Happy homecoming?

By: Chris | March 30th, 2007

On August 26 2000, after scoring 4 goals—including an improbable half field dribble around five defenders – against a beleaguered Dallas side, Metrostar Clint Mathis was hailed as the long awaited scoring savior for both club and country. In the run up to the 2002 WC, the unpredictable star’s penchant to shoot and blazing first step seemed likely to score at any moment. And after sporting that ridiculous Mohawk in Korea, there was no doubt Mathis had designs on making it big overseas (away from the embarrassment).

So, how is it that four years hence, after the goals have dried up, the mohawk has worn thin and the attitude has led to multiple trades, we find ourselves saddled with this donkey?

While this is the question many of us are pondering after yesterday’s news, ask many of the fans in this thread and they will point to our current lack of goals and unpredictability. To be sure, whatever Clint brings in baggage, he also carries in potential, and this move could pay dividends given the right combination.

So what can be done to coax the best out of Clint?

Looking at recent history, Clint is a prime example of a player whose enormous potential is overshadowed by his ego. This was the opinion of many Colorado fans who endorsed the trade, while the other half looked forward to seeing Clint fit this season.

As an athletic trainer, the fact that he couldn’t motivate himself to “get fit” after being traded makes me cringe, but it is my job to fix players whose conditioning has suffered and I will soon know too well what we are working with.

At his best, Clint possessed breakaway speed, strength on the ball and a cannon of a shot—all qualities which seem to have escaped him. In addition to the standard sprinting and weight training, Pierre will likely include the following exercises to rebuild these attributes in his game:

1. Multi-planar lunges: In order to twist, turn and cut on the ball (especially on field turf) it is important to build close control. This exercise involved lunging in multiple directions and is great for both foot skill. To build strength on the ball, the subject can then pick up a set of dumbbells or perform this exercise with a barbell on the back.

2. Wobble board squats: Add Clint’s ACL troubles to the Giant stadium field turf and you have a recipe for disaster. In order to provide as much protection as possible, we will incorporate balance tasks such as squatting, and standing on one leg with various upper body movements done in an unstable environment. These teach the knee how to stabilize in response to rapid changes in direction and speed without losing traction.

3. Squat jumps: Despite losing speed as we age, first step speed can be trained throughout a player’s career. This is done by building reactionary power through leaping drills such as the squat jump. To build strength on the ball, these can be performed directly after a set of weighted squats.

4. Medicine ball rotations: For athletes, the X-factor for directional changes is are strong oblique—which assist in rotating the trunk during movement. This exercise should be done for a duration of 30-45 seconds at a pace of your sport or activity to build muscular endurance.