Back to grindstone for Vodacom Stormers
The players have thus far work on their own according to individual training programmes worked out for them by Greg Hechter, the team’s fitness and conditioning expert.
Hecther said they have been concentrating on strength work in the gym, but not under formal supervision. “The more formal training will start tomorrow (Tuesday), with the focus shifting to more explosive power work.
“On Thursday we got a nice sand dune at Mnandi beach and the players will do some power running up and down the dune. It will be nice low explosive power work.”
According to Hechter the Vodacom Stormers squad at the moment comprise 32 players, with the contracted Springboks still on the national squad’s training programme until 4 December.
“The other players were on a break since after the completion of their Currie Cup commitments. They had a complete break for three weeks, but since then they have been on a strengthening programme since 23 October.
“From tomorrow onwards we get together as group and we will do assessments to see where they are in terms of fitness and conditioning. We will do a lot of explosive power and speed work until we have another break on 20 December.
“We are entering a five-week conditioning programme now and then on 13 January we play our first friendly, against the Bulls at Loftus.”
Hechter said not all the squad members would be participating in the training sessions straight away. “The medical team is busy assessing players now and only if people are 100 percent fit will they take part.
“Otherwise they will follow another programme. Guys like Tonderai Chavhanga and Schalk Brits for instance – even though they are fit – will be gradually phased back into training. We won’t throw them straight back into a tough session like that.
“Also Conrad Jantjes, our new recruit, will be assessed first, because he was injured while playing for the Lions.”
The Vodacom Stormers will be training at Mnandi Beach (on the Strandfontein coast) on Thursday 16 November 2006, from 3 to 4pm.
The team started training for the 2007 Vodacom Super 14 this week and their “power session” at Mnandi Beach will form part of their pre-season conditioning programme.
Vodacom Stormers supporters are welcome to come down to the beach and watch the athletes train.
Date: Thursday 16 November
Time: 3pm to 4pm
Place: Mnandi Beach, Strandfontein
