Sports performance training can make all the difference for young athletes

A full athletic scholarship is every high school athlete’s dream. Leading the team in sacks is the culmination of hard work and excellent training.

As a mother, Tracie Martin knows firsthand the impact that a sports conditioning specialist can have on improving a teenage athlete’s game. Her sons trained with Mike Moore, B.S., C.S.C.S., a fitness specialist who focuses on improving athletes’ performances.

Martin’s oldest son, Michael, spent more than three years working on speed, agility and overall performance. As a result, he earned a full scholarship to Fordham University. In his freshman year he played linebacker on the football team and lead the team in sacks. Her youngest son, William, jumped from freshman to varsity football after improving his techniques through conditioning. (Michael Martin and Moore are featured in the photograph to the right.)

“It is amazing the differences I’ve seen in our sons’ performances after training with Mike,” said Tracie Martin. “Because they’ve learned how to care properly for their bodies and stretch both boys have avoided major injuries. The training helps you move without thinking and approach life and sports with a solid game plan and a focus on preparation.”

As sports continue to become more and more competitive, simply tweaking how they run or jump makes a big difference for many teenagers like the Martin boys. Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford’s new 13,000-square-foot sports performance facility is designed for the athlete who wants to compete safely at higher level. The program also provides individual instruction for athletes of all ages.

“Many people think athletes are born with perfect form and skills, and if natural ability isn’t there, then nothing can be done about it,” said Moore, developer of the Texas Health Sports Performance HEB program. “But really, there are many things athletes and young adults can do to improve their performance. Teens and their parents are often shocked at how much of a difference a speed or jumping training program can make in their game.”

Programs offered at Texas Health Sports Performance HEB include:

• One-on-One Sports Performance: Trainers meet individually with athletes to develop personalized programs to correct improper techniques and improve performance.
• Game Speed Recovery Program: Designed for individuals recovering from a sports injury, the staff works with the participant’s physician and physical therapy team to develop a program to get athletes back to “game speed.”
• Performance Training: Coached in a group environment and applicable to a variety of sports, performance training develops first step quickness, lateral agility, proper running mechanics and overall speed.
• Run Right: This program teaches children ages 7 to 12 years old proper running form and technique while building self-confidence in a fun environment.
• Youth Select Team Training: Sports performance training session for the entire team designed around the specific sport.
• Speed/Jump Clinic: Through step-by-step instructions, athletes gain a valuable edge and develop a personal mindset on how to perform better vertical leaps or increase their speed in an educational and hands-on environment.

Michael Martin is taking the summer after his freshman year of college to work with Moore and the Texas Health Sports Performance HEB program.

The Texas Health Sports Performance HEB facility features a turf practice area, which allows participants to practice in true game situations. All classes and training sessions are held at 251 Westpark Way, Suite 212, in Euless. The program is located adjacent to the Texas Health HEB campus and offers convenient parking and highway access.

For more information, call 817-267-9191 or visit www.TexasHealth.org/SportsPerformanceHEB.