Coaching

Applying evidence-based practice in sports coaching

“Evidence-based” has become a massive buzzword within the coaching community, this article takes a deeper look at what evidence-based practice (EBP) actually means and how it can be applied in coaching.

A Tactical Periodization Approach for Rugby Union

Tactical periodisation is an approach the aims to develop technical, tactical physical and mental performance characteristics simultaneously through integrated training.

Coaching female athletes (Part 3) – S&C training considerations

In this blog, I discuss some of the practicalities of training prescription for female athletes.

Coaching female athletes Part 2 – Put the athlete first!

This post is a reflection on how I have modified my practice both in response to the research I’ve done and as a result of lessons I’ve learnt through coaching a group of female athletes

Coaching female athletes – What’s really different?

I have recently taken on two different roles that require me to coach, and support the development of female athletes. I’m a little embarrassed by the fact that I’m now in my seventeenth year as a coach, and this is the first time that I’ve had any level of extended exposure to coaching females. Despite being relatively experienced, I’ve found myself questioning a number of my usual approaches. I’m constantly wondering whether I am in fact doing the best I can for these athletes.

Determining athlete maturity to inform coaching practice

This article discusses how to estimate levels og maturation in youth athletes

Coach planning and decision making

It is exceptionally difficult to be a good coach. The difficulty level is generally underrated by those on the outside looking in. Everyone has an opinion on what they think coaches should do, or how they would do it themselves, but few to the time to understand the constraints and challenges that a coach must work within to understand how challenging the task is.

Growth and maturation in sports – are late developers really at a disadvantage?

This article discusses the longterm prospects for early developers who dominate sports at a young age

Strength Training for Coaching Success

This talk explores a robust process for prioritising training goals for athletes participating at a semi-professional, university level. The process described advocates for first developing movement proficiency, before developing, strength, power and energy system capacities. The second half of this talk explores the use of various technologies to inform the training process.

Modelling Training to Prevent Injury

Modeling training to prevent injury. Athletes walk on a tight rope - if they don't train exceptionally hard, they won't be competitive. If they train too hard they start suffering from fatigue and maladaptation. This talk explores contemporary methods of assessing and reporting athletes response to training to guide them through this process.