reducing injuries
By Jim Thomas
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Tuesday, Mar. 25 2008
The Rams open their offseason conditioning program today with an emphasis on
innovation and injury prevention. Besides the usual weight training, running
and conditioning work, the Rams are bringing in several guest instructors:
A "core" specialist in weight training. "This is a person who works on the
core strength of the body ... just working on the center part of your body,"
coach Scott Linehan said.
A speed trainer. "We're going to teach everybody how to try to get faster,"
Linehan said. "Especially our 'skill' players."
A specialist in hand-to-hand combat. "Everybody other than maybe the
quarterbacks has to have some kind of hand-to-hand combat skill," Linehan said.
For example, hand placement is essential to offensive linemen in fending off
pass rushers. Wide receivers need to use their hands effectively to beat press
coverage by defensive backs.
"So we're trying to be much more innovative," Linehan said. "We wanted
something different. Really create the interest that gets players excited and
gets them here."
That's "here" as in present at Rams Park, working out during the spring. Per
league rule, the NFL offseason conditioning program can last a maximum of 14
weeks, with four sessions allowed per week. Although players are expected to
attend, the program technically is voluntary.
Most of the 60 Rams players under contract are expected to participate this
week. A few players have been excused this week or next, Linehan said. Some are
taking family trips because their children are on spring break from school.
A usual day's workout consists of an hour or more in the weight room and about
an hour of field work spent running, conditioning, and doing agility drills.
"This year, I'd like to kind of create a competitive situation each week with
these guys," Linehan said. "You know, having groups competing against groups."
There's more behind this year's innovative twists than simply making the
offseason program more interesting. After a 2007 season that was wrecked by
injuries, the Rams have looked long and hard at ways to prevent them.
Some time this spring, the Rams plan to install a sand pit at the edge of their
outdoor practice fields.
"One of the concerns is the high ankle sprains," Linehan said. "So we're going
to start doing some (sand drills)."
The sand pit "might be about 40 yards long," Linehan said. "You can sprint in
it, but you can also get groups in it and do some stationary stuff and work on
(strengthening) the ankles."
Rams center Brett Romberg, who sat out seven games last season because of
injuries to both ankles, actually suggested installing a sand pit to the Rams'
strength and conditioning staff.
Romberg attended the University of Miami and has been using a 60-yard sand pit
at the Hurricanes' complex this offseason along with former college teammate
Jeremy Shockey, the tight end for the New York Giants.
"After we work out, we're in the sand box," Romberg said. "We're doing jumps
and sprints and explosive stuff. At Miami, I couldn't remember a high ankle
sprain. So I do feel that the sand pit strengthens the ankles. Especially when
you go in there with bare feet. ... It makes a difference. I highly recommend
the sand pit."
After left tackle
Orlando Pace and tight end Aaron Walker suffered
season-ending shoulder injuries in 2007, the Rams have designed some
supplemental lifting to help prevent labrum tears and rotator cuff injuries.
But no matter how much preventative work is done in the spring, Linehan also
realizes that there's an element of luck and unpredictability to injuries.
"The scary thing about that is a couple of guys that hurt their shoulders
probably did the most shoulder work (in the weight room)," Linehan said. "So I
don't know. Maybe we should institute the Jon Gruden rule and just tell
everybody they can't get hurt. I like that."
jthomas@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8197
Linear Mode
