In the competitive world of Australian Rules Football, every player understands the crucial role recovery plays in maintaining top-notch performance. Optimize Athlete Recovery Performance Harry Sheezel, a Medium Defender at North Melbourne knows this better than most. With years of experience under his belt, he has honed a set of recovery methods that have proven instrumental in keeping him at the peak of his game. Optimize Athlete Recovery Performance.
Harry is one of the most recognized upcoming AFL players in the 2022 draft. Not only an elite football player, he loves hanging out with his family and friends and playing golf.
- Local Club: Ajax FC
- Nab League Club: Sandringham Dragons
- Team He Barracks for Hawthorn
Highlights of the episode:
- Harry’s fave recovery methods
- The key areas Harry focuses on when playing as a speed forward
- Why focusing on your strengths as a player is so critical
- Why Harry values training smart and quality of training over volume
- Tips for footballers to boost their confidence and the ability to reset during games
Infrared Sauna: A Game-Changer
One of Sheezel’s go-to recovery tools is the infrared sauna, a practice he swears by for its transformative effects on his body. Multiple times a week, he steps into his own at-home sauna, letting the deep-penetrating heat work its magic. This powerful therapy aids in flushing out toxins, promoting blood circulation, and alleviating muscle soreness – all key components in a successful recovery routine.
Post-Game Massages: The Ultimate Reset
After the final whistle blows, Sheezel doesn’t waste any time in prioritizing his body’s recuperation. Post-game massages have become a non-negotiable in his regimen. This targeted therapy targets specific muscle groups, ensuring they receive the attention and care they need to bounce back quickly. It’s this level of commitment to recovery that enables Sheezel to hit the training ground with renewed vigor, week after week.
Agility, Decision-Making, and Gym Work
When asked about his remarkable agility and decision-making skills on the field, Sheezel attributes them to years of dedication and practice. These are talents that he began honing in his Junior career, recognizing their immense value in his role as a Medium Defender. Additionally, he emphasizes the impact of gym work, with a special focus on agility and power training. This comprehensive approach has fortified his performance and made him a standout player in the league.
Playing to Strengths: A Lesson from the Dragons
Joining the Dragons taught Sheezel a crucial lesson: the power of playing to one’s strengths. Instead of trying to be a jack-of-all-trades, he discovered that exceptional strengths are what set players apart from the rest of the cohort. This revelation has informed his approach to training and has undoubtedly been a contributing factor to his success on the field.
The Smart Training Philosophy
Sheezel’s journey has not been without its challenges, one of the most significant being stress fractures. In overcoming this obstacle, he learned the importance of training with intelligence. Quality triumphs over quantity, and he advises against the temptation of multiple sessions a day. Instead, he advocates for meticulous planning, adequate recovery time, and supplementary activities like Pilates to maintain strength and consistency.
In conclusion, Harry Sheezel’s approach to athlete recovery is a masterclass in balance and strategy. His reliance on the infrared sauna, targeted massages, and intelligent training methods provides a blueprint for athletes looking to elevate their performance and extend their careers. By focusing on strengths and prioritizing quality over quantity, Sheezel’s methods have not only propelled him to success but also served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
People mentioned:
- David ButtifantÂ
- Jackson Kornberg
- Lance Franklin
- David Francis
- Jack Scrimshaw
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Jack McLean is the founder of Prepare Like a Pro. He loves coaching people so that they can reach their personal/professional goals and become the best that they can possibly be. He is currently the Strength & Rehab Coach of Melbourne Football Club and has worked as Strength & Conditioning Coach at Hawthorn Football Club. Jack is a Level 3 Australian Strength & Conditioning Association and Professional Coach and a Level 1 Australian Weightlifting Federation Coach.