I recently did a video on training in the ring and after I completed it I realized I needed to cover more about RBT in the Ring.
Here are 5 things you need to have in place before you attempt to training in the ring
1. You must have XXL Blue Strong Bands to create the ring. My recommendation is that any ring training over 6 people should use 3-4 Blue bands or 2 Grey bands as the center ring ( Never use any type of hard structure within the ring… only large bands)
2. Your clients should have mastered all the drills you want to perform in the ring well before you attempt training in the ring. If people do not know the ring they will become intimidated and struggle with the heavier level of training which will create a unsuccessful training experience. Also holding is done by 4-5 individuals working as a team.
3. As the trainer you must personally have trained in the ring so you can cue and lead others. Don’t just throw people in the ring because it looks cool.
4. Map out exactly what drills you are going to use and what your work to rest ratio will be. My suggestion is to use exercises that allow clients to visually see each other.
5. Are you going to train in alternate groups or simulaneously?? If alternate is the choice how are you going to instruct members to hold?? Are you going to control the cadence or let them go free??
Simple Rules to follow when training in the Ring
1. Do not do blind drills. Make sure all ring members can see each other as they train. Blind Drills are very advanced training
2. Start in small group rings first. 3 and 4 are the best. I do not recommend linking 4 bands together without a middle ring band. This results in over stressing the bands if you do not stay closely connected with your
campers
3. Start with simple drills that everyone knows. Don’t get fancy and over demanding. The anxiety of training in the ring will be a fatigue factor by itself.
4. As a leader you need to initally set the cadence. Don’t let campers go as they want. It will create to much uneven resistance.
5. Always use extra strong bands in the ring. Don’t go small and over tax the bands in the ring. You do not want that group of bands breaking.
6. Use linked band set ups and avoid using handles at first. This will make training easier and allow greater distance between campers.
If you are interested in knowing what it take to set up a ring here is what you will need in bands for a 10 person ring
2 Grey Band
20 Purple or Green bands depending on exercise you are considering.
Here is a recent video I did while training a group of college athletes. We used green bands with 3 grey bands in the ring.
Training Beyond the Contraction
Dave “The Band Man” Schmitz
