If you haven’t already read it, CLICK HERE to go to Joe DeFranco’s interview with T-mag.com. The interview is getting rave reviews and is a must-read! Check it out now!

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The verdict is in! MASTERING THE FOOTBALL COMBINE TESTS is living up to the hype! Check out what the experts are saying about this video!

“I have just watched your video on football combine training. There is no doubt in my mind that this should be required material for all strength and conditioning coaches!”

“The thing that struck me most was your comments on the combine in your opening statements. I agree 100%, and I know many strength coaches agree with you, although they may not admit it. Your opening statements really ought to be transcripted and made an article.”

“Your presentation of information was excellent. You came off as a regular "Joe", but one that was also a scientist. You have my full respect and congratulations on putting out a great video!”

Frederick C. Hatfield II, MS, MFS, CSCS
www.DrSquat.com

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“Excellent, excellent video! Every athlete that at some point in their
career will be taking these tests should see this video.”

Mike Berry, NSCA-CPT
President/Owner, Power-Up USA Inc.
www.strengthcats.com

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"Joe DeFranco's video -- 'Mastering The Football Combine Tests' -- does
exactly as advertised. Joe has done his homework on exactly how to perform
these tests for optimal performance."

"If you are a pro prospect with hundreds of thousands of dollars in salary
on the line, or a college prospect with a scholarship on the line, you simply can't afford not to perform the combine tests well. Get this video, practice what Joe teaches, and you will not only perform well, you will perform your BEST!"

Chris Scarborough, CSCS, USAW level 1, LPTA
www.SportSpecific.com
www.YoungAthleteTeleseminars.com

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NOW ONTO THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS. . .

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Q: Joe,

I read about your application of plyometrics. I'm curious why you don't combine them with weights in the "complex training" format that Dr. Chu has written so extensively about over the years. Do you not believe that you can achieve super compensation from doing a complementing set of plyos immediately after a set of weights (e.g. a set of box squats followed by a set of box jumps)?

Thanks for providing such an open format!

Dan from Chicago

A: Dan,
The reason that I didn’t recommend “complex training” in last weeks post was because the guy asked about implementing plyometrics into the Westside Barbell powerlifting system. “Complex training” is not the Westside system. That’s why I recommended using plyos as a warm-up or after dynamic box squats. That was my way of fitting plyos into the Westside system.

With that being said, I am a BIG believer in “complex training”. I use it often to peak my athletes. Here are the rules that I follow when using complex training:

Hope this clears up my thoughts on plyometric training.

Joe D.

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Q: Joe... incredible site! Thank you for delivering the truth and helping empower, educate and energize athletes.

Just wondering... what are your thoughts on performance nutrients (sports supplements)? I understand they can't all be grouped under one category, but do you have any recommendations on what works and what doesn't?

Best of success,

Chris

A: Chris,
I always preface my answers to supplement questions by reminding people that the best supplement in the world is FOOD! Don’t lose site of this when shopping for your supplements. Make sure you put the same time and effort into your FOOD shopping as you do with your supplement shopping. Now onto your question. . .

Below is a list of a few (hey, I can’t give away ALL the secrets)of the supplements that I am currently recommending to my athletes. I have categorized them as well as provided you with choices for each category.

Remember that they are called “supplements” because they should supplement a proper diet!

Joe D.

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Q: I just read your interview on T-mag.com and am looking forward to implementing some of your info into training once I'm good to go. On Dec. 16th I sustained a third degree AC separation to my left shoulder. I started rehabbing as soon as possible and am nearly healed, but I'm having a hard time getting 100%. I was wondering if you had any recommendations about supplements, exercises, etc. that helped you recover from your AC injuries. Right now I am taking gelatin and eating flax seed for collagen and doing a lot of rubber band work and some light free weight stuff. Any and all info would be appreciated.

Thanks for your time.
Nick

A: Nick,
You seem to be on the right track. I would also throw in glucosomine with chondrointin and MSM three times a day. It takes a while to start feeling relief, but get this stuff into your system. It worked wonders for me after 6-8 weeks. For immediate relief, Vioxx works great, especially on the shoulders. Don’t get addicted to this crap, though. If you’re going to take any prescription anti-inflammatory medications, I’ve found Vioxx works the best.

I would also find a reputable Active Release Technique practitioner in your area. A.R.T. definitely made the biggest difference in getting me back into the gym after my AC joint separations. Getting A.R.T. performed on the following muscles made the biggest difference in restoring the proper function back to my shoulder joints: subclavius, teres minor, infraspinatus, rhomboids, lats and triceps.

Finally, make sure you keep the internal rotators of the humerus flexible. Every morning and every night I perform various stretches on my pecs and lats. Keeping these muscles flexible helps to prevent excess stress and pull on the AC joint.

Be patient and good luck. You’ll be back to training in no time.

Joe D.

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