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Notre Dame Football

Balis Building Championship Habits

August 23, 2018
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There were many changes made after Notre Dame’s 2016 season, but none were more significant than the hiring of Director of Football Performance Matt Balis. 

Notre Dame wanted a culture change along with leading strength and conditioning program, which Balis has delivered in just a year and a half. 

“Year one, everything is new, stated Balis. “Year two, they’ve seen it and done it. It’s more mental than physical because they’ve already done it and they can handle more. It’s about mentally putting yourself in that frame of mind.” 

Year one provided some significant body changes for some players, but the real test of the program will be the results in year two. The Irish faded down the stretch a year ago and if they can finish November strong, the trust in Balis will only grow. 

“Year two is about improving all areas,” Balis said. “We want to see improvements in work capacity, strength development, lean body mass and speed, whether it’s bar speed or speed on the ground.”

Balis isn’t afraid to challenge his guys as he is becoming known for tough workouts. Notre Dame ran each stair in the stadium, ran around campus and ran a local hill at a park over the summer.

“We had a lot of good ones,” Balis said of his workouts. “I think the stadium one was a good one. It was about us. It was about our stadium and focusing on our team.

“We make it competitive.” 

One workout during the spring was designed after the Miami game. No one wants to remember the night in Miami, but Balis wanted to challenge his guys to beat adversity in intense environments.

“We were trying mimick chaos and challenges if the game doesn’t go our way,” explained Balis. “We had dimmer lights or flashing lights. I like to involve music or music with sirens in the background. 

“It’s a lot of total body work, and I might have them do a few more reps than they’re used to doing or training as a group. Just a little bit harder.” 

Balis has also implemented an accountability system that seems to be working. Players can be listed in three categories with the ‘Starving’ category being the goal. 

“It’s subjective, but we like to compete,” stated Balis. “We have numbers and where you rank, but we also have charts on how each guy is doing every week. We break down their strengths and if he worked hard in all areas.” 

Balis also challenges each person in the program. Walk-ons and scholarship players are expected to bring the same work ethic each day, which he has seen during the offseason. 

“Every guy is expected to do the same thing,” Balis said. “We’re a family and a brotherhood. That’s what makes it awesome. The groups are mixed with different positions, scholarship and non-scholarship. Everyone is paying the same price together. It’s awesome.”

As September 1st gets closer and closer, Balis is also intrigued to see how his guys perform on the field. He believes progress has been made over the last eight months and it will be noticeable on the field this fall.  

“I think you’ll see a team that’s in better shape and looks the part,” Balis explained. “I think you’ll see a team that’s in better shape and looks the part. They have the ability to play the position at a high level for as long as necessary.

“We started two weeks after the bowl game, and we haven’t really stopped. We get a little break in May, but it’s been a great offseason. Winter was awesome, and summer was even better.

“It’s a never-ending process that’s a year-round program that entails not just strength and conditioning, but flexibility mobility, nutrition, hydration and the habits it takes to be a champion.” 

 
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