THE FINISHER

	There comes a time when athletes must understand that the mental aspects of the game far exceed the demands of the physical.  Physical prowess alone is nothing without the driver behind it.  And that driver must be willing to push beyond limits thought possible.
	In other words, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.  Many never know just how tough they are or how tough they can become simply because they never search the boundaries.
	If athletes simply quit at the first onset of pain or discomfort, then true abilities will remain dormant and the mental aspects required for winning in elite competition will never be developed.
	And so one of our favorite exercises designed to separate the weak from the strong is named THE FINISHER.  This is the penultimate exercise, done after we’ve already emptied our tanks in the more technical routines, with one goal –who will finish?
	Suited with a weighted vest of 20 to 40 pounds and sticky rubber floors, the athletes must keep the hips low, back straight and arms extended while they race down the floor as fast as possible.
	If they begin too slowly they won’t build up the momentum necessary to keep the 45 pound plate in motion.  If the arms bend too much the shoulders and triceps get blasted and tire out too soon.
	If the athletes' hips are too high they’ll get "stuck in mud."  This forces the intensity level while establishing explosive hip drive and incredible anaerobic base.
	For an added dimension we give a specified time to complete the distance down and back the gym floor based on bodyweight and position.
	Come game time when things are down to who wants it the most, we hope to know in advance who will be able to Dig Deep and finish the job with heads held high.  I know these two will be counted on. Athletes: Trace Ancona & Cordell Smith