About Mike Whiteman

Strength and conditioning coach Mike Whiteman believes that the timing is one of the most critical parts of long-term athletic development, as is embracing the process instead of fixating on the results. He presents the LTAD model used at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy—a highly refined, nuanced approach that promotes development without devaluing competition and early success.

Restoration and recovery for athletes can take many forms, but it should always be about doing something and not simply doing nothing. Coach Mike Whiteman proposes one strategy that takes a more-assertive approach to recovery by employing higher-intensity, lower-volume efforts to develop mobility, strength, and power.

From resistance training to top speed to full squats—there are a lot of misconceptions affecting the physical training of soccer athletes. Coach Mike Whiteman challenges seven of the most common soccer training myths, giving effective strategies to change current philosophies and benefit athlete development.

Research shows that female soccer players are 4-8 times more likely to tear their ACL than their male counterparts. Coach Mike Whiteman shares the program he uses with his female athletes to help prevent ACL injuries—one based on building strength first, and then moving to more traditional speed, agility, and plyometric work.