To Mr Quinn,
My name is Harry O'Brien from Perth W.A. I am 15-years-old and play for East Fremantle in the combined district side. I am in the starting 55 for the W.A state 16s squad. My problem is that I have a late birthday and the players who get asked to do the state team like me, get invited to do East Fremantle colts team. This is a team which is before the reserves. The ages for this sqaud is 17-19-years-old. I do not know whether to participate in the squad or go in when I am at least a year older bcause my birthday is 15/11/86. This means I will still be two years younger than everyone else. I am physically big enough to play but I do not know if I should wait for maybe next year before I look at playing with them.
Can you please help out with your advise.
From Harry O'Brien
Dear Harry,
Reading between the lines of your letter, I suspect that you feel that you are not ready for this competition. If this is the case, then follow your instincts and wait another year. Being physically big enough and being physically strong enough are two different things. his is especially the case given that you are in fact giving away up to 4 years – 15 – 19 years old.
As with all decisions this one is yours Harry. I believe that young players are best served to develop their skill and talent in a competitive environment commensurate with their development. I am sure however, that there are a myriad of examples of successful players who have played above their age.
Take your time Harry. If the opportunity is there for you at 15 years of age it will almost certainly be there at 16 or 17.
All the best.
John
G'day John,
I'm into the fitness game myself - being a gym instructor and also keen into my own individual training. Basically, I was interested to see the intense training that the players are set, and am just interested whether you believe it is wise to give the younger players such extreme running programs when it is necessary for them to bulk and strengthen up. The theory which you would have heard is that it is difficult to build up when aerobically training, because that lowers testosterone levels. I was wondering, do you implement alternative programs because of that theory?
Thanks,
Michael Mealy
Dear Michael,
I design my programs on an individual need basis. I do not totally subscribe to the theory of aerobic training being detrimental to bulking up. At the end of the day, I want an athlete whom is well balanced in all areas physically. Bulk in muscle comes with time. You can supplement and prioritise if you wish but this compromises other areas of the player’s game requirements.
All the best.
John
G'day John,
I am a 25-year-old local footballer who has pretty good aerobic fitness but I want to increase my speed. What things could do you suggest? I have four weeks of training by myself left before our first practise match. I train by myself because of work. Can you please make up a program? Thanks for you help Brent Durran.
Hi Brent
To develop speed find yourself a sprints coach in your local area. You will need to maximsie your technique and ensure that the changes are transferred over to top speed running. Given that you have only 4 weeks, I would suggest that you do maximum short speed (30 – 40 m) at the start of your sessions. You should not do more than say 6 – 8 of these. Ensure full recovery between efforts to allow maximum effort and speed outcome.
All the best.
John
John,
I tried to play footy for my local side last year, but after a month I broke down with shin splints. After seeing two phsio's in the local area and resting for the rest of the season the soreness went. I have been playing cricket all summer I have got soreness again. What can I do?
Brad Saunders
Hi Brad,
Your shin splints could be caused by a number of factors. These include:Footwear – not appropriate for your feet, Biomechanics – foot placement, Surface type – running on different surfaces, Intensity – too hard for too long, Recovery – need massage or Genetics – predisposition with tight sheath (compartments).
I would recommend that you visit a sports doctor or a sports physiotherapist for an assessment. Another option for you is a podiatrist.
All the best.
John
