UConn Strength Coach's Job Is To Stretch Players' Limits (M. Anthony)

[huskymedic]

I think I saw this buried in another thread but IMO is worthy of own thread... Great read - Balis is money!!

UConn Strength Coach's Job Is To Stretch Players' Limits

>>The Huskies prefer a recruit with a big frame, all else being equal, and hand him over to Balis and essentially say, "Give him back in a couple years." Each year, two pictures are taken of each player — before offseason training, and after. Videos are made, highlights of the process. The results are impressive.

Among the program's best success stories are Andreas Knappe, who came in at about 300 pounds and is now a chiseled 325. Matt Peart has gone from 264 to 305, Alec Bloom 235 to 260, Cam Stapleton 225 to 255.

"We just try to maximize what they have, and they already have some really freaky things to them, the fast-twitch, the size," Balis said. "We try to enhance their genetic gifts. You really need two years to see good results. But when you do start to see them, that's what we're talking about, that feeling that they're achieving their dreams, goals that they wouldn't ordinarily have."<<

 

[FDNY99]

I think it is safe to say that maybe it's time to get Balis disciples in the S&C spots for sports like basketball and hockey. He has done some really good things for the football program!

 

[JMick]

I think it is safe to say that maybe it's time to get Balis disciples in the S&C spots for sports like basketball and hockey. He has done some really good things for the football program!

Supposedly he has taken a larger role with basketball and the results have been almost immediate.

 

[Stinger92860]

Great article!

 

[NavinRJohnson]

He is such a major piece of the program.

 

[Papadukes]

I love what's goin on with this team. I have a hard time thinking of anything less than a great year. Can't wait till Thursday the first day of Bear hunting season

 

[Woof 101]

Medic...the early bird that gets the worm...Another great post... Would have done so had you not...
Would like to add both Mike Anthony and The Courant have matured in the coverage of UConn football.
Great article and bio of Matt Balis....

 

[BoatShow]

Dont let Chief in here.

 

[sportsart]

Wasn't cubbybear a Maine alum/player?

 

[Excalibur]

"You're basically coaching them to do what they normally wouldn't do," he said. "They would train, but it wouldn't be at the intensity level that it has to be."

Of all the things that Pasqualoni and co. didn't understand, this may have been the biggest . . .

 

[J187Money]

"You're basically coaching them to do what they normally wouldn't do," he said. "They would train, but it wouldn't be at the intensity level that it has to be."

Of all the things that Pasqualoni and co. didn't understand, this may have been the biggest . . .

From what I was told, PP just had the attitude that "they knew what to do" and let them manage themselves. Which might work in the NFL, but not for college kids.

 

[Stinger92860]

I'll never pass up on an opportunity to say the cupboard was bare.