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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.
Comments are welcome (please leave your name) and you can subscribe by clicking on the RSS feed.
Thanks for taking the time to read it.
James Marshall
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Summer Reading Recommendations
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 […]
0 Comments | Read More | -
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, […]
0 Comments | Read More | cpd, reading -
Creating 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?’ […]
0 Comments | Read More | coordination, speed training, strength training -
How to get fit for sport
A comprehensive guide to getting fit for your sport
3 Comments | Read More | fitness, p.e., sport
Over 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. -
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 […]
2 Comments | Read More | cpd, GAIN, reflective practice -
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 […]
0 Comments | Read More | fitness, goal setting, health, nutrition -
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 […]
0 Comments | Read More | reflective practice -
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 […]
2 Comments | Read More | book review, books -
The Joy of Movement
Jumping for joy; when was the last time you did that? What about Jogging for joy? Hardly sounds the same does it? I recently heard two people talking about their exercise regime. Everything was counted. They count calories, they count steps, they count miles and they count lengths in a pool. Their measure of progress […]
0 Comments | Read More | LTAD, physical education, physical literacy -
What is Athletic Development?
Athletic Development is a combination of planned, unplanned, organised and chaotic events that lead to a person’s overall physical and mental abilities to perform a variety of physical tasks, often within sport. Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD) is a model that highlights different stages from infancy to adulthood and what types of activities are best […]
0 Comments | Read More | athletic development, LTAD, physical literacy
Client Testimonials
London Welsh RFC
James has provided a wealth of experience and expertise to the Academy set up at London Welsh RFC in recent years. He has addressed both the physical and mental development of the players through innovative, player and position specific programmes which have resulted in each individual within the group developing towards their potential.
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