This week's Pre Season training tip:

Our tips:

Item one - Increase Mat Speed and Power!  Are you looking to increase your speed on the wrestling mat this upcoming season?  Here's a great tip to doing it.  If you've read my stuff you know that you have to get your posterior chain stronger.  The posterior chain is a group of muscles made up with the hamstrings, lower back, midback, and glutes.  If you get these groups stronger, your mat speed and power will increase tremendously.  Here's a simple way to get them all stronger at one time, while having some fun.  Take a weighted sled or a big truck tire and attach a rope to it.  Tie the other end around your waist.  Now bend your knees a bit so you lower your center of gravity.  Now try to walk backwards, pulling the tire or sled for about 40 yards.  Rest for two minutes and repeat.  Do this 4-5 times.  You can make this progressively harder by adding weight, doing another walk or resting less time between sets.  This one will also help get you into wrestling or fighting shape by taxing the anaerobic systems used in a wrestling match or MMA fight.

Item two - How to increase your mat endurance!  I'm not a big fan of those 'energy drinks' for wrestlers and fighters.  They stimulate your central nervous system and leave you jittery... giving a false sense of energy.  I do like the following  supplement stack to give a boost to your pre-workout or match endurance.  Try a mixture of cold coffee (about 1 or 2 cups) with 1 scoop of whey protein powder, and 1-3 grams of L-taurine mixed in.  The caffeine keeps you alert.  The protein powder keeps your nitrogen levels higher, preventing breakdown.  The L-taurine helps increase your stamina.  The combination should be consumed at least 45 minutes prior to your match or practice.  The energy difference is amazing!!