Reese Bridgman, the Assistant Athletic Director for Speed and Conditioning at Norkolk State, contributes his article, “The Need for Speed” in this edition of GS. Bridgman was recently honored by his peers by being named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the College Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa). It is the highest honor given in the strength and conditioning profession.
In order to receive this honor, an individual must meet the following criteria:
• Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
• Be a currently practicing, full-time strength and conditioning coach on the collegiate or professional level.
• Hold current membership in the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association.
• Hold the CSCCa Certification – SCCC (Strength & Conditioning Certified Coach)
• Have a minimum of 12 years experience as a full-time strength and conditioning coach on the collegiate or professional level.
Bridgman is in his sixth year at Norfolk State and has over 30 years of coaching experience on the high school, college and professional level. He previously coached at the University of Central Florida and in the Arena Football League.
Most coaches recruit for speed – it’s probably the most important element to a player’s overall game. “The Need for Speed” concentrates on both linear speed and change-of-direction speed. Bridgman details specific workouts intended to improve every player’s linear speed times in sprints of 10, 20, 40, and 45 yards. He also includes drills for C-O-D speed such as the 60-yard shuttle run, L Drill, 9-Cone Drill, Hurdle Step-Over Drills, and Ladder Drills.
According to Bridgman, “The degree to which a player possesses speed is partly dependent on the amount of strength, especially lower body strength, and the flexibility he has. Strength and speed combine to create explosive force, which may be more important to football than speed itself.”
We hope you enjoy the article and the entire issue. As always, we welcome your feedback.
Sincerely,
Rex Lardner
Managing Editor