When the person in question already owns a disc, Ultimate Techniques and Tactics, Nike Mercurial Vapors, and the latest UltiVillage DVD what is a smart shopper to do? What follows is a list of ultimate gifts you might not have thought about.
Books:
I cannot recommend these first two books highly enough. I have highlighted something on almost every page. Anyone who is serious about creating their own training program will love these.
1. Athletic Development: The Art & Science of Functional Sports Conditioning. by Vern Gambetta
Gambetta has over 40 years of experience coaching athletes at all levels. There is no fluff or filler in this book. Every page contains something important.
2. Optimizing Strength Training: Designing Nonlinear Periodization Workouts. by William J. Kraemer and Steven J. Fleck
This book is written by two highly respected researchers in the field of strength and conditioning. These are not fitness celebrities you will see on TV or fitness bloggers hawking products. In addition to an informative history of the field of strength training, this book presents evidence that the traditional model of periodization does not yield the best results in strength gains.
The findings presented in this book are especially relevant to ultimate because of its long season. Traditional periodization is implemented so that an athlete can peak for a certain competition. Peaking at one moment is not possible for athletes with long seasons consisting of many games. This book provides an explanation of how weight training works and how to design a nonlinear periodized program that is better for maintenance and strength gains all season long.
3a. Functional Training for Sports. by Micheal Boyle
A good source for new exercises. Good explanations of current theories in functional training.
3b. His new book is on my Christmas list!
Fitness Equipment:
4. Medicine ball
Velocity is the most important factor when doing medicine ball throws. Light weights are recommended for throwing. Here are some rough guidelines to help in your selection.
athlete’s weight –> medicine ball weight
100-135 lb = 2-3 lbs
135-175 lb = 4-5 lbs
175-200 lb = 4-7 lbs
200-250 = 6-9 lbs
Keep in mind these are guidelines and your needs may be different. When in doubt, go lighter and throw harder.
Choose a ball that bounces for throwing against walls. Choose a softer ball for throwing with a partner.
5. Jump Rope
Can’t be beat for a cheap, yet thoughtful gift!
6. Plyometrics boxes
Stackable steel boxes can be bought for under $100!
Apparel:
7. socks!
For a gift that can be both cheap and life changing got with high quality socks. I am a big fan of Nike Dri-fit socks. They are comfortable and they stay put. Should be $5-$8 per pair.
Do it yourself:
8. Emergency car kit
Show you care by creating an “emergency” car kit of non-perishable carbohydrates and protein. Don’t let your loved one arrive at practice with a fear of bonking! Don’t let her leave the parking lot without proper recovery. A tupperware container with some gatorade powder, a jar of peanut butter, and a spoon will do the trick when necessary.
9. 1000 words
Frame a large picture of your loved one in an ultimate action shot. This is something that every player wants but feels too self conscious to make for themselves.
and more…
What are your great gift ideas? What’s the best (or worst!) gift you’ve ever received from an ultimate player? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
1. UV-blocking sun shade umbrella
2. Sport-brella – available at Costco/Sam’s Club for $40 or so
3. Blue Lizard sunblock – easily the best around.
4. I really like DeFeet socks.
5. Shoe dryers help reduce cleat odor
6. Car kit. Cigaratte lighter power inverter and an FM transmitter for music.
[…] Want to know what to get that special Ultimate player this holiday season? Melissa over at Ultimate Fitness has 9 non-obvious suggestions for you. […]
No need to spend $100 on plyos boxes you can make one for the cost of a sheet of plywood with jus a couple tools. http://journal.crossfit.com/2006/09/plyo-boxes-by-lincoln-brigham-1.tpl
Been meaning to get Boyle’s book for a while; your post finally prompted me to go for it – thanks!
Just got it and the nonlinear periodization book yesterday – both look like they’ll see heavy use soon as I start planning out my late off-season/pre-season program.
I’ve had Vern’s Athletic Development for a while now; really great resource, though I will say that it’s much more useful for a coach or someone who plans to train a team than it is for the individual (though there’s certainly plenty a solo trainee can get from it). His blog is also a great add to the feed reader for continual reminders on the basic values any good coach should emphasize.
I also really like Gray Cook’s Athletic Body in Balance for self- (but especially other) evaluation and corrective work to iron out imbalances, and Rip’s Starting Strength and Practical Programming for Strength Training for a nice no-nonsense introduction to strength training.
[…] blog and Ultimate Results for some great information and ultimate application. I Like the post on holiday gifts for the ultimate player – the books are gems (I’ve added a few more recommendations in the comments as […]
Haven’t read Kraemer & Fleck but Vladimir Zatsiorsky & William Kraemer’s book is on my bookshelf now.
Other gift ideas, besides the ones here on UltiTraining.com for Gift Guide 2010 would be Patagonia Ultimate shorts, a copy of _Advanced Sports Nutrition_, or Gray Cook’s new Movement book.
I confess I got it signed by Gray but haven’t finished reading it yet!
~Leslie / UltiTraining.com
Colin, how could I have forgotten about the Sport-brella!!! I totally want one.
And Richard, I would gladly spend $100 to not have to play with powertools, but to each their own. 🙂 Way to take the “Do it yourself” category up a notch!
Many great ideas here from everyone. thanks!