Post on FitAmericanFamilies.com by Stephen McCarthy

Check out our post on the FitAmericanFamilies.com website.

The subject When to strength training?

Chosen as a Guest Author for Fit Ameican Families Media Network

We are looking forward to working with FitAmericanFamilies.com.  Kim Weschler has published a number of books on the subject of fitness, nutrition, and wellness in the family.  We will be posting links to her facebook, twitter, and podcasts. 

Flue Vaccines: Are they worth it?

Check out this link on flu vaccines.  It could potentially be the cause of all the cases of autism in the United States today.

Duke Basketball Using Boot Camps

 Check out this link to Duke basketball. They are using boot camps this year to get their kids into shape.  I completely agree. It will develop mental toughness and many different forms of strength that will not come from the weight room. 

Link to Duke Basketball Boot Camp

2012 Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp Report

The 7th annual Pangos All Midwest Frosh/Soph Camp was held recently (October 20-21) at Riverside Brookfield High School (Riverside IL/near Chicago).  This event featured 110-plus top 2015 and 2016 players (along with a few talented 2017 players) from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,Tennessee, Maryland and Canada.  The camp began with an excellent dynamic workout from Stephen McCarthy (TheMcCarthyProject.com) and skills demonstration directed by former college assistant Clive Vaughan (formerly at Long Beach State, South Florida and UConn) and continued with four competitive rounds of games that showcased the quality of the young talent present.

By Dinos Trigonis 
Full Court Press/Pangos 

What Not To Do!!

Check out this article 20 Almost Laws of Strength Training.  It was wrote by one of most researched bloggers in Bret Contreras.  Some the laws are good, but the majority of them are for bodybuilders, not young athletes.  Mom and Dad will do a quick search on the Internet and find a page like this and say that is it, my athlete needs to be working out at this level.  If they do not hurt themselves in the process, your son or daughter will end up looking like, well, a bodybuilder. Secondly, they might perform at higher level but more than likely they will not survive the workouts.  

Trenton McCarthy Named Underclassman To Watch

TC Hoops named Trenton McCarthy as one the rising underclassman in the Missota Conference.  Check out the review of the conference.

Congrats Trenton!!

McCarthy and Mobley Named Top Prospects in Midwest

Trenton McCarthy and Jalen Mobley were named Pangos All-Midwest Frosh/Soph Top Prospects this week.  Check out the link on Van Colemans Scouting Website

Congrats to Trenton and Jalen.

Strength Training for Youth? Mayo Clinic Says Yes.

I came across this article on the Mayo Clinic website about strength training for youth athletes. Yes, it is the Mayo Clinic.  The one we all know for leading edge research and development in the medical field.

Quick points.

Done properly, strength training can:

• Increase your child's muscle strength and endurance
• Help protect your child's muscles and joints from sports-related injuries
• Improve your child's performance in nearly any sport, from dancing and figure skating to football and soccer 

For more information, check out the link

For the Love of Hockey? Overtraining?

I can honestly say that sometimes in our best interest to help young kids to succeed in athletics we miss the boat.  I am not saying that you should not workout, eat better, and change your mindset to succeed. But have we gone to far?

From our perspective, (3) 60-90 minute workouts per week. GPP type work will get you and your young athlete where they want to go and they still get to be a kid.  You allow your body to recover and respond.

Check out this link to what some teenage hockey players in Canada are putting themselves through. Click here

Trenton McCarthy and Jalen Mobley Top 60 at Pangos Midwest

Congrats to Trenton and Jalen.  They were chosen Top 60 at Pangos Top150 Fresh/Soph Camp over the weekend.  About 120 of the top players from the Midwest attended Dinos Trigonis camp at Brookside HS in Chicago. More video to follow up in a couple days.

The McCarthy Project is Changing Life Thru Training

Over the next few months, you will see more information on combining the concept of fitness, the outdoors, and after school programs.  We have started to see people change right before our eyes over the last couple years. The idea of changing peoples lives thru fitness, the outdoors and nutrition really seems to have arrived in the minds of society.  They have become very powerful in the lives of our clients.

To this end, we will be integrating the MovNat training protocols to develop even further our use of the local parks and the environment that is already there.  Rather than, needing to go to a gym to workout.  We believe that it is a great thing to just go ourside and play at the park.  MovNat has taken this concept and built tremendous training protocols around this simple concept.

Check this link out

We look forward to the continued development of our programs related to fitness, the ourdoors, and changing lifestyles.

Pangos Top 150 Chicago, IL in October

We will be attending the Pangos Top 150 camp this year in Chicago, IL on October.  Dinos works will some of the top players in the nation and we are expecting great things next month.  All signs point to a great weekend of basketball.  If you would like more information on the camp, contact myself at 612-741-0982. 

The McCarthy Project Leadership and Advisory Team

Leadership 

Stephen McCarthy, CFT, Director of The McCarthy Project, He has worked with over 10000 athletes with an emphasis on athletes aged 10 to 24. He has researched and developed innovative training techniques specific for the youth athlete for over 10 years. His athletes have received college scholarships and played professionally, as well as, won state championships and national championships.

Advisory Team

 Dr. Josh Sandell, D.C., DACBSP, A.T.C., C.S.C.S., Director of Spine and Sports Institute,He attended undergraduate school at University of Minnesota Duluth and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology and Human Biology. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic and earned his diplomate in Sports Medicine from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physician (DACBSP) He was selected as the official USA chiropractor at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He has pioneered innovative treatment methods that rapidly resolve injuries, restore function, and improve athletic performance. He currently serves as a sports medicine advisor to some of the country’s foremost sports training facilities, clinics, NFL agencies, and health care organizations. His list of clients includes NFL, MLB, NHL and Olympic athletes from around the country and the world.

  

Noel Grover, President and CEO of VoiceIt Technologies (formerly Grover Industries, Inc.) He started in 1998 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since then, they have grown to be a world-class technology solutions provider. They specialize in core technologies that harness the power of voice biometrics and voice navigation, enabling third party publishers the ability to develop enterprise and end-consumer solutions. 

Rick Leier, Partner of  Fitzpatrick, Leier and Associates, Over the last thirty years, he has successfully developed numerous regional, national and international companies. They include: an independent sales rep agency focusing on athletic footwear, apparel and equipment. Secondly, a company that sources products from Asia for small to medium sized businesses. Products developed include athlete training for retail  and sports training services on top of other non-sports related goods.

New Partner in Leadership Development

I just left Ramon Pastrano's office at ImpactLives.  What a great morning!!  I am pleased to announce our partnership. His ideas on leadership and social innovation are second to no one.  More information will be forthcoming on how we are going to be implementing his ideas into our training sessions.

Push The Rock Allentown,PA Basketball Camp

Wow.. What an experience!! We traveled all the way to Allentown, PA (Just North of Philadelphia) to work with the Push The Rock ministries.  We meet some great people over the two weeks.  It confirmed to me that you can play at a high level and be a Christian.  We had great teach by Jose Medina, a local high school coach, and quality team time sessions, where we talked about the bigger issues of life outside of basketball. Here are some images from the camp and a trip to NYC.. The last image is amazing.. They actually play basketball outside, under the lights.  Never seen it before in my life!! It was just like seeing snow for the first time.

End of Camp Awards with Jose

Tyson with Lamont and Jacob

The Family: Stephen, Tyson and Tessa at NYC

Tyson and Tessa in NYC Times Square

Tyson Zip lining in the Poconos

Outdoor night basketball in Allentown, PA

Sea Devils Keep the Ball Rolling at Zones

Congrats to the athletes who competed at the Central Region Zones.  We had 3 Central Zone Champions.  Keep up the great work.  Way to end the season on a high note!!

Five Star Super Session Dynamic Warmup

Just got back from the Super Session in Chicago, IL.  Over the weekend, my role was strength and conditioning coach for the camp.  We  ran a highly technical speed station and a "kick your butt"" conditioning station on Satuday night.  Pictured below are images from the morning dynamic warmup on Sunday.

Five Star Super Session Attendee Trenton McCarthy

Here are images from this weeks Five Star Super Session in Chicago,IL for Trenton McCarthy. He had a great weekend.

Five Star Super Session Completed

It was great to see Tony B, Don Juan, and Michael Lang again.  Secondly, it was great to meet Andrew Braverman, Jeff Duncan, PJ and Alvin Boutte and the rest of the coaches. All in all, it was a great weekend of all out basketball.  Below are the images from the weekend.

What They Are Saying...

Here are a couple references from our clients....

"Stephen has worked with our organization for over a year and I have been impressed with him and his ideas.  The athletes are getting better results and they enjoy the training.  Secondly, I have found his training programs to be creative and challenging at the same time." -Brian Sandifer, Director of Grassroots Basketball Club

"I wanted to drop a note with my recommendation of Stephen McCarthy and his athletic training program. I have coached hockey for 22 years at all levels and have witnessed multiple training programs throughout those years. After tracking the success of several players Stephen trained and the results have been excellent. The strength and endurance of these players that have trained with Stephen has increased their overall effectiveness as a complete hockey player. They have increased their separation speed and overall quickness. I have noticed that due to increased core strength they are now more stable on the Ice and much tougher to knock off their skates. Stephen's training has been an overall success and I would recommend him to all hockey players looking to achieve a higher level of play and athleticism." Derek Pedlar, WHL Scout and Hockey Coach

"Stephen was able to bring a fresh approach to speed and agility training for my Hopkins High School Boys Lacrosse team and what I appreciated most was the custom designed program he created for our sport.  My boys not only enjoyed the sessions but were challenged and, most importantly, were in the best shape I’ve ever seen them at the beginning of our season.  The Hopkins High School Lacrosse Program is excited for our future with Stephen as we can only see his programs getting better each year!  Thanks for everything Stephen and we look forward to seeing you out on the field soon!!!" -Chris Donaldson, Head Coach of Hopkins High School Lacrosse

"Stephen's dedication to athletes of all ages and sport is unquestioned. He uses programs that benefit the athlete no matter the sport. I witnessed his work with a local swim team and asked if he would do that for the basketball team that I coached. Not only did the kids improve from the conditioning and strength drills, they looked forward to doing them again and again. Our team finished games strong as a result of his program. I trust in his techniques and will continue to count on Stephen to give my teams an advantage." -Colby Fuller, Youth Basketball Coach

Who Would Have Thought? Derek Peltier

Reflecting on athletes that have come through our gym.

Derek Peltier.. Pro Hockey Player.

We only worked with Derek for one summer.  But I remember.. He was just a great kid who came in and did his work.  He could also crush a golf ball, but I guess most hockey players can. Shaun Goodsell always said he was going to be one of the guys who made it and he was right on.  His motive for using our company was very simple.  To transition from the basic high school strength program to higher intensity Division 1 college workouts.

The rest is history.. Excellent career with the Gophers and onto pro hockey.

Who Would Have Thought? Sam Lofquist

Just reflecting on past clients and where they are now.

One is Sam Lofquist.. Yup, the same one who played for the Golden Gophers.

We worked with him long ago.  Back in the early 2000's.  Back then Gordy would make what he called the "loop"  He would drive from Spooner, WI to Bloomington, MN to Rogers, MN and then back to Spooner, WI. like three times a week.  He would work out with Bernie McBain at Minnesota Made then up to workout with one of our trainers in the weight room and then back home.  All the while Same was doing his homework in the car.  Everybody thought he was weird from doing all that driving, but look what his son has done.  And when we worked with him.. He was a great kid, but we would not have said his was the one who was going to make it.   He persevered, paid the price, and in the end he made it.  Congrats to Gordy and Sam.

Five Star Super Session This Weekend

We are off to the Five Star Super Session at the Joy of the Game in Chicago, IL.  We are bringing down some of the top talent from Minnesota basketball.  Secondly, I will be down working with the camp in the capacity of Strength Coach.  Will post images next week.

Trenton McCarthy Cross Training with Brian Sandifer and Micheal Floyd

lil Brian and Tmac at Elite Fitness

Great workout a couple weeks ago.  Trenton McCarthy, Brian Sandifer, Lil Brain Sandifer and Michael Floyd tried their hand at boxing at the Elite Boxing and Fitness Gym in St. Paul.

Holy Angels Wins Team Championship at Tubby Smith

Trenton McCarthy and the varsity basketball team from Holy Angels won the team championship at Tubby Smith.  It was a great team effort.  Congrats to all the coaches and players.

Academy of Holy Angels 2012 Team Champions

Tyson McCarthy Scores 6 Goals at Park Center

Tyson McCarthy scored 6 goals in Rogers lacrosse game in Brooklyn Park, MN.  The team won 13-2.  Check out the pics from the game.  Congrats, Tyson.

Tyson McCarthy at Park Center

On the Bench...

Sea Devils State Champions in Long Course

Head Coaches Michelle Mix and Terri Moser

Congrats to all the swimmers who made it happen. You are the best and now you have the results that confirm what you always knew in your heart.  Here is a link to more information on  individual results.

See you in a couple weeks.

Stephen

Tyson McCarthy, the Stud Lacrosse and Hockey Player

On a personal note. Tyson, my youngest, texted me this picture while I was out of town at Five Star.  I thought you might enjoy a cool note from my family.  Have a great day.

Stephen

Tyson McCarthy, age 11, Lacrosse and Hockey Player

Images from Five Star Camp in Chicago, IL

What a great week of basketball in Chicago, IL.  I met some great people who have shaped basketball in the US for the last 40 years.  From Tony to Don Juan to the Healer, it was a fantastic week.  Here are some images of the venue and players.  And a thank you to all the athletes who put up with my jokes and competed the training.

Campers in Kerry Arena

Five star players in the field house

The beginning of a dunk in the All Star game.

Camp champions 2012 (Trenton McCarthy in the White T)

Injuries: Either Prehab or Rehab

Injuries are a part of the game, but what if you could purchase an insurance policy or training that would eliminate future injuries from happening.

Prehab programs range from dynamic warm-ups specific to gender and age to training programs that address specific needs of the individual and sport to recovery protocols that speed the process of the body recovering from training stimulus.

While we realize that you are not able to eliminate all injuries, this type of training has proven to prevent injuries from occurring. 

Here are a couple examples from real athletes:
1.  Male, age 13:
Situation: Had a small twinge in his lower back.  Not major, just once in a while.  The normal answer to these pains is to rest for a couple days and then the pain will dissipate.
Process:  After an initial appointment with Dr Sandell from Spine and Sports Institute, the diagnosis was the start of a tropism in his lower back
Solution:  Three appointments with the Doc and a specific flexibility and strength program focusing on his hips and glutes.  Three weeks later.. He was pain free and did not miss any practice time or games.

2.  Female, age 14:
Situation:  With continued rise in ACL injuries in females on the radar, an insurance policy of prehab training might be worth the time and expense.
Process: Have her complete an Athlete Functional Test with a sports physician. The test results show that she was quad dominate and has valgus knee.
Solution:  ACL prevention warm-ups and workouts twice a week and then continuing workouts specific to her needs. And best of all, no injuries to date.

Stephen McCarthy at Eden Prarie Tubby Smith Camp

We excited to announce that we have accepted a staff coaching position at the Tubby Smith Camp in Eden Prairie, MN this summer.  As one of the leading coaches in the nation, we are looking forward working his team the week of July 9-12th, 2012.

If you would like more information on how you can attend the camp, contact Stephen McCarthy at 612-741-0982.

For more information on the camp, check out the Tubby Smith Camp Website

Grassroots Hoops Club Selects The McCarthy Project

We are excited to announce that Grassroots Hoops Club has chosen The McCarthy Project for training their athletes.   We will be running a summer training program for their elite teams, as well as, consulting them on the 6 Dimension of Training.

"We are totally thrilled that Brian and his elite teams will be working with us over the summer this year.  They have had outstanding results over the last couple years, we are looking to build on that success and help them develop a more complete athlete for the next level."  Stephen McCarthy, Director of The McCarthy Project.

For more information, connect with us at 612-741-0982.

To connect with Brian Sandifer, check out the Grassroots website.

Strategic Relationships

We use and support the following companies:

1.  Spine and Sports Institute: The best sports med docs in the nation.

2.  Mental Edge: Shaun Goodsell's concepts are top notch and have proven themselves over time.
3.  CrossFitTC: Great location and great people for facilities
4.  Inov8: Leading edge barefoot technology in footwear
5.  MIchelle Mix:  Nutrition and lifestyle information that is changing people's lives
6.  MobilityWOD:  The best do-it-yourself mobility and flexibility site on the web.
7.  Five Star Basketball:  World renowned teaching and skills development for basketball
8.  Impact Lives: Ramon Pastrano's Leadership and Social Innovation programs for athletes.

Our Company History and Background

The following information is an overview of our company and our training methods since its inception in 2001.

1. History of the Company
2. Staff 
3. Training Methods 
4. Client List 
5. References

Facilities Used for Training:

CrossFitTC
6493 Sycamore Ave North
Maple Grove, MN 55369

University of St Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105


Phone: 612-741-0982

Six Dimensions of Training

Over the years, we have strived to develop a complete and comprehensive philosophy on how to develop elite performance in youth athletes.  Through many years of trial and error, as well as research,  we have landed on a some foundational concepts.  The six concepts or dimensions of training guide each decision we make, every day.

The 6 Dimensions are as follows:
1.  Training: The ability to develop all aspects of the athlete based on the individual and their sport.
2.  Sports Medicine: The understanding of current injuries, potential injuries, and how to develop programs that account for both areas.
3.  Sport Psychology: We attempt to teach our athletes "How To Think," rather than "Just Do It" because that is what we are doing. 
4.  Sport Nutrition
5.  Recovery
6.  Technology: Use of external devices to enhance the training effect. i.e. use of bands to mobilize and stretch on your own.

Then test the results, train, and test the results again.  We track performance with the following companies

1.  Spine and Sports Institute's Athlete Functional Testing:  We document current strengths and weaknesses within each athlete and prescribe the training to match your specific situation.
2.  Nike Sparq Ratings: Allows you to see how you stack up with athletes within your team, as well as, all over the nation.

For more information, contact us at 612-741-0982.

Training We Offer

At the McCarthy Project, we offer the following services:

1.  Individual Training
2.  Team Training
3.  Public Speaking

For more information, contact us at 612-741-0982

Five Star Coaches Clinic

I just returned from Springfield, MA from the Five Stare Basketball Coaches Clinic. The clinic was held at the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. It was a great day for the basketball junkie side of my life.  I sat a listened for 8 hours in one day about the diamond press, special plays, conditioning and connection with players.  Here are couple pictures from the trip. Enjoy.

Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame

Mitch Buonaguro from Siena College on Specialty Plays

Springfield College "The Birthplace of Basketball"

Statue commemorating James Naismith on Springfield's campus

The Hidden Truth of Success

I connected with an old friend this week.  Shaun Goodsell of Mental Edge.  He has been working with youth athletes for over 14 years.  He has a great new video that will assist athletes on the road of figuring out that how to develop the proper mindset to create success.

We have all seen the guy who walks into the gym who is the biggest, baddest looking guy in town, but always injured or quits when things get a little tough from him.  Well, the solution is right between his ears.

Check out Shaun's website and his new video called Staying in The Sports Zone.  It is well worth the small investment.

Personal Note: I have personally worked with Shaun over the years. He has spent countless hours working with me to change how my mind works.  You will not find a better person to walk through life in good times and when life throws you a curve ball.

Dynamic Warmup For High End Performance and Less Injuries

Over the last couple weeks, we have been working with the Spine and Sports Institute Doc's to develop ultra leading edge training programs that develop performance and prevent injury for our clients. The area we chose to focus on first was our dynamic warmup.

In the past, we have used the same generic group of dynamic movements that prepared our athletes for the workout. After a couple hours of pouring over the details and protocols, we have come up with a new dynamic warmup that will accomplish performance enhancement and prevention of injuries. The warmup will implemented over the next couple weeks.

If you would like more information on our programs, contact Stephen at 612-741-0982.

Push The Rock Summer Basketball Camps

We will be traveling to Pennsylvania with Push The Rock Ministries in July to work with basketball players.

Dates:
1. Basketball Camp (PA) July 16-20
2. Basketball Camp (PA) July 23-27

We are totally thrilled they chose us to be a part of their staff this summer. If you have any questions, give us a call at 612-741-0982.

Five Star Basketball Summer Camps

We will be coaching at the following Five Star Camps this summer:

1. Summer Camp Lewis University (IL) June 30-July 3
2. Summer Camp Lewis University (IL) July 5-8
3. Super Session Joy of the Game Gym (IL) Aug 10-12

If you are interested in attending the camps mentioned, contact Stephen McCarthy at 612-741-0982.

Nike Sparq Training

After researching numerous testing protocols, the Nike Sparq Testing and Rating System provided a testing standard in which we can show the progress each athlete makes over the span of the training.

We will be administering the Nike Sparq Test to all athletes and if desired, posting their results on the Nike site.

For more information, contact us at 612-741-0982.

Training for Individual Athletes

With the same high quality training and intensity from our team sessions, we offer individual youth athletes an opportunity to workout with their piers in a semi-private setting. We create an atmosphere of camaraderie and competition that elevates performance to a higher level.

Workouts include:

• Customized programs to meet athlete's specific needs based on the 6 Dimensions of Training
• Athlete Functional Testing
• Nike Sparq Testing and Ratings

Rates:

•  $15 per athlete, per session. Minimum 5 per session.
• Sessions are approximately 60min in duration and scheduled based on facility availability

Location:

• CrossFitTC in Maple Grove, MN

Call 612-741-0982 for questions and/or a free trail workout and consultation.

Congrats to Sea Devils Swimming

The results from the last two weeks have been nothing short of amazing. Last week alone they had 48 new champ times. All from one weekend. That is amazingly good! So congrats to the all the athletes who accomplished their goals.

Good luck at State!!

Holy Angels JV Pulls Off Overtime Thriller

Holy Angels won in overtime versus New Prague JV. Trenton McCarthy turned the game around with 2 layups and a big defensive stop to start overtime. The final score 63-60. Conner Failor scored 9 points in the first half and then the rest of the team took it home from there.

Rogers 8th Grade MSF State Champions

Congrats to Rogers 8th Grade Girls basketball team. Over the weekend, they defeated Maple Grove for the championship.








Tessa McCarthy scored in double figures and helped the team to the 38-33 victory.