The Bolt is Back!
Ben Herbert, the newly appointed head strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, brings a comprehensive approach to football training that emphasizes the physical and mental fortitude required to excel in the NFL. His philosophy, honed through years of experience at the collegiate level, is now set to invigorate the Chargers under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh.
A Holistic Approach to Training
Herbert’s methodology extends beyond the weight room. He believes in the power of mental training, which he values even more than the physical aspect[4]. His success with the Michigan Wolverines, where he helped topple Ohio State en route to back-to-back Big Ten Championships, is a testament to his focus on mental toughness and consistency[4]. Herbert’s father, a model of unwavering consistency, instilled in him the belief that showing up every day and being the same person is paramount to success[4].
Embracing Innovation
In an ever-evolving sport, Herbert is not one to shy away from new tools and technologies that can enhance a player’s capabilities. He is always looking for effective ways to improve physical and mental abilities, ensuring that the Chargers will benefit from cutting-edge scientific advancements paired with old-school discipline[5].
Building Trust and Understanding
A critical aspect of Herbert’s role is building trust with the players. He understands that a performance coach does not get second chances when establishing relationships[5]. His approach is straightforward: if he is certain about something that can help a player or the team, he will share that knowledge. This transparency and certainty are crucial in creating a clean training environment where players thrive.
The Importance of Specificity
Herbert has identified several areas of the body that he deems the ‘most vulnerable’ for football players: the head, shoulders, hips, and ankles[5]. He believes the likelihood of injuries can be decreased by focusing on strengthening these specific areas. This targeted approach to training is part of his broader player-performance strategy, which includes making players ‘harder to break,’ ensuring consistency, paying attention to detail, maintaining emotional stability, and, of course, getting bigger, faster, and stronger[5].
The Harbaugh-Herbert Connection
The relationship between Herbert and Coach Harbaugh is built on a shared commitment to the game of football. Harbaugh’s trust in Herbert and the empowerment of his staff to execute their vision is significant[5]. Their collaboration at Michigan led to a national-championship-caliber program, and they aim to replicate that success with the Chargers.
Conclusion
Ben Herbert’s arrival in Los Angeles signals a new era for the Chargers, where strength and conditioning are not just about lifting weights but about fostering an environment of growth, resilience, and excellence. With a focus on emotional stability, consistency, and meticulous attention to detail, Herbert is poised to strengthen the Bolts in every sense of the word. His partnership with Jim Harbaugh is a union of two football minds dedicated to building a team that is as mentally tough as physically formidable.
Citations:
[1] https://www.maizenbrew.com/2024/1/29/24054210/michigan-wolverines-college-football-ben-herbert-leaving-jim-harbaugh-nfl-los-angeles-chargers
[2] https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/football/a-workout-with-ben-herbertlifts-and-lessons-with-michigan-strength-coach-ben-herbert/
[3] https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2018/05/michigan_footballs_ben_herbert.html
[4] https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/why-strength-coach-ben-herbert-is-michigan-footballs-ultimate-weapon
[5] https://theathletic.com/5387268/2024/04/02/chargers-notebook-ben-herbert-vision/
[6] https://michigan.rivals.com/news/ben-herbert-on-michigan-s-plan-for-training-under-unique-circumstances
[7] https://www.championshipproductions.com/cgi-bin/champ/p/Football/Michigan-Football-Series-45-Exercises-to-Build-Strength-Stability-Power_FD-05567L.html
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPc0LgvxRnU
[9] https://footballscoop.com/news/michigan-strength-coach-ben-herbert-following-jim-harbaugh-to-los-angeles-justin-tress-promoted
[10] https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/ben-herbert/5907
[11] https://twitter.com/alexinsdorf99/status/1775259669453553995
[12] https://247sports.com/college/michigan/article/mike-morris-reveals-how-ben-herberts-workout-strategy-improves-michigan-football–206759420/
[13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvkU9ZHSPys
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEReBPZD30
[15] https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/nfl/2024/01/31/football-nfl-chargers-ucla-notre-dame-penn-state-kansas/stories/202402050001
[16] https://www.chargers.com/video/ben-herbert-press-conference-phase-one-day-1-2024
[17] https://mgoblue.com/watch/series/michigan-made-football
[18] https://www.chargers.com/news/ben-herbert-chargers-offseason-program-jim-harbaugh
[19] https://247sports.com/college/michigan/article/mike-morris-reveals-how-ben-herberts-workout-strategy-improves-m-206759420/
[20] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGYB0TOnTWk
