Roger Brown
nhfootbalreport.com

Your football season is complete. Now what?

If you plan to play again next season, whether it be at the high school or college level, you should probably continue you athletic training. The Next Level Sports Training owner/director Darrin Nicoli said the importance of offseason training cannot be overstated.

"Everyone knows the saying that championships are made in the offseason," Nicoli said. "Everyone has heard that saying because it's true. That's why pro and top college programs all have very strict offseason strength and speed programs.

"No matter how much talent you have, it will only get you so far. Improving your speed and athletic strength will take you to a whole new level. When the best college players are asked what the biggest change was going from high school to college they always answer with two things: The players are bigger and faster and the off season training was something they weren't ready for."

Nicoli said even high school football players who play another varsity sport should continue to train in the offseason.

"Yes, they should still train," he said. "In-season training for their sport will help them maintain their strength and speed and, in most cases, make improvements without negatively effecting their current sport."

Nicoli, who recently moved his facility to Hampton, provides training tailored for athletes. He said he places an emphasis on athletic strength, as opposed to what he called body builder strength.

"There is a very big difference," he said. "We do not use any machines that you see at the local franchised fitness center. In sports you never isolate individual muscles and all of your strength needs to include balance and stability.

"Our training is specific to athletes and translates directly to the speed and strength you need in the game. We work on speed, agility, power, balance and stability, core strength and much more."

The Next Level Sports Training is offering a free week of training for potential new members through the first two weeks of December. Those interested can register on The Next Level Sports Training website www.thenextlevelsportstraining.com.

Nicoli said he can come up with a training program based on an individual's sport and position. He works with athletes ages 8 and up, and offers both Junior Athlete and Total Athlete programs, as well programs for adult cross training.

He also runs football camps and QB/Receiver Clinics.

"The Junior Athlete program is designed specifically for what the younger athletes' needs are," he saidd "Our Total Athlete program is for ages 12 and up.

"Coaches are welcome to come check us out and teams can come here and train together."

Those who have questions can contact Nicoli at darrin@thenextlevelsportstraining.com.