Excelsior Banner
Excelsior Print Banner

Latest Blog Entry

"It's the people business stupid": GAIN 2013
17/06/2013 - 17:01
Coaches are in the people business I have just returned from another fantastic GAIN (Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network) in Houston, Texas. The 5 day event was full of ideas, tips and sharing of...

more

User login

Request New Password

Coaching

3 steps to improve your profile as an S&C Coach

Posted On Friday, 30th November 2012 at 14:23

"Can you help me improve my profile?"

I get asked this a few times every month by people I have never met. Students who are looking to enter the workplace want a full time coaching role at 22 years old. There are approximately 600 people currently studying for an MSc in Strength and Conditioning in the UK. There are not 600 full time roles, let alone for novice coaches.  

Coach Development: One size does not fit all.

Posted On Friday, 26th October 2012 at 07:48

Coach Development Mind Map

coach development

(Full image was sent out in today's newsletter and is presented in our coaching courses).

Are you a victim of a false dichotomy?

Coach development takes many forms, but I often see and hear a "our way or the highway" approach to working with athletes.

Coaching disabled athletes: Global Coaches House

Posted On Friday, 12th October 2012 at 07:42

 Paralympics Wrap Up

After watching the blind football team play at the Paralympics, I went to the final session of the Paralympics Global Coaches House, chaired by Professor Pat Duffy.

Stuck in a training rut? 3 ways to get out.

Posted On Wednesday, 10th October 2012 at 08:11

Practice Variability

We all get stuck in rut sometimes: as coaches or athletes. All it takes is a tweak to get out.

Knowledge without action

Posted On Monday, 01st October 2012 at 07:30

knowledge without action

Knowledge without action is nothing.

It is great to read, attend college, go on courses and conferences, observe others and listen.

It is great to join a gym, join weight watchers, buy that exercise bike or Davina DVD.

At some point though, you just have to go out and do.

(Hat Tip to Martin Rooney).

Learning from the Best

Posted On Monday, 27th August 2012 at 09:00

I made my way to the Global Coaches House on Wednesday for the morning talks. I chose it as the theme was coach development, which as a relatively new coach is something I am keen to continue.

The coach development pathway

Kim Cardile spoke about spending time developing as a coach, something that not many make time to do, we are too busy coaching and planning to have time for reflection.

Coaching Legends: Learning from the best.

Posted On Wednesday, 01st August 2012 at 07:48

Standing on the shoulders of giants.

Frank DickI spent Monday in the presence of some Coaching giants: Frank Dick, Bill Sweetenham and Vern Gambetta at the Global Coaches House.

Getting "The Edge" over your opponents

Posted On Wednesday, 13th June 2012 at 08:21

How can I gain an edge over my opponent?

Last week I was working with the England Volleyball Cadet squad and their coach Denise Austin was talking about gaining "the edge". We were looking at how these young players could develop over the next few years.

One of the things we were trying to install was that we can't predict how good they are going to be, or whether they are going to make it in International sport. Neither can they.

Anatomy and Physiology Learning in the 21st century

Posted On Wednesday, 14th March 2012 at 09:04

Here are some free resources that may help you get to grips with learning your anatomy and physiology. 

Introduction Level

BBC GSCE Bitesize – GCSE revision guide

BBC Learning – links to various revision guides and other information

Should I buy an IPad 3?

Posted On Wednesday, 07th March 2012 at 08:46

Should I buy an IPad 3?

Today is rumoured to be the launch of the new IPad 3. £600 is a lot of money, but buying one could be worthwhile if you can answer yes to one or both of these questions:

  • Will it make my job easier or more efficient?
  • Will it allow me to do better things?

If you intend to buy it as a fashion accessory, watch movies and then put your to-do list on it, then great if you can afford it (or someone gives you a free one). For me, I have to know that it will help my Coaching.

Twitter Youtube Google Plus