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New Functional Training for Sports
Train to perform at the highest level with the lowest risk of injury. New Functional Training for Sports, Second Edition, produces the best results on the court, field, track, and mat, not just in the weight room.
Michael Boyle, one of the world’s leading sport performance coaches, presents the concepts, methods, exercises, and programs that maximize athletes’ movements in competition. A series of functional assessments help in determining the design of a specific plan for each athlete. Self-reinforcing progressions in exercises for the lower body, core, upper body, and ultimately total body give athletes the balance, proprioception, stability, strength, and power they require for excelling in their sports. Sample programs assist in the customization process and cover each aspect of preparation for physical performance.
Boyle also draws on the latest research and his wealth of experience to offer programming advice and recommendations on foam rolling, stretching, and dynamic warm-ups.
New Functional Training for Sports goes beyond traditional exercise descriptions and explanations, incorporating full-color, high-definition composites of foundational movements as well as online access to video demonstrations, commentary, and analysis of key exercises.
New Functional Training for Sports is a refined and expanded version of Boyle’s original work published more than a decade previously. This edition offers the most current functional training expertise to apply to your specific purposes.
A code for accessing online videos is included with this ebook.
Michael Boyle, one of the world’s leading sport performance coaches, presents the concepts, methods, exercises, and programs that maximize athletes’ movements in competition. A series of functional assessments help in determining the design of a specific plan for each athlete. Self-reinforcing progressions in exercises for the lower body, core, upper body, and ultimately total body give athletes the balance, proprioception, stability, strength, and power they require for excelling in their sports. Sample programs assist in the customization process and cover each aspect of preparation for physical performance.
Boyle also draws on the latest research and his wealth of experience to offer programming advice and recommendations on foam rolling, stretching, and dynamic warm-ups.
New Functional Training for Sports goes beyond traditional exercise descriptions and explanations, incorporating full-color, high-definition composites of foundational movements as well as online access to video demonstrations, commentary, and analysis of key exercises.
New Functional Training for Sports is a refined and expanded version of Boyle’s original work published more than a decade previously. This edition offers the most current functional training expertise to apply to your specific purposes.
A code for accessing online videos is included with this ebook.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
213 people are currently reading
653 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 1, 2024
I read this at the recommendation of my orthopedist after an unfortunate anterior shoulder dislocation on an overhead press. While this book focuses on training athletes who compete in team sports, it’s an approachable text with helpful recommendations on injury prevention and stability. Based on the findings reported in this book, I’ve since incorporated foam rolling and mobility work alongside static stretching in my warm-ups. I have also used the text to reshape my upper-body workouts for a balanced pushing-and-pulling approach, rather than the admittedly tempting regimens of past programs I’ve followed that prioritize appearance over function.
“Female athletes are not physically different from their male counterparts, at least not as it relates to training. . . . What holds female athletes back is often the low expectations and preconceptions of those training them.” (p. 35)
“Female athletes need to be exposed to photos of athletes similar to themselves who have a body composition that is considered acceptable. All too often visual role models for women are fashion models or entertainers who do not have the attributes of the average female athlete.” (p. 35)
One aspect of the book that I particularly appreciated was the author’s note on women athletes in the fourth chapter. I read a lot of health and fitness materials, and I’ve been lifting for years, but this was the first time I’ve seen anyone comment on the lack of equipment designed for women’s bodies in gyms or the importance of women athletes being exposed to body compositions similar to their own.
“The major differences for training women and girls actually center around equipment needs and progression. Most personal trainers and strength coaches do not consider the unique equipment needs of female athletes. . . . Dumbbells in 2.5-pound (1 kg) increments are ideal for younger athletes and female athletes. Five-pound (2.5 kg) increments do not allow younger or less-trained athletes to progress at reasonable rates. Consider that when less-experienced athletes advance from two 15-pound (7 kg) dumbbells to two 20-pound (10 kg) dumbbells, they are progressing from 30 pounds (15 kg) to 40 pounds (20 kg), an increase of 33 percent. Would you ask a stronger athlete to go from 60-pound (30 kg) dumbbells to 90-pound (40 kg) dumbbells in one week? Having dumbbells from 5 through at least 50 in 2.5-pound increments is essential.” (p. 36)
I have a lot of admiration for the author pointing this out. A world where every gym had dumbbells from 5 through 50 in 2.5-pound increments would be safer and certainly more equitable, and I would absolutely love to see this in the coming years. It’s reminiscent of similar critiques of the gender data gap in a world built for men, such as the fact that when a woman is involved in a car crash, she is 47% more likely to be seriously injured, 71% more likely to be moderately injured, and 17% more likely to die, even when researchers control for factors such as height, weight, seatbelt usage, and crash intensity—due to the fact that car safety testing is designed for the average male body.
“Female athletes are not physically different from their male counterparts, at least not as it relates to training. . . . What holds female athletes back is often the low expectations and preconceptions of those training them.” (p. 35)
“Female athletes need to be exposed to photos of athletes similar to themselves who have a body composition that is considered acceptable. All too often visual role models for women are fashion models or entertainers who do not have the attributes of the average female athlete.” (p. 35)
One aspect of the book that I particularly appreciated was the author’s note on women athletes in the fourth chapter. I read a lot of health and fitness materials, and I’ve been lifting for years, but this was the first time I’ve seen anyone comment on the lack of equipment designed for women’s bodies in gyms or the importance of women athletes being exposed to body compositions similar to their own.
“The major differences for training women and girls actually center around equipment needs and progression. Most personal trainers and strength coaches do not consider the unique equipment needs of female athletes. . . . Dumbbells in 2.5-pound (1 kg) increments are ideal for younger athletes and female athletes. Five-pound (2.5 kg) increments do not allow younger or less-trained athletes to progress at reasonable rates. Consider that when less-experienced athletes advance from two 15-pound (7 kg) dumbbells to two 20-pound (10 kg) dumbbells, they are progressing from 30 pounds (15 kg) to 40 pounds (20 kg), an increase of 33 percent. Would you ask a stronger athlete to go from 60-pound (30 kg) dumbbells to 90-pound (40 kg) dumbbells in one week? Having dumbbells from 5 through at least 50 in 2.5-pound increments is essential.” (p. 36)
I have a lot of admiration for the author pointing this out. A world where every gym had dumbbells from 5 through 50 in 2.5-pound increments would be safer and certainly more equitable, and I would absolutely love to see this in the coming years. It’s reminiscent of similar critiques of the gender data gap in a world built for men, such as the fact that when a woman is involved in a car crash, she is 47% more likely to be seriously injured, 71% more likely to be moderately injured, and 17% more likely to die, even when researchers control for factors such as height, weight, seatbelt usage, and crash intensity—due to the fact that car safety testing is designed for the average male body.
July 3, 2016
If you want to learn how to maximize athletic potential, while reducing injury numbers, this is where you should start.
October 4, 2018
Very good for finding the correct progression between the different multiarticular exercises.
Also he gives his point of view based on his experience and the science on way functional exercises are preferred rather than the typical exercises that you can see in a normal gym for strength athletes.
Also he gives his point of view based on his experience and the science on way functional exercises are preferred rather than the typical exercises that you can see in a normal gym for strength athletes.
March 25, 2018
Perfect
an excellent purchase for your training library. M. Boyle should be your reference when it comes to scheduling a good workout.
an excellent purchase for your training library. M. Boyle should be your reference when it comes to scheduling a good workout.
January 14, 2019
Worth Owning
It doesn’t matter what sport your coach or compete in. This book breaks everything down to the basics of movement and function.
It doesn’t matter what sport your coach or compete in. This book breaks everything down to the basics of movement and function.
October 6, 2020
Just amazing.
Pretty much all you need to know about functional training. Not too much theory and you gain ready to use practical knowledge.
Highly recommend for both trainers and athletes.
Pretty much all you need to know about functional training. Not too much theory and you gain ready to use practical knowledge.
Highly recommend for both trainers and athletes.
Read
March 31, 2023Some things that blew my mind:
* joint by joint approach to training
* eliminating stretches and exercises that attempt to increase the lumbar range of motion
* core training is really about motion prevention and stabilization not motion creation (no crunches or situps - except straight leg, nor Russian twists but instead planks, woodchoppers, bridges, get ups)
* order of operations: begin with foam rolling, then static(!) stretching etc. (This has been huge for me.)
* joint by joint approach to training
* eliminating stretches and exercises that attempt to increase the lumbar range of motion
* core training is really about motion prevention and stabilization not motion creation (no crunches or situps - except straight leg, nor Russian twists but instead planks, woodchoppers, bridges, get ups)
* order of operations: begin with foam rolling, then static(!) stretching etc. (This has been huge for me.)
June 16, 2017
Boyle's most updated programs! And as always, his simplistic, foundational approach to fitness is straight forward, but yet thoughtful as it appeals to all levels of movers. Boyle continues to be one of my top five favorite strength coaches of all times along with Mark Verstegen, Eric Cressey, Gary Cook and recently Bret Contreras.
July 26, 2020
Definitely some interesting insight into how to best train athletes of all sports! This is the first strength and conditioning book I have read so I don't really have much to compare to in terms of effectiveness of exercises in this book but I will definitely be referring to this on many occasions throughout the next several years as I continue on my journey becoming a strength coach.
May 23, 2019
Excelente libro para los que quieren aprender los fundamentos del entrenamiento funcional. Escrito por un tipo que tiene el curriculum necesario para hacer recomendaciones, sobre todo ante tan mala e irresponsable información que se puede encontrar a la rápida en internet.
May 31, 2017
Great book
March 15, 2018
A bit more geared to trainers than readers. Though there definitely is information in here even for amateurs (me).
Not as many pictures as I'd like
Not as many pictures as I'd like
December 21, 2018
I certainly hope this is a required read for school phys. ed teachers. Simple explanations of complex plyometric training.
June 26, 2020
Mnóstwo jakościowej wiedzy. -1 za kwiatki pokroju "pełny przysiad = śmierć dla kolan".
November 30, 2016
New Functional Training for Sports is the most functional (purposeful) book I have ever read on strength and conditioning. Written by one of the most respected trainers/coaches in the world, Mike Boyle, this book easily explains why the exercises recommended in the book are of the utmost importance to athletes of all sports and ages.
Chapter by chapter Boyle does a masterly job of breaking down strength and conditioning by body region and explaining how performance on the field, court and in everyday life can be enhanced by following his advice.
Having been in the strength and conditioning field for over 30 years, Boyle has worked with athletes from all sports, but most noticeably hockey. This experience has given Boyle insight that can be applied to training programs by other coaches who haven’t been so privileged.
One of the primary takeaways for me was that strength training does not need to be sport specific. Boyle says, “there is not one way to get stronger that makes more sense for one sport than another, and there is not any one speed development program that makes more sense for one sport than another.” In other words, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Literally and figuratively.
This does not mean that all athletes will be doing the same exercise the same way. Boyle breaks down all recommended movements into progressions and regressions. Thus, allowing athletes to train the same muscle groups but in a manner that is safest and most effective for the individual. Most programs use a cookie-cutter approach to training and this is a bad idea because we all have different starting points and unique skills.
Speaking of starting points, Boyle has provided helpful charts and formulas that can be used to measure progress. In fact, he is very detailed in tracking an athlete’s success because he measures everything and all the programs he designs to obtain these high levels of success are provided in this book.
Videos, pointed illustrations and charts are all useful components of New Functional Training for Sports and they are all the brainchild of Mike Boyle. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Boyle is also a student of the game. Throughout his book he quotes other notable coaches such as Mark Verstegen, Gray Cook, Dan John, and Charles Polloquin, which lets me know he has done his homework. As favorable as Boyle has become, he does not let his ego get in the way of his success. I appreciate his humility.
Based on my love for sports, and all things strength and conditioning related, Mike Boyle’s New Functional Training for Sports is the book for me. While I am not a collegiate or professional athlete, I am an athlete. And, in my opinion, anyone who works out or trains is an athlete. Even though most people in their 40s-70s are not participating in sports to win a championship of some sort, we do care about moving well, preventing injury and strength-to-bodyweight ratios. New Functional Training for Sports serves old and young, professional and amateur athletes alike. Due to this dichotomy, I am in love with this book. It not only speaks to my desire to train Pros and Joes; it is proof that it’s possible for all of us to train the same way.
Chapter by chapter Boyle does a masterly job of breaking down strength and conditioning by body region and explaining how performance on the field, court and in everyday life can be enhanced by following his advice.
Having been in the strength and conditioning field for over 30 years, Boyle has worked with athletes from all sports, but most noticeably hockey. This experience has given Boyle insight that can be applied to training programs by other coaches who haven’t been so privileged.
One of the primary takeaways for me was that strength training does not need to be sport specific. Boyle says, “there is not one way to get stronger that makes more sense for one sport than another, and there is not any one speed development program that makes more sense for one sport than another.” In other words, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Literally and figuratively.
This does not mean that all athletes will be doing the same exercise the same way. Boyle breaks down all recommended movements into progressions and regressions. Thus, allowing athletes to train the same muscle groups but in a manner that is safest and most effective for the individual. Most programs use a cookie-cutter approach to training and this is a bad idea because we all have different starting points and unique skills.
Speaking of starting points, Boyle has provided helpful charts and formulas that can be used to measure progress. In fact, he is very detailed in tracking an athlete’s success because he measures everything and all the programs he designs to obtain these high levels of success are provided in this book.
Videos, pointed illustrations and charts are all useful components of New Functional Training for Sports and they are all the brainchild of Mike Boyle. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Boyle is also a student of the game. Throughout his book he quotes other notable coaches such as Mark Verstegen, Gray Cook, Dan John, and Charles Polloquin, which lets me know he has done his homework. As favorable as Boyle has become, he does not let his ego get in the way of his success. I appreciate his humility.
Based on my love for sports, and all things strength and conditioning related, Mike Boyle’s New Functional Training for Sports is the book for me. While I am not a collegiate or professional athlete, I am an athlete. And, in my opinion, anyone who works out or trains is an athlete. Even though most people in their 40s-70s are not participating in sports to win a championship of some sort, we do care about moving well, preventing injury and strength-to-bodyweight ratios. New Functional Training for Sports serves old and young, professional and amateur athletes alike. Due to this dichotomy, I am in love with this book. It not only speaks to my desire to train Pros and Joes; it is proof that it’s possible for all of us to train the same way.
July 19, 2016
Utilizing a more integrated approach than traditional strength training (which generally works one or two muscles in isolation), functional training prepares athletes for their sports by using exercises that train the muscles the same way they're used in the sport- collectively as a whole.
"New Functional Training For Sports" walks athletes through the ins-and-outs of assessing their functional strength and designing a custom program to fit their individual needs. Includes an exhaustive collection of exercises with color photos and troubleshooting, all conveniently organized into chapters such as:
-foam rolling, stretching, and dynamic warm-up
-lower body training
-core training
-upper body training
-plyometric training
-olympic lifting
-performance enhancer programs
The book also provides readers with access to online videos including 71 clips demonstrating many of the exercises found in the book. This is a large book (8.4 x 10.9 inches, 256p.) with thicker/quality pages that make it easier to flip through, and lots of photos to really help you understand what the exercises are supposed to look like. Overall, extremely thorough yet well broken-down to make it easy to read and understand. A great book that's loaded with information and tips, and I would say an invaluable resource to anyone who is seriously interested in competitive sports or a sports career.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"New Functional Training For Sports" walks athletes through the ins-and-outs of assessing their functional strength and designing a custom program to fit their individual needs. Includes an exhaustive collection of exercises with color photos and troubleshooting, all conveniently organized into chapters such as:
-foam rolling, stretching, and dynamic warm-up
-lower body training
-core training
-upper body training
-plyometric training
-olympic lifting
-performance enhancer programs
The book also provides readers with access to online videos including 71 clips demonstrating many of the exercises found in the book. This is a large book (8.4 x 10.9 inches, 256p.) with thicker/quality pages that make it easier to flip through, and lots of photos to really help you understand what the exercises are supposed to look like. Overall, extremely thorough yet well broken-down to make it easy to read and understand. A great book that's loaded with information and tips, and I would say an invaluable resource to anyone who is seriously interested in competitive sports or a sports career.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2019
Awesome for older athletes as well.
Michael Boyle’s book is one of the best books I’e ever read. You can tell he eats and breathes training. He is a true master-Humble, curious and eager to share his wisdom.
His techniques build agility and power in a safe way. Say goodbye to shoulder and back injuries.
I’m a 52 yo doctor who loves intense training and I’m confident that with coach Boyle’s guidance I’ll be able to continue along this path for many more years.
Michael Boyle’s book is one of the best books I’e ever read. You can tell he eats and breathes training. He is a true master-Humble, curious and eager to share his wisdom.
His techniques build agility and power in a safe way. Say goodbye to shoulder and back injuries.
I’m a 52 yo doctor who loves intense training and I’m confident that with coach Boyle’s guidance I’ll be able to continue along this path for many more years.
January 16, 2017
There is no other book out there at the moment as good as this one when it comes to functional training, injury prevention, and maximising performance. This is a must have for any strength coach or anyone who trains other people. Incredible information and very insightful.
December 3, 2018
Great overview of training specifically for young coaches
Mike Boyle is a legend in our field. Here he openly lays out his training process for all to see. A must read for any strength coaches in need of organizing exercise progression and sound training principles.
Mike Boyle is a legend in our field. Here he openly lays out his training process for all to see. A must read for any strength coaches in need of organizing exercise progression and sound training principles.
November 6, 2018
Potpuno u stilu Mike Boyle. Update prethodne knjige
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews