Sports Ready Position

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The Sports Ready Position

Quote from "Sports Power" by David Sandler.

"Sport speed is affected by the athletes ability to rapidly shift direction. If an athlete cannot change direction and rapidly regain speed he or she will not be successful. Quickly changing direction requires precise footwork and the ability to accelerate rapidly after the direction change. Athletes most often run into problems when shifting from back pedaling to forward running. An athlete with good footwork can back pedal longer and more quickly, giving himself more time to react to a plays movement.

In sports where athletes must cover a relatively short distance, direction change itself becomes the limiting factor. For example, a baseball player leading off at first base has a better chance of stealing second if he can execute a good first cross over step. Because the player starts out facing the pitcher, the initial crossover step may be the difference between a steal and an out. The direction change followed by the immediate acceleration is usually the determining factor. Drills that are designed to increase speed should begin with a rapid direction change followed by acceleration. Very short drills with rapid direction changes develop overall footwork, balance and coordination. These drills help athletes in contact sports learn how to adjust to awkward positions after being pushed or jostled.

The "Sports Ready Position" is often referred to as the Sports position. It is a position that favors both rapid movement execution and the ability to become more stable. For rapid execution, you need to be able to see the play develop, react quickly , and have proper body position to make the first movement.In order to gain stability you must be able to drop down to lower your centre of gravity and widen your base of support quickly. Proper sport position is standing with your weight on the balls of your feet with knees and waist slightly bent. Keep you chest and your head up and your arms relaxed, slightly bent and out in front of your body.