The rotator cuff is the network of four muscles and several tendons that form a covering around the top of the upper arm bone (humerus). These muscles form a cover around the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff holds the humerus in place in the shoulder joint and enables the arm to rotate.
A tear can occur within the muscle. The rotator cuff can be torn from a single traumatic injury. Most tears, however, are the result of overuse of these muscles and tendons over a period of years. People who are especially at risk for overuse are those who engage in repetitive overhead motions. These include participants in sports such as baseball, tennis, weight lifting, and rowing.
The most common repair is arthroscopic. During this procedure a fiber optic scope and small, pencil-sized instruments are inserted through small incisions instead of a large incision. The arthroscope is connected to a television monitor and the surgeon can perform the repair under video control.
An animation of the surgery can be viewed at: http://kurzweilmd.com/animation1.html.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 2, 2008
Balk
Mission Viejo, Calif. - Balk Costs Kinder a medal.
A balk was called against Sara Kinder on her third dive at the State Diving Championships Thursday, at Saddleback College. The Balk, by rule a 2 pt penalty per judge, cost 20.4 pts in her total score. Sara finished with 129.7 pts and in 11th place with the balk - without it - a score of 150.1 and a medal with All American Honors. The Balk was caused by a person yelling her name just as she began her motion. This ill timed outburst did cause a moment of hesitation and distraction which cost her 20.4 pts. Time for ear plugs.
April 19th, 2008Torrance, Calif. - Cypress sent one female diver to the Southern California Dive competition Saturday. Freshman Sara Kinder represented the Chargers and ended the day with an invitation to the State Championships. Kinder competed in the 1 Meter dive and finished with a score of 137.25. Her score was good enough for third in the Orange Empire Conference and fifth overall in Southern California. Her fifth place finish qualifies her for the State Championships. Kinder has a couple weeks to prepare for the State Championships which begin Thursday May 1st at Saddleback.
A balk was called against Sara Kinder on her third dive at the State Diving Championships Thursday, at Saddleback College. The Balk, by rule a 2 pt penalty per judge, cost 20.4 pts in her total score. Sara finished with 129.7 pts and in 11th place with the balk - without it - a score of 150.1 and a medal with All American Honors. The Balk was caused by a person yelling her name just as she began her motion. This ill timed outburst did cause a moment of hesitation and distraction which cost her 20.4 pts. Time for ear plugs.
April 19th, 2008Torrance, Calif. - Cypress sent one female diver to the Southern California Dive competition Saturday. Freshman Sara Kinder represented the Chargers and ended the day with an invitation to the State Championships. Kinder competed in the 1 Meter dive and finished with a score of 137.25. Her score was good enough for third in the Orange Empire Conference and fifth overall in Southern California. Her fifth place finish qualifies her for the State Championships. Kinder has a couple weeks to prepare for the State Championships which begin Thursday May 1st at Saddleback.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Playoff Time
Amateur baseball at every level is winding down throughout the nation. High Schools, Community Colleges, NAIA and NCAA Colleges are all coming to the end of their regular seasons. The top end teams are in a tough battle for league or conference championships; the middle teams are scrambling to get into the playoffs and the bottom end teams are already looking toward next year.
The “Playoffs”, are commonly referred to as, “The Second Season“. A chance to play the game a little longer and compete for a more prestigious championship. However, the prevailing attitude that, no matter what the season has been like - that somehow, “now” a team can turn it around in the playoffs, is usually wishful thinking.
Teams, like individuals, have identities, strengths and weaknesses which have been revealed during the regular season of competition. The playoffs will magnify those characteristics and reveal a teams true leadership, resolve and character. Being successful in the playoffs will always come down to: 1) good pitching, 2) solid defense, 3) timely hitting and 4) coaching that understands the moment. If this truly sounds like your club then good things will happen.
Good luck to all and “May the force be with you“.
The “Playoffs”, are commonly referred to as, “The Second Season“. A chance to play the game a little longer and compete for a more prestigious championship. However, the prevailing attitude that, no matter what the season has been like - that somehow, “now” a team can turn it around in the playoffs, is usually wishful thinking.
Teams, like individuals, have identities, strengths and weaknesses which have been revealed during the regular season of competition. The playoffs will magnify those characteristics and reveal a teams true leadership, resolve and character. Being successful in the playoffs will always come down to: 1) good pitching, 2) solid defense, 3) timely hitting and 4) coaching that understands the moment. If this truly sounds like your club then good things will happen.
Good luck to all and “May the force be with you“.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Ump
The difference between victory and defeat in the game of Baseball can be inches. Off the glove, off the plate, off the wall, just fair, called third…These are just a few examples of how the game can be decided.
While baseball fans usually forgive a player for striking out, they seldom excuse an ump that appears to blow a call. A missed third strike, a foul ball that looked like it might have been fair or a close play at the plate are just a few of the ways the men in blue can elicit jeers, boos, or the familiar comment, "Are you blind?" While instant replay usually reveals the wisdom of a call, it can add fuel to the fire. The only consolation that today’s umps have is that for every close call they make, only half the fans will be irate. The rest will be elated.
On July 24, 1983, the Royals' George Brett hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead over the Yankees. New York protested, claiming that the pine tar on Brett's bat extended up the handle more than the legal 18 inches. The men in blue agreed; home plate umpire Tim McClelland after conferring with Joe Brinkman, found that the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the allowed limit of 18 inches, and Brett was called out, giving the Yankees a 4-3 victory. It was the correct call, but American League President Lee MacPhail, thinking the pine tar rule silly, overturned Brinkman's decision four days later. The two teams assembled in New York on August 18 to finish the ninth inning and the yanks failed to score. So 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours and 14 minutes after it began, the Royals won the game for good - proving sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrong.
While baseball fans usually forgive a player for striking out, they seldom excuse an ump that appears to blow a call. A missed third strike, a foul ball that looked like it might have been fair or a close play at the plate are just a few of the ways the men in blue can elicit jeers, boos, or the familiar comment, "Are you blind?" While instant replay usually reveals the wisdom of a call, it can add fuel to the fire. The only consolation that today’s umps have is that for every close call they make, only half the fans will be irate. The rest will be elated.
On July 24, 1983, the Royals' George Brett hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth to give Kansas City a 5-4 lead over the Yankees. New York protested, claiming that the pine tar on Brett's bat extended up the handle more than the legal 18 inches. The men in blue agreed; home plate umpire Tim McClelland after conferring with Joe Brinkman, found that the pine tar on Brett's bat exceeded the allowed limit of 18 inches, and Brett was called out, giving the Yankees a 4-3 victory. It was the correct call, but American League President Lee MacPhail, thinking the pine tar rule silly, overturned Brinkman's decision four days later. The two teams assembled in New York on August 18 to finish the ninth inning and the yanks failed to score. So 3 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours and 14 minutes after it began, the Royals won the game for good - proving sometimes, even when you’re right, you’re wrong.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Matter of Prespective
Delivering in the clutch is something all spectators root for during the struggle of an athletic contest. Witnessing a two out - two strike - RBI single, in the bottom of the ninth to win, is electrifying. However, what exactly happened? Did the pitcher make a great/bad pitch? - Did the hitter make a great/poor swing? There are two sides to every event. Most people, including some coaches, tend to evaluate the outcome rather than the effort. This usually results in praise for success and criticism for failure.
Focusing strictly on the outcome does not always tell the complete story. One could miss the life lesson to be taught: that it is possible to do everything right and still not get the desired result. Example: a pitcher, with game on the line, in the bottom of the ninth, hits his spot, against a tough hitter, who fights off an inside pitch and shoves it into right field for the game winning hit. Both have executed their job but only one received the desired outcome.
Good coaches instinctively recognize the moment by going to their pitcher to pick him up. Even recognizing his execution with game on the line. Why? Because they realize this situation could happen again down the road. Making the choice to remain positive instead of focusing on the loss or finding someone to blame is keeping ones perspective on the “Big Picture”, your player and the team.
Remember, when you judge another person, you do not define them, you define yourself.
Focusing strictly on the outcome does not always tell the complete story. One could miss the life lesson to be taught: that it is possible to do everything right and still not get the desired result. Example: a pitcher, with game on the line, in the bottom of the ninth, hits his spot, against a tough hitter, who fights off an inside pitch and shoves it into right field for the game winning hit. Both have executed their job but only one received the desired outcome.
Good coaches instinctively recognize the moment by going to their pitcher to pick him up. Even recognizing his execution with game on the line. Why? Because they realize this situation could happen again down the road. Making the choice to remain positive instead of focusing on the loss or finding someone to blame is keeping ones perspective on the “Big Picture”, your player and the team.
Remember, when you judge another person, you do not define them, you define yourself.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Quicksand in Athletics
In the film, "The Replacements", Gene Hackman asked his team of replacement players what they feared the most about playing professional football. One of the responses was "quicksand." Quicksand, as described by Keanu Reeves in the film, is what every athlete fears most - that helpless feeling of compounding one mistake after another, sinking deeper and deeper until you’re in over your head - like quicksand.
In the recent NCAA Final Four Basketball Playoffs, both UCLA and North Carolina experienced that feeling of being in quicksand. The teams played hard, each battled to within striking distance only to be pushed back at every turn. Neither team shot well nor seemed to catch a break but continued to fight. Both Memphis and Kansas played fearless for the entire game creating a feeling of concern and even panic in the minds of their opponents. As a result, opposing players began to try too hard, do too much, take the game on themselves, while others silently disappeared or became ineffective to the point where they added to their own demise.
Everyone makes mistakes, anyone can have a bad day or a bad game. The true test of being in quicksand, is how one handles it. UCLA and North Carolina displayed courage and class both during and after their games.(more than can be said for the sports writers who carved them up the next day to sell paper.) Both programs will learn from this experience and this setback will only make them stronger.
Quicksand can be experienced at every level and in every sport. The secret to overcoming it is to relax, stay within yourself, believe in your abilities and your teammates. The more one struggles the deeper one will sink. Remember, one game (good or bad) does not define a team or a player but one game can reveal, as well as build, character.
In the recent NCAA Final Four Basketball Playoffs, both UCLA and North Carolina experienced that feeling of being in quicksand. The teams played hard, each battled to within striking distance only to be pushed back at every turn. Neither team shot well nor seemed to catch a break but continued to fight. Both Memphis and Kansas played fearless for the entire game creating a feeling of concern and even panic in the minds of their opponents. As a result, opposing players began to try too hard, do too much, take the game on themselves, while others silently disappeared or became ineffective to the point where they added to their own demise.
Everyone makes mistakes, anyone can have a bad day or a bad game. The true test of being in quicksand, is how one handles it. UCLA and North Carolina displayed courage and class both during and after their games.(more than can be said for the sports writers who carved them up the next day to sell paper.) Both programs will learn from this experience and this setback will only make them stronger.
Quicksand can be experienced at every level and in every sport. The secret to overcoming it is to relax, stay within yourself, believe in your abilities and your teammates. The more one struggles the deeper one will sink. Remember, one game (good or bad) does not define a team or a player but one game can reveal, as well as build, character.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Winning Championships
Why do some schools win more than others? Why are some programs always winning championships while others win once in their history? The answer is pure and simple: talent, hard work, execution and coaching. Can any team win on any given day without all these factors? Yes. Can any team win a championship without them? Absolutely not! Talent alone is not enough. During the recent NCAA tournament many talented teams were defeated early while others rose to prominence. What happened? Hard work, execution and excellent coaching sent those teams home.
Execution and hard work are crucial to winning a championship. Whether it is breaking a press in basketball, hitting the outside pitch to the opposite field or throwing the baseball across the diamond, one must be able to execute or lose. Remember, there are two ways of overcoming difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to overcome them. Teams that win consistently, find a way to execute a plan to overcome the difficulties, while others, find themselves watching those who do. Darren Collison, UCLA point guard puts it this way. “My job is to help my team win,” Collison said. “Regardless of what anybody else says, I’ve still got to go out and prove that we’re the best team. It’s not about individual performance or me trying to show someone up, it’s about the team.”
Finally, consistency in winning always comes down to coaching. The elite coaches have an instinct of always putting their teams and players in a position to be successful. The preparation is done ahead of time so there is no second thought come crunch time. Players believe they will win because they have been prepared for success and not set up for failure due to lack of anticipation or preparation. Ben Howland said of his teams win over Xavier, "That's a real credit to how good our players are and how well they perform under pressure. I think this is, by far, the best team in the last three years."
UCLA is only the third team to reach three consecutive Final Fours since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
Xavier coach Sean Miller said of Ben Howland's team, “They really had a way about them, as if they had been there before. Very patient on offense, they don’t crack easily, or flinch."
Winning does take talent but winning Championships takes execution, hard work and good coaching!
Execution and hard work are crucial to winning a championship. Whether it is breaking a press in basketball, hitting the outside pitch to the opposite field or throwing the baseball across the diamond, one must be able to execute or lose. Remember, there are two ways of overcoming difficulties: you alter the difficulties, or you alter yourself to overcome them. Teams that win consistently, find a way to execute a plan to overcome the difficulties, while others, find themselves watching those who do. Darren Collison, UCLA point guard puts it this way. “My job is to help my team win,” Collison said. “Regardless of what anybody else says, I’ve still got to go out and prove that we’re the best team. It’s not about individual performance or me trying to show someone up, it’s about the team.”
Finally, consistency in winning always comes down to coaching. The elite coaches have an instinct of always putting their teams and players in a position to be successful. The preparation is done ahead of time so there is no second thought come crunch time. Players believe they will win because they have been prepared for success and not set up for failure due to lack of anticipation or preparation. Ben Howland said of his teams win over Xavier, "That's a real credit to how good our players are and how well they perform under pressure. I think this is, by far, the best team in the last three years."
UCLA is only the third team to reach three consecutive Final Fours since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1985.
Xavier coach Sean Miller said of Ben Howland's team, “They really had a way about them, as if they had been there before. Very patient on offense, they don’t crack easily, or flinch."
Winning does take talent but winning Championships takes execution, hard work and good coaching!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Raising Concerns
All too often, parents become emotionally upset at a perceived injustice toward their son or daughter by, "the coach." As a high school athletic director, I have seen and heard my share of this primal instinct. All parents have a natural drive to protect their kids from any injustice, but when it comes to athletics most go about it all wrong or not at all. Before I offer a direction to proceed, let’s look at what one can and can not control.
Parents can not control: 1) who the school has chosen as the coach 2) how an athlete is developed 3) the coach’s evaluations 4) how playing time is relegated 5) who comes off the bench 6) the after game talk or any thing related to coaching. COACHES COACH.
Parents can control: 1) their attitude 2) tongue 3) support of their athlete and 4) the method/timing of raising concerns. If the first three are done in a positive and uplifting way, then the concerns should be received positively as well. Like most everything in life, timing is crucial. Therefore, never approach a coach after a loss and never out of the blue, as you may find those concerns falling on deaf ears.
Most parents tend to view circumstances involving their athletes through colored glasses. Coaches, in most cases, have no parental connection to the team and therefore should be more objective. However, if this is not the case and intervention seems necessary, I have always advised parents to seek resolution through the following chain of command: 1) parent to coach, 2) parent to athletic director and lastly 3) parent to principal.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, "The doors of wisdom are never shut." As members of a small community like a team, adults should be able to communicate with each other to resolve issues. If you find the doors closed to your concerns, then wisdom may not be present.
Parents can not control: 1) who the school has chosen as the coach 2) how an athlete is developed 3) the coach’s evaluations 4) how playing time is relegated 5) who comes off the bench 6) the after game talk or any thing related to coaching. COACHES COACH.
Parents can control: 1) their attitude 2) tongue 3) support of their athlete and 4) the method/timing of raising concerns. If the first three are done in a positive and uplifting way, then the concerns should be received positively as well. Like most everything in life, timing is crucial. Therefore, never approach a coach after a loss and never out of the blue, as you may find those concerns falling on deaf ears.
Most parents tend to view circumstances involving their athletes through colored glasses. Coaches, in most cases, have no parental connection to the team and therefore should be more objective. However, if this is not the case and intervention seems necessary, I have always advised parents to seek resolution through the following chain of command: 1) parent to coach, 2) parent to athletic director and lastly 3) parent to principal.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, "The doors of wisdom are never shut." As members of a small community like a team, adults should be able to communicate with each other to resolve issues. If you find the doors closed to your concerns, then wisdom may not be present.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Team Chemistry
"United we stand, divided we fall." "All for one and one for all!" These are age old expressions of team unity. This dynamic process, which occurs when a team sticks together in pursuit of its goals, is an extremely important variable in the quest for athletic success. Success, especially in tough situations, is directly related to the type of chemistry that exists within the team. Just as important, when evaluating team chemistry, is the level of satisfaction and personal well-being that each member feels as a result of inclusion to his/her role on the team. Also, players need to feel that others on the team (including coaches) trust them or "have their back." This trust will cease to develop if one does not work to provide consistent feedback to each athlete.
John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored coaches in our nations history. Although he won many Championships, it wasn't winning games that drove him. It was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities, together. He also had a personal connection to each player's value, worth and role on his teams. Wooden's famous "Pyrimad of Success" was not just a formula for winning, but for character and chemistry as well. Great team chemistry, more often than not, has been the common denominator for coaches in their championship seasons. Dean Smith stated, "I think a very underrated part of championship teams is team chemistry."
Coaches need to make an undying commitment to helping their players grow as students and as individuals, in addition to helping them improve on the field. They should coach with a vision for success for each athlete and for the team, but always keep each game in the proper perspective. With that in mind, what’s more important: team goals, individual improvement or team chemistry?
The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!
John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored coaches in our nations history. Although he won many Championships, it wasn't winning games that drove him. It was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities, together. He also had a personal connection to each player's value, worth and role on his teams. Wooden's famous "Pyrimad of Success" was not just a formula for winning, but for character and chemistry as well. Great team chemistry, more often than not, has been the common denominator for coaches in their championship seasons. Dean Smith stated, "I think a very underrated part of championship teams is team chemistry."
Coaches need to make an undying commitment to helping their players grow as students and as individuals, in addition to helping them improve on the field. They should coach with a vision for success for each athlete and for the team, but always keep each game in the proper perspective. With that in mind, what’s more important: team goals, individual improvement or team chemistry?
The correct answer is ALL OF THE ABOVE!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Player Development
Coaching involves many different aspects related to the team, its players and the game. Without a doubt the most valuable legacy any coach can give to each of his players is their development. Developing a players confidence, skill level, knowledge and performance, is the trade mark of a good coach.
The elite coaches take pride in player development which is often reveled by their preparation for obstacles before they happen. Therefore, when they do occur, the work has already been done and the players are ready to perform. These coaches understand the importance of developing each member of a team for the long run. As, "Iron sharpens iron," so player development improves the team and keeps each member sharp.
Joe Paterno stated, "The desire to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." The difference between winning and losing is not about good players, teams lose with good players. What it takes to win are interested players, committed to work for coaches who
are committed to their development. The final testament of player development is in the conviction and will of the team to carry on as changes occur. How well any team improves speaks volumes about player development.
A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are. - Ara Parasheghian,
The elite coaches take pride in player development which is often reveled by their preparation for obstacles before they happen. Therefore, when they do occur, the work has already been done and the players are ready to perform. These coaches understand the importance of developing each member of a team for the long run. As, "Iron sharpens iron," so player development improves the team and keeps each member sharp.
Joe Paterno stated, "The desire to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." The difference between winning and losing is not about good players, teams lose with good players. What it takes to win are interested players, committed to work for coaches who
are committed to their development. The final testament of player development is in the conviction and will of the team to carry on as changes occur. How well any team improves speaks volumes about player development.
A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are. - Ara Parasheghian,
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Slump
“I’ve had slumps last all winter” Bob Uecker
Every ballplayer at some point in his career goes through a slump. Vance Law described it as, “The field looking like one big glove and everything I hit goes right into it”. The slump is often referred to as being, “Snake Bit”. For this reason, some ball players have been known to carry anti venom in their travel bags to cure the dreaded curse. Still others, like Yogi Berra, refused to admit their bad luck: “Slump? I ain’t in no slump….I’m just not hitting”. Even the great Mickey Mantle dealt with it. Mickey stated, “During my 18 years I came to bat 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. Figuring a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball”. That should put it in perspective. Thanks Mick.
The slump is not always related to a flaw in your technique. One’s troubles may have something to do with the guy on the mound. Making adjustments to what he is doing is important to your success as well. The best way to handle a slump is to: 1) realize everyone goes through it, 2) keep faith in your ability, even when others may want to reinvent your swing and 3) go back to the basics. Hitting is an art, but it is not an exact science. Timing, feel, confidence and hard work are the intangibles that every good hitter needs to put his technique into action and break out of the slump. Consider this basic thought.
"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." Tommy Lasorda
Every ballplayer at some point in his career goes through a slump. Vance Law described it as, “The field looking like one big glove and everything I hit goes right into it”. The slump is often referred to as being, “Snake Bit”. For this reason, some ball players have been known to carry anti venom in their travel bags to cure the dreaded curse. Still others, like Yogi Berra, refused to admit their bad luck: “Slump? I ain’t in no slump….I’m just not hitting”. Even the great Mickey Mantle dealt with it. Mickey stated, “During my 18 years I came to bat 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. Figuring a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball”. That should put it in perspective. Thanks Mick.
The slump is not always related to a flaw in your technique. One’s troubles may have something to do with the guy on the mound. Making adjustments to what he is doing is important to your success as well. The best way to handle a slump is to: 1) realize everyone goes through it, 2) keep faith in your ability, even when others may want to reinvent your swing and 3) go back to the basics. Hitting is an art, but it is not an exact science. Timing, feel, confidence and hard work are the intangibles that every good hitter needs to put his technique into action and break out of the slump. Consider this basic thought.
"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." Tommy Lasorda
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