Matt Balis Notebook

“The competition, mental and physical toughness. We were able to implement a science-based vision. He’s been great to allow me to run the type of stuff that works within those parameters.”

On staples of program

“I think it’s all about how hard guys train. I don’t know if it’s unique, but it’s a mentality that every time you come in there, you get better or worse. If you put together days of getting better and better, then eventually you’re going to be a champion.

“It’s the consistency of embracing the process that Coach Kelly has put out there.”

On implementing mental toughness

“You have to be able to maintain your focus, composure, body language, and the ability to attack the reps with the same effort. Everyone fatigues at some point and you try to lower the fatigue and increase your ability to handle more fatigue, so mentally you can focus longer.”

“The mindset doesn’t change. The mentality in the weight room will not change. We’ll control the load and how much they are doing based on practice and game reps. You can’t get too far away from what you believe in.”

On determining success

“You obviously have to win. That’s always a huge deal, but you can look at player success and how they did. You look at the units, the position, and how they functioned and their ability to sustain effort at a high level. You look at player health too.”

On the team buying in

“They’ve embraced it. They’ve embraced training, work ethic, mental and physical toughness. The team will not always fire on all cylinders; it’s not normal to think that, so they have embraced sometimes other guys have to pick up for each other. I think that’s what makes this team special.”

On life at Notre Dame

“It’s great. My son loves school. My wife is adjusting great. Everyone is making friends, so I can’t complain.”

On injury prevention/recovery during the season

“The mindset stays the same in training. When they come in, we are going to train. It’s all based on load, practice reps, game reps, and how intense practice is that day. We’ll control the load, but the mentality when you’re in there because you’re there to get better.

We talk about recover, nutrition, and hydration. All those things are important.”

On having workouts translate to the field

“I started seeing it as a high school coach. The mentality of attacking in the weight room transfers over to the field. It started back then, and I’ve been around some great head strength coaches before I became a head strength coach. We all kind of preach the same thing, and it’s about how you do it and not what you do, although, we do some great things.

"It’s the player’s ability to attack it and embrace what you’re doing rather than going through the motions."