When I was a kid, I used to run wind sprints waist-deep in the ocean. It does so much more than strengthen the lower body. Combined with waves striking at odd angles, ocean-sprinting teaches the body a different kind of balance. It forces you to utilize your ankles and feet to maintain balance like nothing else can. If you do it enough for a long enough period of time it creates what I call lower center of gravity know-how. It becomes second nature. In other words, it teaches your body to coordinate in a way that normal football play and related training can't.

It's pretty cool to see that type of conditioning now in action.

Another type of ocean conditioning is wave-crashing. You stand facing the waves and try your best to stand your ground, not letting the wave crashing against your upper body. You try no to move your set feet. It's a good confidence builder, but it really makes you much more powerful teaching you how to be powerful against the kind of collision a tackler brings.

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