integrated not isolated.
The ultimate
goal is build athletes that are adaptable to any athletic demand they face in
training or competition, not athletes that are adapted to one method of
technique. In order to achieve this we must give the athlete increasingly difficult
movement problems to solve. Obviously this is contingent on mastery of fundamental
movements. Without a sound foundation of fundamental movement skills it will be
impossible for the athlete to progress to more advanced sport skills without
greater risk of injury and performance errors.
Traveling
the functional path is a very challenging endeavor, you must constantly think
about why you are doing what you are doing, and when you are doing it. Be sure
to have your destination clearly in sight at all times. Focus on the need to do
activities that will produce results. Always be aware of where you are spending
your time. Is what you are doing sport appropriate, is it preparing your
athletes for optimum results in competition?
I am looking
forward to having you join me on this journey on the Functional Path. There is
much territory still to be explored and challenges to be met.
Glad you've made back in to the blogosphere, looking forward to continue reading your blogs - thought you'd disappeared for ever when I logged on the other day - hope you enjoy being back in the UK too!
Best
Huw
www.runflux.com/blog
Posted by: Huw Davies | May 06, 2008 at 07:31 AM
"Each athlete is a case study of one"
This has really been demonstrated to me recently, and I'd like to share the story with others: My oldest son, who is now 16 and a soph in HS, has always been one of the best athletes in his class here in Omaha. He has played football (QB), basketball (F/G), and baseball (1B/3B/P) and not concentrated on any one. He has always been about 90% for height (is now 6'4") and slender (185). His speed has always been slightly above average; he has large feet (14) that are somewhat flat.
Basketball has been his best sport, and he naturally jumped fairly well, and had pretty good explosiveness (half dozen game dunks as freshman). In baseball, while he was a good hitter, and his arm strength was ok, something in his rotational movement was not quite right to me the past few years. I have taken much video of him, but could not quite pinpoint the issue, even after spending many hours working with him on "mechanics" of rotating (I am former college pitcher and coach).
Recently I took him to see a physical therapist who has done work with many high level athletes on "postural restoration". The assessment was enlightening, to say the least. The therapist identified that his hips are misaligned, making it difficult - if not impossible - for him to rotate correctly, and causing him to have a poor gait as well (he barely used his left foot!).
His HS has a strength coach who I have battled with somewhat because of his insistence on implementing his "one-size-fits-all" Olympic lifting approach, dependent upon heavy two-legged squats, hang cleans, etc. I have tried to incorporate a functional strength training program with him, emphasizing stability and core strength for now.He is now on a path/program to correct the problem.
The point of my long-winded post is that I am extremely grateful for discovering Vern several years ago, and his mantra of training movement first. I only wish I was a bit more knowledgeable and had trusted my instinct (and eyes) sooner.
Following the functional path is NOT the path of least resistance - it takes time, and patience, with young athletes whose bodies are developing in their own unique way. Too many of our best young American athletes - in many sports - are being deceived into early specialization, and too much "strength" training too soon.
Posted by: Paul Davis | May 06, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Vern you might be interested in this study:
Does the brain control muscles or movements?
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-05/cp-dtb050508.php
Posted by: Chris H | May 07, 2008 at 03:09 PM