Tiger Rugby High Performance Partner of the American Tens 2022 #AmericanTens
American Tens recently held a invitational high performance training program at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton. Eighteen Athletes from across the country who took part in this year’s scouting & virtual combine programs, were hand-picked and invited to the elite tens training program. With internationally accredited coaches at a world class facility, the athletes were challenged, pushed, and exposed to the top-level skill work required to perform at the highest level. Through a two-day program, the athletes were put through their paces both on the field and in the gym, a great introduction to the professionalism and day-to-day training of a pro-tens athlete.
Day one, Saturday, started with an early morning gym session in the IMG High Performance Center, where the athletes were educated about the fundamentals of tens-related lifts and exercises. A combination of technique, power and strength, athletes were shown how to maximize their time in the gym and condition their bodies for the intensity of the tens game. Following hydration and refueling, the athletes made their way to IMG’s world-class training fields for the morning field session. This session included combine testing and micros where the athlete’s skills were pushed to and tested beyond their limits through a series of competitive skills and games.
“After addressing crucial fundamentals, the accuracy and speed of the players catching and passing improved radically. With the speed and intensity of the Tens game it’s crucial that the athletes are able to perform the basics accurately under pressure.” Matt Turner, England 7’s and MLR Player.
After the morning session the players then took to the sheds to refuel with lunch and take a much-needed recovery break. The afternoon session then kicked-off with a bang, as the athletes were put through some light contact game plays and scenarios. Able to show-off their skills and ability, the athletes began to light up the fields at IMG with some top-level skills and speed. A high intensity session, the players were moved from games to drills and finally finished the day off with the brutal tiger growler, a physical and mental test from the Tiger Rugby performance group. With a full intense day behind them and one more to follow, the athletes headed back to the hotel for a pool session and began recovery for day two.
Day 2, Sunday, started yet again in the IMG High Performance Center, where the athletes got through some light cardio work and prepared their bodies for a day of full contact tens. After gym the athletes took to the field for the final session of the invitational program. Lead through a variety of contact and tackling drills, the athletes were exposed to the latest and most effective techniques in and around the contact area. Bodies now warm and ready, the athletes were split into teams and taken through a series of full contact game blocks. A few minutes each, at a high intensity, the athletes were let loose to do their thing and showcase everything from big hits, hard lines, top skills and out and out speed. The athletes put everything out on the field and pushed their bodies to their limits.
“The athletes were not afraid to throw their weight and bodies about when it came to contact. What most impressed me the most was the natural talent and ability shown. There are some exciting prospects for the game of Tens.” Louis Tulio, former USA Rugby League Player.
After a final bronco in the Florida sun, the program was wrapped up with the signing of four new pro-training contracts and two new Junior Training contracts.
“We were excited to have a closer look at the athletes on and off of the pitch, and to learn a bit more about their goals and ambitions. The first six contracts are a good mix of youth and experience, with fantastic athleticism and work ethic, we’re looking forward to watching them develop”. James Walker, American 10s Co-Founder.
“The effort, camaraderie, and teamwork shown by all the athletes was incredible to see. I was most impressed with the level of excellence the athletes brought to every aspect of the program, and thoroughly enjoyed the final day’s contact games where we got to see the athlete’s full potential.”
“We’re extremely excited to have offered new training contracts to six athletes. This will allow them to train to their full potential and take their game even further. They’re an exciting bunch and I can’t wait to see what they’ll be able to produce on the field in the coming months.”
Paul Holmes, American 10s Co-Founder
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Tiger is proud to be partnered with the American Tens competition and the dedicated performance resource for the American Tens Scouting Combines #SearchingForGreatness
by Tiger Rugby