Santa Monica College Strength & Conditioning

Training Philosophy

The main priority of the Strength and Conditioning department is to keep the athletes healthy and improve performance. Programs are designed to improve movement quality in order to increase the durability of each athlete. Free weight multi joint exercises are the staple for all athletic teams who train at SMC. There is also an emphasis on explosive movements and body weight plyometric drills to teach athletes how to apply force rapidly and/or at high velocities. The coaching staff takes pride in teaching the execution for each lift or drill. Experience has shown that athletes who are educated and understand the goals behind different drills and exercises are likely to train at a higher level and with an emphasis on technique. Athletes learn many of their movement skills through speed, agility and quickness drills that emphasize acceleration and rapid change of direction. Metabolic conditioning matches the demands of the sport through the manipulation of work intervals, rest intervals, movements, and distances. Team unity, work ethic, and discipline are built into our system to help develop well rounded athletes and cohesive teams.