Understanding Movement Characters. Part 1: The Thinker, the Hustler, the Natural
As a Masters student and one of the first S&C coaches at UBC back in the early 90’s I had just secured my first paid position with the new NBA expansion team, the Vancouver Grizzlies. By the start of that 1995-96 season I had already spent over 10 years volunteering at the CIAU (now USport) level with Varsity teams and athletes across the country through my work at UBC and Lakehead. What resulted was, by the time I was 30, I felt I was at the top of the game of conditioning for basketball and many sports in the country. I knew exactly what I was [...]
What Are The Limitations of Youth Resistance Training?
Despite numerous position papers, a growing body of research evidence, and the prevalence of school-based strength and conditioning programs, there continues to be significant concern regarding the use of strength training for youth athletic development. These concerns are fed by anecdotal beliefs that there is increased injury risk in this population, concerns about growth delay, and an overall denial of the adaptability of young athletes. Unfortunately, these beliefs do not match the research currently available, or the outcomes being measured in the sports such as weightlifting and powerlifting. The adaptations we are now observing in youth resistance trained athletes are [...]
How I Approach Kinesthetically-based Corrections with Online Coaching
In over 26 years as an S&C coach, I have at times found kinesthetically-based corrections, in particular, the use of my hands, to be effective in helping to correct movement patterns for kinesthetic learners. ”They say not to use your hands when you correct.” This was a quotation made by a coach in one of the workshops I teach, about a particular certification organization in North America. What a shame, was my initial reaction. However, given the impact, and the importance of, the Safe Sport Movement, it is clear that using touch as a coaching tool needs to be carefully [...]
A Brief Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Olympic Weightlifting and Plyometric Training
*authors note: this article was originally written to assist a colleague who works in a sport environment and was facing resistance from a management group that did not want to permit Olympic weightlifting or plyometric training due to concerns over injury risk Introduction A major concern of implementing the Olympic weightlifting (OL) exercises and plyometrics (plyo) into a sport performance program is the perceived risk of injury erroneously associated with these exercises. This concern is largely the result of assumptions made by coaches, parents, and program managers regarding the risks associated with moving loads at high rates of speed. As [...]
CSCA Interview: Effects of Isometric Strength Training on Strength and Dynamic Performance
During the COVID-19 challenges, isometric training may be a viable programming option. As such, the CSCA interviewed Danny Lum co-author of a review paper on isometric training to gain his insights. Full citation: Lum, Danny and Barbosa, Tiago. Brief Review: Effects of Isometric Strength Training on Strength and Dynamic Performance. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019; 40:363-375. CSCA - Danny, please introduce yourself to our readers. DL - I am the Team Lead for Strength and Conditioning at the Singapore Sport Institute. I am also undergoing my PhD study at Nanyang Technological University. My main areas of interest include isometric [...]
Explosive Isometrics for Sports Performance: Going Nowhere… Fast!
Abstract Explosive isometrics can be a valuable addition to a training program seeking to develop maximal strength and power. This article provides guidelines for using isometric training in both a high-performance setting, as well as providing alternative options when equipment is limited. Key Words; Isometrics, Strength, Power, limited equipment Introduction A focus on specific Isometric training may not be a method used as often as concentric and eccentric training. It is admittedly less glamorous, and harder to quantify compared to squatting 500lbs or bench pressing 300lbs, but it can have similar benefits. It may be even more sport specific than [...]
Webinar – Detraining and Performance Residuals: Minimal Effective Dose?
This Webinar is an excellent resource during the COVID-19 challenges in working with athletes. Posted with permission from the speakers, and Canadian Sport Institute Pacific CLICK HERE
Using Basic Physics to Overcome Equipment and Space Restrictions
Given the global situation, and with many provinces under varying degrees of lockdown, we are presently faced with finding strategies for remote programming that continue to meet the needs of athletes who do not currently have access to facilities. In particular, a major challenge we face is providing an adequate training stimulus with minimal equipment and space, to ensure strength and power qualities are maintained, rather than solely providing conditioning with body weight circuits. Whilst we might be limited on external loading, the more salient issue is what forces are imposed at the level of the muscle-tendon unit. There are [...]
Paris 2024 Case Study: Achilles Return to Play in Women’s Football
Written by Joe Vecchione and Chloe Werle There are athletes and coaches who will face hurdles in preparation for the Olympic games. Injuries can be a devastating blow to an athlete should it limit their participation in qualifiers or competing at the games. Sport unfortunately comes with injuries, and when they occur, strength & conditioning (S&C) coaches can play a critical role in the rehabilitation process and ensure an effective and timely return to competition. The landscape of women’s international football (i.e., soccer in North America) is different from some other Olympic sports. These athletes are not amateurs - they [...]
