Belding Performance

What does Ipsilateral mean? | Exercise of the Week

Same arm, same leg in front.

This is probably one of the most common questions I get whenever someone sees this word in their new program.
I really like this row variation because it connects the lower and upper body. You’re working through the front heel to create a strong connection to the ground, then tying that into the upper body pull.

Coaching Notes:
Set the cable at belly button height.
Set up with the rowing-arm side leg in front.
Row the cable in a controlled manner.
Allow the opposite leg to externally rotate at the hip, then return to a neutral, athletic stance.
Focus on staying connected through the front heel as you pull.

Leah Smith did a great job staying consistent this summer as she prepares to play softball at Mercy College, where she’ll be studying Psychology.

Leah is the type of athlete who shows up every day, doesn’t complain, and simply gets her work in. That consistency and work ethic will continue to serve her well on and off the field.

Good luck Leah!

Exercise of the Week | Rotational Landmine Press

One of our more advanced landmine press variations as we transition into more specific, rotational work leading into the baseball season.

Notes:
• Work on transferring force from lower to upper body
• Coil into back hip
• Hold the bar with one hand and keep it tight to the chest without letting it drift far from the body
• Move the bar fast by exploding rotationally through the lower half
• If you don’t hear the bar and landmine attachment “click” and are using momentum instead of the lower than upper half then drop the weight down.

Athlete Spotlight | Nick Branda

To say Nick is a hard worker would be a huge understatement.
He comes in early, says hello, shakes my hand, and doesn’t stop once to look at his
phone. When he’s done, he shakes my hand, says goodbye, and walks out drenched in
sweat.
To put it simply: Nick is an absolute beast.

• Starts first year at Millbrook Prep School this fall
• 5 Seasons with PAL Junior Islanders
• 2 First Team THF selections (Tier 1 Hockey Federation)

Shane Meehan is heading into his freshman year at Stony Brook University after an incredible senior season at Sayville, where he won the Carl Yastrzemski Award.
But what stands out most about Shane has nothing to do with baseball. It’s how good of a person he is, both on and off the field.
Everyone who knows Shane knows he is genuinely one of the nicest and most mature kids you’ll ever meet. You would never know how good he is at baseball by the way he carries himself. He’s always willing to help others, takes a genuine interest in the people around him, and consistently puts others before himself.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Shane because of the little things. Every time he walks into the gym and shakes my hand, he asks how my wife and daughter are doing. It’s a small gesture, but it says a lot about the type of person he is.
We’re extremely proud of everything he’s accomplished and even more excited to see what’s ahead. Congratulations, Shane, and best of luck at Stony Brook!