Dolphins turn to martial arts for new training regimen

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Tuesday, June 09, 2009  |  Comments( 1 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins are taking a unique route toward their training methods this offseason, incorporating a martial arts routine. As Miami prepares for a grueling schedule, any advantage it can earn would be a welcome addition.

There are several aspects of martial arts that could prove to be beneficial on the football field. Explosiveness, combat hand techniques and a host of other qualities might give the Dolphins a leg up in the heat of battle. If Miami’s experimental training proves to be successful, it could quickly spread to a rash of other teams around the league.

Along both the offensive and defensive lines, hand placement is a key factor in the trenches. The Dolphins’ offensive linemen could see greater success during the upcoming season because of their ability to pass protect and open holes in the running game. Driving opponents back will improve Miami’s rushing attack while creating a solid pocket, which will help quarterback Chad Pennington and company produce through the air.

Armed with new techniques at the point of attack, the team’s defenders will have a better chance at shedding opposing blockers and improving their pass-rushing moves. The Dolphins racked up 40 sacks a year ago, improving from just 30 in the prior season. If Miami experiences a similar jump in production this year, it would likely propel it to being one of the best pass-rushing units in the NFL.

Miami’s secondary members and wide receivers are also expected to utilize their tactics learned from martial arts. The Dolphins’ cornerbacks could implement more press coverage while the team’s wideouts can use the training to get off the line of scrimmage more effectively. Furthermore, both groups could end up thriving in traffic, particularly jump-ball situations.

With competition in the AFC East at an all-time high, any advantage a team can obtain is invaluable. If Miami’s new experiment translates into victories, rest assured more teams will be jumping on board with the new training method.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To ...
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