Posts by Team
Improving coaching communication through writing
Coach communication: writing On every coaching course I have attended, the tutor has pointed out the section in the workbook entitled “communication”. There follows a group nodding of heads where every budding coach agrees that “communication is a good thing”. If we are lucky, the tutor might divide communication further into “verbal” and “non-verbal”. We…
Read More5 Tenets of Sports Injury Rehabilitation
Movement is the foundation of sports injury rehabilitation Dr Grace Golden gave an insightful presentation on returning to sporting activity at GAIN 2018. I liked her systematic approach which was well illustrated with video examples. She also had a large amount of creativity and fun involved in her rehabilitation sessions. Coaching the injured athlete Grace…
Read MoreFootball training programme for under-18 player
Needs Analysis of under- 18 football player A guest post by Simon Worsnop, this study provides a needs analysis and periodised football training programme for an 18-year-old male academy fullback, based on the requirements of football and the individual. (This is a case study of a player that Simon coached. For football players in Devon…
Read MoreSports Science for sports coaches
Sports Science for coaches Last month I attended Vern Gambetta’s GAIN conference in Houston, Texas. A great mix of practical sessions, seminars and informal idea sharing, it is my annual chance to take time out and immerse myself in learning. I shall be sharing some of the ideas and insights learnt this year. The act…
Read MoreSummer reading recommendations 2018
Summer reading recommendations Half of the year has gone, Britain is currently enjoying (enduring?) a heatwave and my American colleagues and friends are about to have their 4th July vacation. Time to share some of the books I have read this year and that you might want to try. The full list is below which…
Read MoreHow to make Pre-Season Training Interesting, Relevant and More Fun
I Hate Pre-Season Training
This is often the thought of players who are forced to undergo various fitness tests and long slow runs as part of a pre-season fitness programme.
Doing repeated doggies, shuttle runs and various circuits, with barely a ball in sight is enough to put most players off.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Read MoreLTAD: building young people
“What is LTAD?” has been demoted to a project question for students, a scientific discussion, or a pdf issued by National Governing Bodies (NGBs).Are you fit enough to play in the Champions League Final?
Bayern vs Chelsea: Only the fittest will prevail.
As the world’s top footballers prepare to meet in the Champions League Final this weekend, we explore what it takes to make it at the highest level.
Advances in Sports Science have revealed the highly energetic demands within the modern game, what we as coaches then do is help you get ready to play and meet those demands.
Read MoreHow to Get Stronger: Learning from the Strongest.
How Strong is Strong Enough?
This is a current “Hot topic” in the UK and Australia. “How much strength training should I do?” is a question I am often asked, or more likely “Why should I lift weights?“
Our regular readers and athletes will know the approach we take working on all aspects of the Strength Spectrum, but in different degrees according to age, stage and sport.
Read MoreOver coaching – let the kids play
Do you let your kids play?
Do you allow them to be free spirited and learn and experiment? Do you have excessive structures and control over sport? You could be stopping your kids from developing into creative instinctive athletes.