How to get stronger in pre-season

leg strengthening

Why do I need to start strength training in pre-season?

pre-season fitnessWell, ideally you won’t be starting from scratch. Hopefully you have been doing your foundation work throughout the off-season.

This means that you are moving efficiently and can control your body through a full range of motion.

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Willand PE in lock down

Willand PE

A summary of one solution to the school closures On Wednesday March 18th, 2020 the UK’s Prime Minister announced that all schools would be shut from Friday afternoon for at least 3 weeks. Head Teachers around the country frantically scrambled for information, ideas and solutions to help their pupils, staff and families cope. I realised…

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Summer Reading Recommendations

book recommendations summer 2020

Books for the holidays Everyone who reads this post will have experienced the Pandemic lock down differently. Some of you may have had more time to read, some of you may have cut back on books due to finances, some of you will not have had time to read as you try to balance home…

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Coaches’ Coffee Break: Books

Reading ideas for sports coaches and teachers On Friday I had a virtual coffee break chat with several of my GAIN Europe colleagues. We met for 30 mins and talked about what books we are currently reading. The idea was to simulate the informal learning that we miss when we don’t hang out in person,…

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Creating Frankenstein’s Monster in the Gym

Frankenstein's monster in the gym

“Man,” I cried, “how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom!” ― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein I was asked last week my thoughts on using the barbell hip thrust in the gym. I had no thoughts on the matter, I don’t use it as an exercise tool. Rather than, ‘What do you use to develop hip extension?’…

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How to get fit for sport

how to get fit for Handball

A comprehensive guide to getting fit for your sport

how to get fit for sportOver the past few years we have published many guides on sports fitness; based on both research and our extensive coaching experience. Our athletes have benefitted from the principles and systems that we have developed.

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GAIN Deep Dive Review

A review of the first ever GAIN Deep Dive on Foundational Strength I always write a review of my experiences at the GAIN conference. This is part of my reflective practice. As I was hosting and co-presenting on this ‘mini-GAIN’ held in Devon, I thought someone else would be better placed to reflect. Mark Sheppard…

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Do a Health Diagnostic in 2020

Are you healthy? How do you know? There is more to measuring health than being able to squeeze into your summer jeans. (Although, if they are from the summer of ’87 that might be as accurate as anything else). If you check the tyres, water and oil in your car this winter, or you get…

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Four things I have learnt in 2019

I have learnt lots in 2019, but here are some of the key things. Some of them I should have known before, but have drifted away from or been blown off course. Thanks to all the members of Excelsior Athletic Development Club for helping me improve my coaching this year and inspiring me to try…

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Top 5 books of 2019

top 5 books of 2019

Looking for some books to give as gifts for Christmas? Here are my Top 5 books of 2019, plus a simple reflection of the rest that I have read. Sports coaches and p.e. teachers are often quick to jump on the latest book that is doing the rounds. Many of these are over-hyped and do…

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