The primary objective of the strength and conditioning program at the University of North Carolina is to achieve the maximal level of performance of each athlete through an aggressive approach to comprehensive training. The joint areas most susceptible to injury, muscle groups involved in the activity and stress to specific energy are the primary consideration in determining training prescriptions.
Developing linear speed, agility, range of movement, absolute strength and movement specific power will be important to every athlete. Most important, however, will be the will to accomplish an exceptional level of conditioning and mental toughness. The expression of any favorable physical attribute is impossible in a state of fatigue. Therefore we demand a high level of metabolic conditioning at the foundation of total preparation.
We believe that training at the highest level requires a year-round commitment. Our program is designed in several phases. These phases include off-season, pre-season, and in-season training periods. We use various applications of the concept of periodization and apply a wide variety of lifting techniques to accommodate specific needs. We individualize training within the framework of the general program whenever it is determined to be more beneficial to the athlete.
Work ethic, accountability, and a positive attitude are very important points in our system of evaluation. We expect our athletes to not only improve physically, but to also develop a passion for training that is equivalent to their hunger for competition. We initiate competitive situations as frequently as possible in our training program to facilitate this purpose.
