Blog

Welcome to the Excelsior blog. It is a mix of current research and thoughts on Athlete and Coach Development, Strength and Conditioning and personal reflections.

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Thanks for taking the time to read it.

James Marshall

1. Training young athletes: Part 7 Marco Cardinale

   5th March 2012 2:21 pm

   In this Olympic Year, I thought it would be a good idea to hear from coaches who have worked with developing athletes and their thoughts. Today Marco Cardinale  who is the head of Sports Science and Resarch at the British Olympic Association.

   0 Comments | Read More | archery, athletic development, Athletic Training system, equestrian

2. Stuntman Training: warming up

   24th February 2012 2:54 pm

   How to start training to be a stuntman

   This week I got asked to train a young man who wants to become a Stuntman (next week Batman, the week after Train Driver?). He has been following a running programme, alternating with the ubiquitous beach weights.

   Normally I would start with a screening of some sort, but I thought we could just see how he moves first using some of our varied warm ups that we do. Short of asking him to dive off a cliff or crash a burning car, I thought that might give me an idea of how well prepared he was for stunt work.

   0 Comments | Read More | confucius quote, iron

3. How do you coach a visual learner who is blind?

   6th February 2012 9:19 am

   This came up last week in conversation with 2 of the England Blind Football Team. I was unable to physically demonstrate some exercises to Dan James the goalkeeper, (who is sighted) and is a clear example of someone who learns by watching.

   Later that day I was working with Robin Williams (blind) who has never been able to see demos, so has to learn by auditory cues and feel.

   How would I be able to coach Robin if he was a Visual learner like Dan?

   2 Comments | Read More | equestrian, jack Dempsey, uk school games

4. Giants vs Patriots Superbowl, Quotes from Parcells

   5th February 2012 7:39 am

   With Superbowl XLVI on later tonight, I thought it would be good to share some of my favourite quotes from Bill Parcells.

   Parcells won 2 Superbowls as Head Coach of the New York Giants, then took the New England Patriots to another Superbowl (where they lost to the Packers).

   0 Comments | Read More | blog, motor sport

5. Return to Netball Training: A physio’s perspective.

   20th January 2012 9:45 am

   How to prevent a netball injury

   I went to netball training last night with the Tiverton Terriers. It was a cold, damp evening with areas of surface water on the court. It was the first session of the year, all of us de-conditioned from the Christmas break but pleased to be back to enjoy the game and catch up with friends. 

   2 Comments | Read More | netball, sports injury

6. Athletic training in practice: Tom Kurz

   18th January 2012 2:21 pm

   For many of our athletes Hindu press ups and Hindu squats are a regular feature of our training. I got these from today’s guest author Tom Kurz. He is an example of a Coach practitioner who sets a great example to others. His book “Science of sports training” is an excellent and very readable resource.

   

   1 Comment | Read More | Athletic Training system, food, Packers

7. Stuck in a rut? A very simple solution.

   13th January 2012 3:55 pm

   I have been taking my daughter swimming every week for over 4 years now. She loves the water and loves spending time with me playing in the pool. She can do her various styles of “swimming” but nothing that relates to lengths or widths. I have been struggling to get her to do more.

   0 Comments | Read More | running, technology

8. Coaching in the maelstrom

   12:30 pm

   If you feel like you are on the back foot, trying to deal with the maelstrom of athletes, demanding bosses and family, NGBs issuing directives, you are not alone.

   I find that having a plan helps a lot. You then have to deviate and adjust every day (or hour) but at least you have some central theme to work from. 

   I try not to get affected or too exasperated by the lack of preparation and disorganisation of others.

   Like these Swans, let the frentic activity take place under the water, whilst trying to at least appear calm and graceful on the surface.

   0 Comments | Read More |

9. Training young athletes: Part 5:Kelvin Giles

   9th January 2012 2:22 pm

   Strength and conditioning for children appears to be a popular topic. Unfortunately, short cuts are often desired (4 hour International Athlete anyone?). One of the common, if unpopular, themes from the guest Coaches this week has been fundamentals, process and detail. Today’s author is a great exponent of that.

   2 Comments | Read More | athletic development, Athletic Training system, running

10. Training young athletes part 2: Vern Gambetta, Roy Headey

    4th January 2012 7:25 am

    In order to become a successful athlete, each individual needs to take responsibility for their own actions, whilst gaining the support of coaches, team mates, teachers and parents. This week we are looking at advice for young athletes looking to get better.

    Yesterday’s guest blog by Frank Dick set the bar high.

    Today Vern Gambetta and Roy Headey offer some insights into what a young athlete needs to do to prepare.

    0 Comments | Read More | athletic development, Athletic Training system, running