What Washington Needs to do to get back to the top

So you're saying bench press is not overrated after all?

#HiKim

RaceBannon

Great post. We've been talking about this for year. Pencil armed linemen.

Tell the truth, did the old Husky teams have a little "help' in the weight room? It seems like the championship programs have that edge that the losers don't

Passion

There is also a speed & aggressiveness factor that we're missing. Whenever an oregon player got the ball, a split second passed before an ohio state defender flashed onto the screen and hit him. That's the way it was at UW in the early 1990s. Our guys were always swarming around the ball, flying out of nowhere to make a sure tackle.

Now it seems like an opposing player catches the ball, and you're literally counting "one-mississippi...two-mississippi...three..." before some UW player finally comes into the picture to make a hit.

Physical stature, speed, aggressiveness are all absent. john timu? jeezus.

digits

The eye test... I was just talking about this as I was watching the 2001 Rose Bowl replay: That 2000 UW team most definitely passed the eye test as well. Those UW squads in the early, mid nineties were on another level. Now, not so much... I believe we've failed the eye test for about 14 or so years now.

I've read that our current S&C coach brought in a much greater emphasis on free weights than our former S&C coach. Here's a pretty good article on the topic, although it is from SEATimes_FS:

"Compared to other programs, Socha said he uses more free weights and “movement exercises” designed to increase players’ flexibility. Nutrition also is a top priority, with UW hiring a full-time dietitian, Kristen Gravani, in January."

http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootball/2023331535_uwfootball09xml.html

Swaye

So chocolate milk and 18 mph treadmills don't work?

So chocolate milk and 18 mph treadmills don't work?

Hurtful.

Sincerely, @18mphtreadmill.

The eye test... I was just talking about this as I was watching the 2001 Rose Bowl replay: That 2000 UW team most definitely passed the eye test as well. Those UW squads in the early, mid nineties were on another level. Now, not so much... I believe we've failed the eye test for about 14 or so years now.

I've read that our current S&C coach brought in a much greater emphasis on free weights than our former S&C coach. Here's a pretty good article on the topic, although it is from SEATimes_FS:

"Compared to other programs, Socha said he uses more free weights and “movement exercises” designed to increase players’ flexibility. Nutrition also is a top priority, with UW hiring a full-time dietitian, Kristen Gravani, in January."

http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootball/2023331535_uwfootball09xml.html

Nutrition is overrated.

whatshouldicareabout

There are a combination of things that obviously need to happen in order for the Huskies to get back to the top but I just one to touch on one thing I noticed while watching the bowl game vs OSU. As a scout the first thing you naturally do is the eyeball test. Looking at our guys compared to OSU there was a big difference in my opinion on the physical make up of the Players. OSU looked more physically imposing than our players.

Now when I played I was a huge weight room guy so I feel that championships are won in the off season strength and condition program or at least that is the foundation of successful season. Nowadays it seems some strength coaches are to technical with so much information that they forget the core training methods that have proven to work over time.

ESPN classics showed the 1991 Rose Bowl a few days ago and was thinking that team makes the current Roster looks like like a group of Freshman. I remember Johnny Morton from USC a few years ago commented on the fact that I used a thigh pad to cover my bruised Bicep for protection during the game. Hey said guys on their team were like, "#48 arms are so big he has to us a thigh Pad to cover it". Also, I ran into guy that played at Washington in 1993 for East Carolina. He said they were intimated when NIP and and guys like Ernie Conwell came out with half cut Jersey's showing their guns and six pack. Did you see the Ohio State Players last night? It reminding me how we looked. They ran the ball down Oregon's throat because the were the stronger Team.

My point is this, We just need to get our edge back and it starts in the Weight room. Its were confidence is built. It think its important to have certain measurables and set personal goals. It's not the the be all and end all but when I set the school record at UW in the Squat at 750lb I felt no one could stop me. I benched 420 pounds in high school so I was ready play when I first got to Washington and it showed on the practice field.

It seems that some programs overemphasize fancy Machines and a plethora drills and de-emphasize core lifts and Free Weights because they feel you would get to bulky and loose agility. I think you train correctly you get yoked up, fast, agile and explosive. (and we had loose hips. lol) If you remember we were known for our speed and athleticism but almost our whole team benched over 400lbs. Mark Brunell could Power Clean 350 pounds. Nip could bench press well over 400 pounds. I could go on and on. I just don't think a team 25 years ago should not be more physically imposing that a Team today.

Now It takes time to build muscle mass so I can blame the current strength program but next year if their lineman come out looking look pillsbury doughboys then I would question what they are doing in their strength and condition program. Just my thoughts on a program I love and hope to see back at the top soon.

Have you or will you ever meet with Socha? I don't know what your relationship with the program is, but I'd be interested to hear your impressions after meeting with him and understanding his philosophy on S&C.

I wrote quite a bit on Socha during the offseason since he's one of the most significant upgrades in the last decade at UW.

Edit: Here's the link: http://forum.hardcorehusky.com/discussion/10988/how-bad-was-s-c-under-ivan-tequila-long/p1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJbQ0YLMZUM&feature=player_detailpage

Donald hits on a number of great points ... and a lot of what occurs in the weight room is driven by having guys that are driven to be the best that they can be and maximize their talents. They are committed to not only their personal improvement and growth, but a commitment to their teammates, their coaches, their program, etc.

One of the biggest things that I've noticed in the last 10+ years of Husky Football is how little of a commitment that has been in place. I know that I love to call out Cyler Miles, but to me his actions in the offseason that led to his suspension spoke volumes. His commitment was to himself in those actions. It wasn't to the team. It wasn't to his coaches. It was a purely selfish move. And to think that that came from a QB. Ridiculous.

One of the traits that you are finding in spades under Petersen is more and more players that live, breathe, sleep the attributes that you tend to find in good teams. A desire to get better every single day whether that is in the weight room, the practice field, in the film room, etc.

Passion

Donald hits.

Yes, we know.

Had to be done.

Edit: At what point, and from which orifice, does that QB's soul leave his body there?

CokeGreaterThanPepsi

I did a lot of reading up on Socha after he was hired and I was beyond impressed. He seems like a really smart dude and he was also a lineman, which I am a fan of for strength coaches. When I read your post Donald, I couldn't help but remember an article Socha wrote a few years back when BSU went 14-0... I would encourage you to read it because he hits on a lot of points you brought up.

When Ivan lewis and Sark were here they had a TON of machines in the weight room, one of the first things Socha and Petersen did when they got to UW is get rid of those machines. All they basically have now are the big (for lack of knowledge on what they are) tower looking weight stations that can support bench, squat, pull-ups, etc. Picture here of what I am talking about:

I truly believe that if we are going to get to the elite level it will be because of Tim Socha, and I know Chris Petersen believes he is the best in the business, and he has won awards to back that up. Here are a few quotes I think you will like that echo what you said (article linked at bottom):

--- "While those lifts build raw strength, we use squats and the bench press to help maximize power. We believe the squat is the single most important exercise for football players after the Olympic lifts. Squats increase force production in the legs and develop sound, explosive movement patterns that improve football ability in everything from hitting opponents with maximum impact to accelerating through narrow gaps to separating from defenders downfield."

--- "For the bench press, our variants include standard, incline, close-grip, wide-grip, board presses, floor presses, dumbbell work, and the one-arm bench. While upper-body strength is obviously important for football performance, there is also a psychological component to this type of training."

--- "When someone wants to know how strong an athlete is, their first question is often 'How much do you bench?' That may not be the single most important measure of football-specific strength, but it's part of the football strength culture, and we know that confidence is an important element of success."

--- "whenever our players are in the weightroom, we expect them to not wear anything that draws attention to themselves, such as necklaces, bracelets, or non-issued clothing. Simple rules like these send an important message: No one is bigger than the team, and if you want to garner attention, you earn it through hard work and not the way you accessorize."

--- "These basic rules give rise to some interesting conflicts involving new athletes, who were almost always stars in high school and may come from programs where such strict standards didn't apply to them. But our older players set the example, and as time goes on, everyone eventually "gets it" and sees that it's an important part of our success."

LINK: training-conditioning.com/2010/04/18/the_boys_on_blue/index.php

I encourage anyone who is interested in what is going on right now (Winter conditioning started yesterday) to check this article by Socha out.

I am going to look around to see if I can find anymore.

HeretoBeatmyChest

Petersen said Socha is the best strength coach in the country. That is quite a lot of praise from a guy who doesn't give it often.

Great find @CokeGreaterThanPepsi‌. In my opinion, the most important and pertinent to our current situation:

We expect the guys to be on time for all workouts, which sounds like a no-brainer. But with redshirt freshmen lifting at 5:45 a.m., it sometimes needs to be emphasized. Also, whenever our players are in the weightroom, we expect them to not wear anything that draws attention to themselves, such as necklaces, bracelets, or non-issued clothing. Simple rules like these send an important message: No one is bigger than the team, and if you want to garner attention, you earn it through hard work and not the way you accessorize.

These basic rules give rise to some interesting conflicts involving new athletes, who were almost always stars in high school and may come from programs where such strict standards didn't apply to them. But our older players set the example, and as time goes on, everyone eventually "gets it" and sees that it's an important part of our success.

Our accountability system is progressive. At those early freshman lifting sessions, the first athlete who shows up late typically pushes a plate for the length of time he missed, with a minimum of 10 minutes. For the next person who is late, he and his roommates receive the punishment. After that, we might apply it to everyone who plays the late athlete's position.

Donald hits.
Yes, we know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJbQ0YLMZUM&feature=player_detailpage

@DonaldJones‌ I counted about 17 personal fouls in your highlight reel.

Take a lap.

I miss those days where you could make a big play and celebrate with your teammates without showing up the other team and nobody batted an eye at it.

chuck

Good post Donald. This aspect was the difference last night. Oregon, like the rest of the league aside from Stanford, is built on quickness. Stanford is built on strength but can't come close to combining it with speed like what tOSU showed last night.

I can't say it enough. That was one physically and athletically impressive team kicking the shit out of Oregon last night. Those players were made, not just recruited. I'm 100% on board with the belief that this is the key for UW going forward.

PurpleJ

They were training on machines?! Christ!

I miss those days where you could make a big play and celebrate with your teammates without showing up the other team and nobody batted an eye at it.

That was my point. Have fun.

Ivan was a nice guy but that is FS...as I understand it, free weights are much better because you need your smaller muscle fibers to balance the bar / weights (bench) and keep your own balance (squat, power clean). WTF. That revelation actually concerns me because shouldn't someone in the athletic department noticed that and said something? Where were Greg Lewis and Damon Huard?

They were training on machines?! Christ!

LoneStarDawg

Sounds like they need Stan empermann roaming the weight room

DugtheDoog

Even a guy in his mom's basement with a boner in his sweatpants knows that machines don't force you to use your stabilizing muscles and they're for pussies. Such fag, Ivan.

Swaye

Surprised Sark didn't have about 100 bow flex machines hauled in and just told the kids to have at it. In between hot dog eating contests of course. Jesus Christ.

NeGgaPlEaSe

Rocky IV >>> Ivan Drago, Free weights recruit accessory muscles preventing more injuries under physiologic load. I believe the correct terminology is proprioception. Why do you think we had so many ACL injuries under Sark?

Please please please tell me that USC is doing the same weight program under Sark now. We play them this year so hopefully are superior S&C program helps match counter their 4 and 5 star talent (and depth issues remaining from sanctions).

DonaldJones

Thanks Guys on the information on Coach Socha. I have never met him but He seems to be my kind of guy after reading his article in the times. Like I said, it takes time and we have to give the new staff a chance to develop these players but I do hope to see a noticeable difference by next year.

I am a fan of Coach Petersen and believe he will get the job done. Sark did a good job considering he took over an 0-12 program but it seems he was trying to be too much like Oregon. That's understandable if you are WSU but the precedent has already been set and a culture has already been established. I have talked guys that played against Washington from the 70's all the way up to the early 2000's and they all will tell you that whenever they had to play the Huskies they always had to buckle up their chin strap because they new they going to be in a physical battle.

I am not knocking Oregon's style of play because they have become one of the top programs in the country but that's them. You can look at the way Stanford plays Oregon. Our style has been proven to win National Championships and I just feel we need to get back what's Husky football is all about.

Thanks Guys on the information on Coach Socha. I have never met him but He seems to be my kind of guy after reading his article in the times. Like I said, it takes time and we have to give the new staff a chance to develop these players but I do hope to see a noticeable difference by next year.

I am a fan of Coach Petersen and believe he will get the job done. Sark did a good job considering he took over an 0-12 program but it seems he was trying to be too much like Oregon. That's understandable if you are WSU but the precedent has already been set and a culture has already been established. I have talked guys that played against Washington from the 70's all the way up to the early 2000's and they all will tell you that whenever they had to play the Huskies they always had to buckle up their chin strap because they new they going to be in a physical battle.

I am not knocking Oregon's style of play because they have become one of the top programs in the country but that's them. You can look at the way Stanford plays Oregon. Our style has been proven to win National Championships and I just feel we need to get back what's Husky football is all about.

Sounds like DJ (ILTCHDJ) misses WASHINGTON, dammit.

Welcome home. You're among frens.

I couldn't agree more. It will be satisfying to see the jump from Year 1 to Year 2, not only for the S&C program but culture overall.

I hope we end up being a hybrid between Stanford and Ohio State, maybe with a tilt towards Stanford since they remind me most of Washington from the 50's or 60's to 2000.

Thanks Guys on the information on Coach Socha. I have never met him but He seems to be my kind of guy after reading his article in the times. Like I said, it takes time and we have to give the new staff a chance to develop these players but I do hope to see a noticeable difference by next year.

I am a fan of Coach Petersen and believe he will get the job done. Sark did a good job considering he took over an 0-12 program but it seems he was trying to be too much like Oregon. That's understandable if you are WSU but the precedent has already been set and a culture has already been established. I have talked guys that played against Washington from the 70's all the way up to the early 2000's and they all will tell you that whenever they had to play the Huskies they always had to buckle up their chin strap because they new they going to be in a physical battle.

I am not knocking Oregon's style of play because they have become one of the top programs in the country but that's them. You can look at the way Stanford plays Oregon. Our style has been proven to win National Championships and I just feel we need to get back what's Husky football is all about.

Did Donald Jones just upvote me?

Awesome!

HuskyHalfBrain

Comments

So you're saying bench press is not overrated after all?

#HiKim

So chocolate milk and 18 mph treadmills don't work?

So chocolate milk and 18 mph treadmills don't work?

Hurtful.

Sincerely, @18mphtreadmill.

The eye test... I was just talking about this as I was watching the 2001 Rose Bowl replay: That 2000 UW team most definitely passed the eye test as well. Those UW squads in the early, mid nineties were on another level. Now, not so much... I believe we've failed the eye test for about 14 or so years now.

I've read that our current S&C coach brought in a much greater emphasis on free weights than our former S&C coach. Here's a pretty good article on the topic, although it is from SEATimes_FS:

"Compared to other programs, Socha said he uses more free weights and “movement exercises” designed to increase players’ flexibility. Nutrition also is a top priority, with UW hiring a full-time dietitian, Kristen Gravani, in January."

http://seattletimes.com/html/huskyfootball/2023331535_uwfootball09xml.html

Nutrition is overrated.

whatshouldicareabout

There are a combination of things that obviously need to happen in order for the Huskies to get back to the top but I just one to touch on one thing I noticed while watching the bowl game vs OSU. As a scout the first thing you naturally do is the eyeball test. Looking at our guys compared to OSU there was a big difference in my opinion on the physical make up of the Players. OSU looked more physically imposing than our players.

Now when I played I was a huge weight room guy so I feel that championships are won in the off season strength and condition program or at least that is the foundation of successful season. Nowadays it seems some strength coaches are to technical with so much information that they forget the core training methods that have proven to work over time.

ESPN classics showed the 1991 Rose Bowl a few days ago and was thinking that team makes the current Roster looks like like a group of Freshman. I remember Johnny Morton from USC a few years ago commented on the fact that I used a thigh pad to cover my bruised Bicep for protection during the game. Hey said guys on their team were like, "#48 arms are so big he has to us a thigh Pad to cover it". Also, I ran into guy that played at Washington in 1993 for East Carolina. He said they were intimated when NIP and and guys like Ernie Conwell came out with half cut Jersey's showing their guns and six pack. Did you see the Ohio State Players last night? It reminding me how we looked. They ran the ball down Oregon's throat because the were the stronger Team.

My point is this, We just need to get our edge back and it starts in the Weight room. Its were confidence is built. It think its important to have certain measurables and set personal goals. It's not the the be all and end all but when I set the school record at UW in the Squat at 750lb I felt no one could stop me. I benched 420 pounds in high school so I was ready play when I first got to Washington and it showed on the practice field.

It seems that some programs overemphasize fancy Machines and a plethora drills and de-emphasize core lifts and Free Weights because they feel you would get to bulky and loose agility. I think you train correctly you get yoked up, fast, agile and explosive. (and we had loose hips. lol) If you remember we were known for our speed and athleticism but almost our whole team benched over 400lbs. Mark Brunell could Power Clean 350 pounds. Nip could bench press well over 400 pounds. I could go on and on. I just don't think a team 25 years ago should not be more physically imposing that a Team today.

Now It takes time to build muscle mass so I can blame the current strength program but next year if their lineman come out looking look pillsbury doughboys then I would question what they are doing in their strength and condition program. Just my thoughts on a program I love and hope to see back at the top soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJbQ0YLMZUM&feature=player_detailpage

Passion

Donald hits.

Yes, we know.

Had to be done.

Edit: At what point, and from which orifice, does that QB's soul leave his body there?

CokeGreaterThanPepsi

HeretoBeatmyChest

Petersen said Socha is the best strength coach in the country. That is quite a lot of praise from a guy who doesn't give it often.

Great find @CokeGreaterThanPepsi‌. In my opinion, the most important and pertinent to our current situation:

We expect the guys to be on time for all workouts, which sounds like a no-brainer. But with redshirt freshmen lifting at 5:45 a.m., it sometimes needs to be emphasized. Also, whenever our players are in the weightroom, we expect them to not wear anything that draws attention to themselves, such as necklaces, bracelets, or non-issued clothing. Simple rules like these send an important message: No one is bigger than the team, and if you want to garner attention, you earn it through hard work and not the way you accessorize.

These basic rules give rise to some interesting conflicts involving new athletes, who were almost always stars in high school and may come from programs where such strict standards didn't apply to them. But our older players set the example, and as time goes on, everyone eventually "gets it" and sees that it's an important part of our success.

Our accountability system is progressive. At those early freshman lifting sessions, the first athlete who shows up late typically pushes a plate for the length of time he missed, with a minimum of 10 minutes. For the next person who is late, he and his roommates receive the punishment. After that, we might apply it to everyone who plays the late athlete's position.

Donald hits.
Yes, we know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJbQ0YLMZUM&feature=player_detailpage

@DonaldJones‌ I counted about 17 personal fouls in your highlight reel.

Take a lap.

I miss those days where you could make a big play and celebrate with your teammates without showing up the other team and nobody batted an eye at it.

chuck

PurpleJ

They were training on machines?! Christ!

I miss those days where you could make a big play and celebrate with your teammates without showing up the other team and nobody batted an eye at it.

That was my point. Have fun.

They were training on machines?! Christ!

LoneStarDawg

Sounds like they need Stan empermann roaming the weight room

DugtheDoog

Even a guy in his mom's basement with a boner in his sweatpants knows that machines don't force you to use your stabilizing muscles and they're for pussies. Such fag, Ivan.

Swaye

Surprised Sark didn't have about 100 bow flex machines hauled in and just told the kids to have at it. In between hot dog eating contests of course. Jesus Christ.

Thanks Guys on the information on Coach Socha. I have never met him but He seems to be my kind of guy after reading his article in the times. Like I said, it takes time and we have to give the new staff a chance to develop these players but I do hope to see a noticeable difference by next year.

I am a fan of Coach Petersen and believe he will get the job done. Sark did a good job considering he took over an 0-12 program but it seems he was trying to be too much like Oregon. That's understandable if you are WSU but the precedent has already been set and a culture has already been established. I have talked guys that played against Washington from the 70's all the way up to the early 2000's and they all will tell you that whenever they had to play the Huskies they always had to buckle up their chin strap because they new they going to be in a physical battle.

I am not knocking Oregon's style of play because they have become one of the top programs in the country but that's them. You can look at the way Stanford plays Oregon. Our style has been proven to win National Championships and I just feel we need to get back what's Husky football is all about.

Sounds like DJ (ILTCHDJ) misses WASHINGTON, dammit.

Welcome home. You're among frens.

Thanks Guys on the information on Coach Socha. I have never met him but He seems to be my kind of guy after reading his article in the times. Like I said, it takes time and we have to give the new staff a chance to develop these players but I do hope to see a noticeable difference by next year.

I am a fan of Coach Petersen and believe he will get the job done. Sark did a good job considering he took over an 0-12 program but it seems he was trying to be too much like Oregon. That's understandable if you are WSU but the precedent has already been set and a culture has already been established. I have talked guys that played against Washington from the 70's all the way up to the early 2000's and they all will tell you that whenever they had to play the Huskies they always had to buckle up their chin strap because they new they going to be in a physical battle.

I am not knocking Oregon's style of play because they have become one of the top programs in the country but that's them. You can look at the way Stanford plays Oregon. Our style has been proven to win National Championships and I just feel we need to get back what's Husky football is all about.