Athletic Development Workshop at Christ’s Hospital

Athletic Development in action at Christ’s Hospital

Lunging and bracing

Last week I ran 2 workshops for some of the Sports Scholars at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, West Sussex. Whilst the title was Athletic Development, the content was all about teaching the pupils about movement.

Movement is the foundation of physical education (p.e.). So you could just say I taught two p.e. classes.

The Head of Sport Dave Messenger has previously done a Level 1 Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport course with me, as have 8 members of his staff. I shall be back there next month running the course for another 10 coaches.

Partner work

Here is the lesson plan for the first half of the Athletic Development Workshop. With the themes.
Introduction: Why do you train? Sport is an expression of physical ability, it rarely develops it apart from the very beginners and those unfit. Get fit to play sport, rather than play sport to get fit.
Task1: Skipping, forwards backwards. sideways. With partner count to 4s.
What sport skills are used? Break down of skills. Try again observing partner foot position (barefoot).

Squat practice

Task 2: Tuck sequence, hold shoulder stand for 3. Rock to stand: with partner.
How strong are your legs?
Partner squats
Exploratory rolls on floor. Squat, roll, stand. explore.

Task 3: Walking game with chaos. In 3s. Walk around, tag, no tag back. Then skipping, then running 3 steps into space.
Decision making? Spatial awareness. What happens at the end?

Bracing and supporting

Task 4: Absorbing and receiving force. Walk to brake. Jump up and land quietly. Crawling patterns. Kneel to fall, Partner lean and fall in 3s.
Partner sequence: cartwheel over, crawl under, hips up and down.

Thanks to Dave and all his staff and pupils for making me feel welcome and throwing themselves into the workshop with gusto.

If you would like me to run a similar workshop a your school, please email me to discuss.