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Giants vs Patriots Superbowl, Quotes from Parcells
05/02/2012 - 07:19
With Superbowl XLVI on later tonight, I thought it would be good to share some of my favourite quotes from Bill Parcells. Parcells won 2 Superbowls as Head Coach of the New York Giants, then took the...

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Why agility training is like learning to ride a bike

Posted On Wednesday, 01st February 2012 at 07:54

bike ridingNo pedals, no stabilisers

If, like me, you learnt to ride a bike using stabilisers, you might remember the various attempts of trying to do it without them.

For me this involves vague memories of pedalling like a lunatic with my Dad saying "I've got you" (when he blatantly hadn't) and me steering into ditches.

Stuck in a rut? A very simple solution.

Posted On Monday, 16th January 2012 at 08:52

swimI have been taking my daughter swimming every week for over 4 years now. She loves the water and loves spending time with me playing in the pool. She can do her various styles of "swimming" but nothing that relates to lengths or widths. I have been struggling to get her to do more.

Training young athletes: Part 5:Kelvin Giles

Posted On Monday, 09th January 2012 at 07:46

Strength and conditioning for children appears to be a popular topic. Unfortunately, short cuts are often desired (4 hour International Athlete anyone?). One of the common, if unpopular, themes from the guest Coaches this week has been fundamentals, process and detail. Today's author is a great exponent of that.

Training young athletes part 4: Gil Stevenson, Denis Betts

Posted On Friday, 06th January 2012 at 07:20

There are many different ways to develop young athletes, all require some direction, support and encouragement. I am not sure what is the best way, but I am pretty sure there are less than ideal ways. This week we have heard from some great coaches on Training Young Athletes, here are 2 more. 

Training young athletes part 3: Paul Gamble, Simon Worsnop

Posted On Thursday, 05th January 2012 at 08:00

If you want to get to an Olympics, or compete at the highest level, you need an early start on activity and all round athletic development. This week's guest blogs by Frank Dick, Vern Gambetta and Roy Headey have given an insight into Training Young Athletes. Today, 2 more guest authors. 

Training young athletes part 2: Vern Gambetta, Roy Headey

Posted On Wednesday, 04th January 2012 at 08:32

In order to become a successful athlete, each individual needs to take responsibility for their own actions, whilst gaining the support of coaches, team mates, teachers and parents. This week we are looking at advice for young athletes looking to get better.

Yesterday's guest blog by Frank Dick set the bar high.

Today Vern Gambetta and Roy Headey offer some insights into what a young athlete needs to do to prepare.

Training young athletes: Part 1 Frank Dick

Posted On Tuesday, 03rd January 2012 at 07:50

I am starting this Olympic year with a focus on training young athletes. With all the hoo ha about the top end, it is important to remember how to get there. This week some expert coaches from Track and Field, Athletic Development and Strength and Conditioning have kindly donated some ideas.

Training Young Athletes Book: Out Now!

Posted On Wednesday, 14th December 2011 at 08:24

Are you a busy Coach or Parent?

strength and conditoining for childrenMost parents, coaches and PE Teachers are extremely busy, trying to juggle endless commitments of work and looking after their kids. The last thing they have time to do is to work out exactly what strength and conditioning programmes they should be delivering that day.

Strength and Power in Rugby: Part 3

Posted On Wednesday, 12th October 2011 at 07:55

The Rugby World Cup is in it's knockout stages. National Fitness adviser Simon Worsnop looks at current strength and power measurements.

Strength and Power Levels

Since the onset of full time professionalism in both sports strength levels have increased so that today’s players possess higher strength levels than similar aged recreational players e.g.” the trained junior high school RL, senior high school RL College RL and NRL players are capable of lifting approximately 102, 115, 124 and 148% of their body mass, respectively, in the 1RM bench press” (1)

Giving our youth roots to grow and wings to fly

Posted On Wednesday, 18th May 2011 at 07:59

The above is a quote from Frank Dick. It is brought to mind because last week a young athlete said she wasn't good enough to get to the Olympics. At 13 years old, no she isn't. What was disappointing was it appeared that any flame of ambition had been doused.