IGCT Episode #138: Dr. Toby Brooks - "Playing With Purpose"

Dr. Toby Brooks has served as the Clinical Coordinator and as an Associate Professor in the Master of Athletic Training Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas, since 2009. Additionally, he is the former Director of Research and Education for the International Youth Conditioning Association, a position he held for more than 10 years (2005-2015).

The Golconda, Illinois, native completed his undergraduate studies in Athletic Training and was named one of the Top 25 Graduating Seniors at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in 1998. He then accepted a graduate assistant athletic trainer position at the University of Arizona. At the U of A, he completed both his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Physical Education while working with the Wildcat women's gymnastics, football, and baseball programs.

Brooks has worked as a certified athletic trainer and/or strength coach with numerous professional, collegiate, and high school athletics programs, including the Oakland Raiders, USA Baseball, the University of Texas El Paso, Liberty University, the Florida Firecats, Shawnee Community College, the Southern Illinois Miners, and seven high schools across three states. He has also published multiple articles and studies and is a regular presenter at national and international conferences.

Brooks currently serves on the Youth Special Interest Group (SIG) for the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is an active member of the Changing the Game Project. He is also co-founder and creative director for NiTROhype Creative, a graphic design firm specializing in athletic-, fitness-, and motorsports-based businesses. He and his wife Christi reside in Lubbock with their daughter Brynnan (12) and son Taye (9).

In this episode we discuss:

• His Strength and Conditioning journey.
• What is LTAD and its benefits?
• What kind of coaches can and should implement the concepts of LTAD?
• 3-5 priorities when implementing and LTAD Program?
• How he educates athletes and parents about LTAD?
• His new product with the IYCA, and the problem he thinks that product will solve?
• Best piece of coaching advice.
• Their favorite quote, Book/App/Website recommendation