EP 211: Building The Team Sport Athlete From The Ground Up w/ Mike Robertson 

Mike Robertson is a close friend and someone I’ve learned a lot from in the last decade and a half and continue to. We’re both curious and love coaching so anytime we talk I’m fired up as we could go on and on about what we’ve learned, what’s working, what’s new, approaches to training, and anything in he fitness and performance realm. This time we talked about how to build a team sport athlete from the ground up step by step, I believe you’ll enjoy it.

Mike Robertson is one of the most highly sought-after coaches, consultants, speakers and writers in the fitness industry today.

Known for his “no-nonsense” approach to coaching and program design, Mike has made a name for himself as a go-to resource for professional athletes from every major sport, but especially in the world of basketball.

Mike is the President of Robertson Training Systems and the co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST) in Indianapolis, Indiana. IFAST has been named one of the Top 10 Gyms in America by Men’s Health magazine three times in the past six years.

Last but not least, Mike is a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, and father to his children Kendall and Kade, his dog Finn, and his cats Kiki and Steve.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> Why any short term athletic development conversation doesn’t make sense and you have to “slow cook” a great athlete (that stays healthy).

=> The difference between an already successful athlete and training them vs. building a great athlete (different development approaches).

=> Step #1 of building an athlete is _______ (it’s not what you think, this will blow your mind).

=> What is a movement toolbox that an athlete must build (like the ABC’s in the alphabet).

=> Mike’s strength standards for athletes to reach in basketball and the exercises he recommends.

=> Why getting something athletes “too strong” will make them less bouncy and slower; and how Mike approaches training different types of athletes.

=> How to coach athletes that don’t like weights as much and what to communicate with them.

=> What is an “Athletic Max” and how does Mike use that in his training with athletes.

=> How any sports season reduces your mobility, joint heath, movement efficiency, and addressing this is key for long term health.

=> Addressing asymmetries of strength for athletes in the off season; why you have to focus on this.

=> Where does Mike use overcoming isometrics in training and what strategy he prefers even more.

=> The 3 phases Mike takes athletes through to develop tendon stiffness.

=> Why adding too much muscle in an off season is detrimental for most athletes; here’s 3 reasons.

=> Adding a lot of muscle in the off season can destroy your conditioning (few coaches talk about this).

=> How to insert strength and conditioning into a basketball off season (where athletes play a lot of basketball and do skills training).

=> Mike’s off season basketball strength and conditioning template (for youth, pro, and weekend warriors).

=> Why being “fit” and going to workout in the gym won’t prepare you for high intensity full court basketball.

=> How Mike approaches return to play with basketball athletes that had an injury.

=> The blueprint for a weekend warrior getting back to playing basketball.

=> How to use force plates to discover what an athlete needs to work on and when (and how it helps get buy in with athletes training in the weight room and out of it).

=> The methods Mike uses to condition his athletes when getting back to getting game time ready.

=> Social media and how it avoids the “well rounded” approach to fitness and performance.

=> What methods don’t have scientific backing but make athletes feel better and we use them.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Mike Robertson's Website

Mike Robertson Instagram

Mike Robertson Program Design Mentorship

Super Coach Mentorship

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel