Expert: Bret Temple - 5/13/2008

Question
I have a 13 year old son who is gifted as a Baseball Pitcher and a Sharpshooter Guard / Forward in Basketball. His challenge is his legs are a bit longer than I, his Dad, and he is having trouble with speed, jumping and basically the quick twitch muscles in his legs.  I trained hard on The Leaper for 18 mo's in HS and Earned a Div I ride at Auburn for football.  I attribute a lot of my success to that simple little machine as I went from a good athlete to great.  At sign in I was at a 4.38 40M time, and had a 38" vertical at 6'2" 190lbs.  I used the Leaper 3 times a week religiously and my thighs, hip flexors and calves were ripped.  I also did traditional squats but not often and I may have added size but the best way I found to jump out of the gym or explode from still to a sprint- I firmly believe in The Leaper equipment and its effect on training my ancillary quick twitch muscles and coordination of timing and firing you only get from that machine.  I am putting the word out to experts for help.  I would like to find and Buy this machine.  Do you or any of your social / professional network know of where I can find one?  New OR Used? Please Help... much thanks in advance  Mike in Atlanta

Answer
Hi Mike,

boy I could have used that machine when I was in high school, but truthfully I don't remember it. I would check E-bay, someone might have it on there. Or if you remember what company made that particular product, you might be able to contact them directly and see about getting one. Try googling it and find out who made it. Otherwise, I can sure ask around and see if anyone knows of it, and I would be happy to get back to you.

coming from a baseball background myself, although not a pitcher, please be careful with your son overusing his pitching arm. I've seen so many child athletes blow their arm out because of over training, or over use.
I"m sure you already know this, but I'll put my 10 cents in; at 13 he is hitting puberty, and his muscles and bones are in a super developmental state. over training any part of the body at that age, can result in permanent damage or even restrict the natural growth of that particular body part. Nurture his arm if you think he is really advanced, and he can develop into a terrific pitcher.

Good Luck