Humans attempt to make sense of their environment results, quite often, in the systematization of knowledge into boxes commonly (and quite wrongly) made out to be independent, as is the case with the existence of sport specific coaches, physical conditioning trainers, etc.

However, by looking closely at physical conditioning, one must question him or herself about its purpose. In this regard, and as clearly pointed out by Kurz, sports training should be very objective and, thus, only include drills that either:

  • Improve sport specific performance
  • Help prevent the chances of each sport’s most common injuries.

As such, these should be physical conditioning’s overall goals which, translated into actual training goals, entail gearing physical conditioning so as to maximize sport specific motor skills … which, some years ago, brought about the concept of functional training.


Additionally, it is crucial for folks to start realizing that the myth of sports technique being, at the same time, the most effective and efficient motor patterns available is quite false. Instead, time constrained techniques mostly focus on effectiveness and they do so to a point that they actually entail a greater physical exertion which, in turn, requires a greater development of performers’ physical abilities.

In the absence of such crucial supporting pillars trainees who only focus on sport specific training without adapting their technique so as to match their movement potential actually incur in a greater danger of sustaining injuries.

Bottom line, trainees should actively look to invest time and energy building their physical conditioning but, ideally, following functional training routines designed by professionals who are able to merge their understanding of physiology with a clear, though in-depth, movement analysis of each person’s sports specific motor skills.

Wish you all the continuation of a great training experience.