| Quite often we train up and coming sportsmen and women at our studio. One of the very first things that parents usually request is that we attempt to mimic the sports movement patterns in the studio under load. At first thought, that seems to make sense. However, if the person doesn’t have sufficient competency in other movement areas such as the primal pattern movements of the squat, lunge, push, pull, bend, twist and gait (walk, jog, run), then attempting sports specific training too early could very easily be setting them up for future failure. It can often be seen as an attempt to run before you can walk! The importance of mastering fundamental movement patterns before progressing to more complex sports skills has been well-documented in literature. Primal movement patterns such as squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling, and rotating form the building blocks for more advanced athletic abilities (McGill, 2010). These foundational movements develop the strength, stability, and movement control necessary to safely and effectively perform sport-specific skills. Researchers have found that individuals who demonstrate proficiency in primal movement patterns are better equipped to learn and execute complex sport techniques (Kritz et al., 2009). For example, a strong squat pattern is essential for the development of powerful jumps, sprints, and change-of-direction movements common in many sports (Lockie et al., 2020). Similarly, a solid pushing pattern supports the execution of upper body actions like throwing, hitting, and pushing in various athletic endeavours. By prioritising the mastery of these fundamental movement skills, individuals can build a robust physical foundation that supports long-term athletic development and reduces the risk of injury (Lloyd & Oliver, 2012). Coaches and trainers should therefore focus on perfecting primal patterns before introducing sport-specific drills and exercises, ensuring athletes have the necessary movement competence to progress safely and effectively.  At M.A.S.K. we are very familiar with training for elite level sports. My husband who is also a M.A.S.K. Master Trainer is a former 3 x World Kickboxing champion and our son Jamahl (a level 4 M.A.S.K. PT) has achieved an incredible 5 Junior World Kickboxing titles! Earlier last month Jamahl was even part of Chris Eubank Jnr’s sparring camp ahead of his highly successful IBO World Boxing title fight (see photo). Chris even paid Jamahl the highest compliment in asking for an extra round of sparring so that he could “work him out”. With very high academic qualifications in the area and a wealth of experience, we’ve got your sports specific training needs covered. Stay connected for more insights on health and wellness, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us at M.A.S.K. Together, we can inspire and support each other on our journeys to better health. Speak soon, Vanessa x CLICK HERE TO HEAR WHAT OUR AWESOME CLIENTS SAY ABOUT OUR PROGRAMMES! Reply “In Autumn 24” or scan the QR Code and enter your email address to start your journey NOW! |
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