Throughout his 18 years (2002-present) in the strength and conditioning profession of coaching, David Ballou has managed to compile the perfect elements for peak power and overall strength.
As a graduate of Indiana University in 2001, he was great at Avon (Ind.) High School — producing six state championships in multiple sports, 80 Division I athletes and was a finalist for the NSCA National High School Strength Coach of the Year in 2014.
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His technique helped IMG Academy go undefeated in 2015-16, while it pushed Notre Dame to have a 10-win season (10-3) and a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2017.
After turning the Hoosiers around last year, Nick Saban decided it was time to bring both Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea to the University of Alabama.
Both coaches have been hard at work since March, and Ballou has the Crimson Tide’s offensive front prepared to earn the program’s second Joe Moore honor in its history.
According to a graphic he posted on Saturday, Ballou said the Power Profile has been ‘one of Alabama’s most effective evaluation tools.’
This mechanism allows for Ballou to monitor the power numbers for each lineman and track the progress.
The Power Profile has been one of our most effective evaluation tools. We are always chasing more power & this allows us to focus on individual needs & monitor progress. The goal for guys up front is to be in the upper 70’s. Here you see one of our O-Lineman at 87 – Elite Power! pic.twitter.com/INA6TF1ip9
— David Ballou (@UA_CoachBallou) July 25, 2020
When it comes to the tested area, Ballou looks at speed squat, speed bench, medium throw, split jump, rear elevated, power clean, jump squat, broad jump, landmine press and hang clean.
While the average goal for linemen is to be in the upper 70’s, Alabama has one individual with an 87 on the Power Profile for this month.
Ballou is very proud of the work that’s being put in as his method of strength training is to promote endurance, while preventing any type of serious injuries. Much is expected this season from the Tide’s offensive line, and Ballou is making sure the goal is reached.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
