The Blueprint for Success: Why Proper Strength Training and Knowledgeable Coaches Matter
In today’s fast-paced world of fitness and athletics, there’s no shortage of trainers ready to offer advice. But not every coach understands what it takes to create a truly elite athlete. Many trainers overlook foundational principles, opting for trendy exercises or surface-level techniques instead of building athletes from the ground up with solid, proven systems. This is where the difference between merely working out and truly training becomes evident.
Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights. It’s about mastering the five essential movement patterns: push, pull, squat, hinge, and rotational movements. These movement patterns are the building blocks of athletic performance, and without understanding how to develop them correctly, athletes are often left with gaps in their training. Too many trainers skip over this, focusing on flashy exercises that may look good on social media but fail to build the core foundation athletes need to succeed.
When I was at the University of Alabama, our strength programs were built around these fundamental patterns, and they were the cornerstone of the team’s success in the 2015 National Championship and SEC title seasons. When done correctly, these movements enhance athletic ability in ways that translate directly to sport—whether it’s a more explosive sprint, a harder hit, or a stronger tackle.
Unfortunately, not all coaches have the depth of knowledge required to create these systems. Many fail to understand the intricate relationship between movement, strength, and sports performance. They may lack an understanding of proper biomechanics or the ability to adapt programs based on an athlete’s individual needs. A coach with the right certifications—NSCA-CPT, CSCS, NASM-PES, USAW—knows how to take these core movement patterns and build them into a customized program designed for long-term results.
What sets the best coaches apart is their ability to apply these principles through a systematic approach. As I’ve learned throughout my career, from coaching at Alabama to training NFL and MLB athletes, strength without structure can only take you so far. A proper system takes into account progression, recovery, and sport-specific needs. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing the right things with precision.
One of the biggest mistakes I see in the industry is the over-reliance on random, unstructured workouts. There’s a tendency for less experienced trainers to throw in exercises that may look impressive but lack any real foundation or purpose. This often results in athletes who are strong but not necessarily better at their sport. A well-constructed training program is much more than a random collection of exercises. It’s a blueprint for success.
At Elite Factory, we structure every program around the athlete's goals and needs. That means focusing on the five key movement patterns and ensuring they are developed in a way that enhances the athlete’s performance, whether they’re a football player, a lacrosse player, or a baseball prospect.
A well-designed system is the difference between spinning your wheels and making real progress. Coaches who don’t understand these fundamentals may keep athletes busy, but busy isn’t the same as better. True improvement comes from following a plan, progressing through phases, and adapting as the athlete grows. That’s why at Elite Factory, we’re committed to the process—developing athletes with the long game in mind, ensuring they are not only prepared for the next game but for their entire career.
When it comes to your strength training, don’t settle for coaches who rely on guesswork. Choose a coach who understands the importance of the five fundamental movement patterns and can design a program built for success. With the right knowledge and experience, we can help you go beyond what you thought was possible.
Committed to the Process.
DON GREEN
