The problem is multi faceted. We are obsessed with deadlifts, squats and benchpressing. We see these as 'the standard', and froth at the mouth over metrics and increasing numbers.
We are emphasising all these massive lifts that compound asymmetries in individuals, some have more or some have less. When we lift such large weights this puts pressure on our joints affecting our ligaments and fascia, making asymmetries worse over time, which leads to bad running mechanics and compensations. As this is a results focused game, we want size and we want it now, with no care for functionality. We all know players who have gotten injections to play games and took it too far and now have new hips and knees before 40, it doesnt have to be this way. I would rather a team of lean, athletic, functional players who get injured rarely, over a team of mountain men who can barely play 10 games for club and county a season.
As someone who has been through the ringer with injuries and come out the other side by ditching the incessant race for size. We need to focus on being able to have our players move well by improving their gait and biomechanics.
GAA are currently under taking an extensive research study on this. Have quick search there on gaa.ie/article/acl-research-survey. Liam Moffatt (Physio) from Mayo is heavily involved. There's two different surveys 1. Questions to players and 2. Club administrator questions.
Plenty of statistical analysis in sport and beyond these days. Would love to know if there's any correlation between the increase in ACL injuries and the increase in training and games on astro pitches?
Replying To McMon: "The problem is multi faceted. We are obsessed with deadlifts, squats and benchpressing. We see these as 'the standard', and froth at the mouth over metrics and increasing numbers.
We are emphasising all these massive lifts that compound asymmetries in individuals, some have more or some have less. When we lift such large weights this puts pressure on our joints affecting our ligaments and fascia, making asymmetries worse over time, which leads to bad running mechanics and compensations. As this is a results focused game, we want size and we want it now, with no care for functionality. We all know players who have gotten injections to play games and took it too far and now have new hips and knees before 40, it doesnt have to be this way. I would rather a team of lean, athletic, functional players who get injured rarely, over a team of mountain men who can barely play 10 games for club and county a season.
As someone who has been through the ringer with injuries and come out the other side by ditching the incessant race for size. We need to focus on being able to have our players move well by improving their gait and biomechanics."
Biometrics is very important. And plyometric exercises are the best way to go to increase explosiveness. Exercises like box jumps are things an u12 can do.
Replying To GreenandRed: "Plenty of statistical analysis in sport and beyond these days. Would love to know if there's any correlation between the increase in ACL injuries and the increase in training and games on astro pitches?"
Another issue thats been raised is the type of studs alot of lads are using these days. Blades allow for alot less lateral movement.
Replying To Viking66: "Biometrics is very important. And plyometric exercises are the best way to go to increase explosiveness. Exercises like box jumps are things an u12 can do."
I agree, but that is already being done. We need a complete overhaul of how we train our players. It is clear what is happening in the weights room is having a negative impact on the field. Bigger, stronger, faster, yes, but we are now seeing the long term side affects of this.
More injuries, more niggles. If you cant mover correctly then compensation happens. How often do we see lads do an ACL and a year later do the other one, thats because they are over compensating on the 'good' leg, and it gives out eventually.
Theres a reason things like Functional Patterns are booming right now. People are sick of being in pain and getting injured.