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A Golf Coach Is Important If You Want To Improve Your Game
Why would anybody need a golf coach when most of the famous golfers of old developed their game pretty much on their own? And besides, wouldn’t a golf coach take away all the fun of the game and make the whole thing too serious to call a leisure...
How to Start an Exercise Program
If you'd like to start a new exercise program, pick any sport or
activity that uses continuous motion (such as running, fast
walking, cycling, swimming, skating, rowing, dancing) that you
think you might enjoy. Start out at a relaxed pace until...
Selecting the Right Climbing Gear: Harness
A climbing harness attaches you to your climbing rope, so it's important that you know what harness you will need for the type of climbing you’ll be doing. Your harness should fit your body shape for comfort and safety. There are three general...
Soccer Cultist!
Man, I’m really worried about one of my two buddies in the Brotherhood, Hugh Foskey!
That’s right, I’m really worried about the Fosk these days. Hugh, along with Ray Pippin and myself, form “The Brotherhood,” the most elite social organization...
Treadmill Walking for Weight Loss
Only about 20 percent of the U.S. population engages in some
type of physical activity on a regular basis, according to the
Sporting Goods Manufacturer Association International (SGMA).
That leaves approximately 80 percent of the U.S....
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Learn to Ride Faster and Safer With Bike Handling Drills
In my experience most cyclists take handling skills and their bicycles’ in general for granted. Most mechanical break downs can be prevented by properly adjusting, maintaining, and inspecting your bicycle. And a lot of crashes can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings and having the skills necessary to react instinctively to emergency situations.
By practicing these skills in a controlled environment you will become a faster and safer cyclist. The first thing you need to do is find an open area where there is no traffic such as a parking lot. You will need some orange cones (water bottles can be substituted), and a partner.
•Braking: Begin circling your course. Have your partner randomly call out “stop.” You should immediately bring you bike to a quick, safe controlled stop. Have your partner stop quickly as well and look at the distance between your bicycles. If you have good reflexes and reaction time the distance between your bicycles will be close. Practice braking in a variety of situations such as cornering and braking with your partner in front of you (be careful). If you are a beginner cyclist apply both brakes with even pressure. As you get more experienced apply slightly more pressure to your front brake.
•Cornering: Choose your line through each corner. If you corner correctly you should clip the apex of the turn. Make sure your inside crank arm is in the vertical position so that your pedal does not touch the ground. Practice cornering inside and outside in both directions and try to pick up your speed each time. Start to sprint out of corners. Set up a slalom course and also practice 180 degree turns.
•Looking: When on the road a key element of safety is being able to see what is
going on around you and behind you. Beginners have a tough time looking over their shoulder while keeping their bike strait. Have your partner ride several bike lengths behind you. At regular intervals look over your shoulder and call out how many fingers they are holding up. Have your partner give you feedback on if your bike veered or stayed strait.
•Bumping: This needs to be performed on a grassy field using a mountain bike. Have your partner “bump” you slightly and touch shoulders simulating situations that occur in pack racing. You should get used to contact with other riders and not panicking in these situations.
•Riding Position: Practice transitioning smoothly from various riding positions such as sprinting, climbing in and out of the saddle, and descending.
•Drafting: Have your partner vary their speed over the course and try to maintain a constant distance from their rear wheel.
Performing these drills a few times per season will not help you much. You must take what you learn and apply it constantly while you are on the road. Good habits must be practiced thousands of times before they become good form.
Awareness is your greatest asset when riding in traffic situations. Try to anticipate what drivers are going to do. Eye contact is very important, as is visibility. Constantly check what is going on around you and stay focused on what you are doing.
About the Author
Matt Russ has coached and trained athletes around the country and internationally. He currently holds licenses by USAT, USATF, and is an Expert level USAC coach. Matt has coached athletes for CTS (Carmichael Training Systems), is an Ultrafit Associate. Visit www.thesportfactory.com for more information.
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