Every day we hear championship stories about how BridgeAthletic's strength training software is helping coaches and athletes achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. By making coaches more efficient, the department more connected, and athletes' development more accessible, the BridgeAthletic strength training software takes athletic programs to the next level. These stories motivate us to build better athletes in all sports around the world. Featured in this #BridgeBuilt Series is Jordan Webb, the University of Notre Dame’s Associate Strength and Conditioning Coach and Head of Sports Science, who talks about the success his team of coaches and athletes has using BridgeAthletic’s platform.

A strong core is a requirement for swimmers looking to increase speed and improve technique. In order for swimmers to minimize drag resistance through the water, the core plays a very important role in keeping the body in a stable streamline position. Further, core muscles that are not well conditioned can lead to technical flaws and stroke inefficiencies, which could make or break a chance at the podium.

The omnipresent thought of a season ending shoulder injury can create hesitation and prevent water polo players from reaching their maximum potential. In general, water polo players are at a higher risk for a rotator cuff injury due to the nature of the sport’s throwing techniques and shoulder patterns. Unlike most sports that involve throwing, water polo players aren’t able to use their legs for support during the action so more strain is placed on their shoulder muscles in order to complete the repetitive motion. Water polo players can reduce their risk of shoulder injuries through prevention programs and exercises, which aim to strengthen surrounding muscles and increase overall stability, flexibility, and mobility.

The transition to college athletics can be an exciting, yet daunting time for first-year student-athletes. Playing sports at the collegiate level requires another degree of challenge and dedication to the sport. In order for first-year athletes to be successful at this level, it is essential for them to understand the expectations they must uphold from their school, professors, and sport coaches. Players should use the collegiate level as an opportunity to craft their skills and take their game to the next level, while balancing the many other aspects that come with college life.

Oftentimes in swimming, it is said that a flip turn will make or break a race. Considered to be a “blind” turn, a swimmer’s head should stay directly in line with their body and not look around at their competition when completing the motion. The goal of a flip turn is to eliminate extra drag and remove any unnecessary body movements to quickly change directions. Swimmers must trust themselves when coming to the wall in order for it to be a successful transition. While a large part of a swimmer’s focus should be on the somersault going into the flip turn, an explosive push off the wall can be the determining factor on out touching opponents.

There are many different elements that strength coaches must consider when designing water polo and position-specific strength programs. Whether players are just beginning to build strength or are well-developed professionals, the most effective strength and conditioning programs implement progressions. In water polo specifically, players in all positions must have strong legs in order to rapidly propel themselves, and leg strength is crucial for staying ahead of the game, building power, and achieving success in the pool.

Every day we hear championship stories about how BridgeAthletic's strength training software is helping coaches and athletes achieve their goals and overcome obstacles. These stories motivate us to build better athletes across all sports. Featured in this #BridgeBuilt Series is Chris Finn, owner of Par4Success, Physical Therapist, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and TPI certified golf-medical professional, who breaks down how he's using BridgeAthletic to help train golf athletes at every level, both in person and around the world. 

The transition into college athletics is not always easy for athletes. It can be particularly difficult for players that are not in shape or for players that are used to being the star and now find themselves sitting on the bench. It is crucial for collegiate athletes to use time in the offseason to stay physically fit and prepare for the upcoming season. New players do not want to come into preseason behind and be trying to play catch-up all season long. While preparing for the collegiate level, players should prioritize strength and conditioning, nutrition, and sleep.