The Universal Athletic Position allows for efficiency of movement. Join Nick to learn more about this position and its relationship to Netball. Nettyheads are coaching specialists in NSW, Australia.
Corrective exercise and performance enhancement specialists consider this position vital to athletic movement. All athletes, no matter the sport, should learn this stance.
“Being proficient with this setup is a necessity for athletes to reach their full athletic potential,” According to Drew Walsh from 'Dick's Sporting goods. Walsh says. “If proper mechanics are overlooked, we then create poor habits and movement patterns.”
HOW TO GET INTO THE UNIVERSAL ATHLETIC POSITION
Begin by standing in an athletic stance with your feet slightly outside your shoulders. Attempt to evenly distribute your weight through your midfoot. Once you’re in position, follow these steps:
- Drive your hips straight back. Your chest should lean slightly forward.
- Bend your knees until your shoulders are in line with your toes.
- Fully extend your arms, aligning them with your torso.
- Bring your shoulder blades down and back.
- Hold this position while maintaining a flat back. Remember to shift your weight through your midfoot.
Walsh notes that understanding the universal athletic position can lead to more advanced, intricate movements to further your training. “Once this setup is mastered, athletes can progress to more complex movements to maximize transfer to all strength training, movement mechanics and sports-specific tasks, while also enhancing performance and helping to reduce risk of injury,” he says.
WSNet & NETBALLMoJo
- WSNet's work in Africa - HERE
- International Netball Federation - #CreatingChoices programme - HERE
- NETBALLMoJo - written by key contributors around the world is designed to help girls overcome many of the issues they face in both western and 'third world' communities starting out in netball. More info Order you copy here - www.wsnet.co.uk/netballmojo
- Netball Australia Knee P:rogramme - https://knee.netball.com.au/junior/
International – we’re currently working to get NETBALLMoJo translated (into Zulu, Xhosa, Swahili etc.) and digitised. Keen to work with UK NGBs and International Federations to help get the ‘Empowerment through Sport’ message across. Digital editions can be distributed virtually free (e.g. 50 Rupees) and delivered directly, circumventing local (often misogynistic) prejudices – we believe that gives WSNet a unique momentum that can really change the lives of girls in both western and 'third world' countries. If you can help please email paul.r@wsnet.co.uk with your interest.
Background to Women’s Sports Network
Is a self-funded, cooperative network of groups and individuals working independently as associates and part-time volunteers. It is a not-for-profit community approaching one hundred thousand worldwide. Crystallising the issues & coordinating opportunities around WomenSport & Fitness by working in partnership with commercial/NGBs/educational/Charity organisations to raise the profile of WomenSport & SportsWomen. Advocating better access to Sport/FITNess, alleviating gender-bias and empowering women & girls through sport & fitness in their everyday lives.
