How to become a Strength and Conditioning Coach? – Diary of an Intern

We are now counting down to the end of our internship with James at Excelsior, and this is a good point to reflect on what I have experienced!

But before that I just want to mention the events from the last few weeks at Millfiled School.

For the last three weeks we have seen a new intake of girls for next year’s sessions. James has aimed to get them moving correctly over the summer to provide them with good technique and so that he can start then loading in September. We have gone through the 5×5 injury prevention programme with them as well as given them agility and leg exercises to do over the summer. Providing a good base (if they train consistently over the summer) to aid future training and improvement.

Self reflection of an Intern

Throughout this process I have learnt many things, which I will list in a minute, but the most valuable of these has been the chance to gain firsthand experience with quality athletes and coaches.

As Matt mentioned in his last blog it is great to assist a good quality coach and mentor, but it is also important to have the chance to coach by yourself and think for yourself. This is something I have had the chance to do recently and has helped me become more confident as a coach.

If you want to be a coach, or even work with athletes, then I have discovered that experience is the most important factor to consider.

As well as experience, other buzz words I would relate to this internship include:

• Reflection
• Confidence
• Consistency
• Goals
• Knowledge
• Practice
• Experience
• Recovery/rest
• Injury prevention
• Women in the gym
• Squats
• Movement
• Technique
• Fun/inspiring

These words and phrases have all cropped up in previous blogs over the last year and are concepts a coach should regularly consider.

Although this internship has been invaluable, I know my learning and growth as a coach is far from over.