The Diversity of Sport: Influences on Strength and Conditioning Training

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written by Natalie Koehler

S&C – Can it take you to the big stage?

Implementing Strength and Conditioning training into a weekly training routine is vital for athletes who want to compete at the highest level. Not only does it help athletes to get stronger, jump higher and run faster, it also reduces their risk of injury and improves their overall athletic performance – specific to their chosen sport. Though, the best way for a strength and conditioning program to be effective is if it is individualized to the athlete and their sport, goals and capabilities. For Strength and Conditioning coaches, it is important to continue to educate, learn and adapt to the ever-changing requirements of athletes and what their main goals may be.

For many athletes, their dream is to represent their country at the Olympic Games, made even better if they get to take home that elusive gold medal. But, what does that mean for the athlete and their coach? Well, it means adapting to change, extremely hard work and commitment from both parties to achieving that goal.

Youth Olympic Games – Diversity and Inclusion

Let’s take a step back and look at the Olympic Games for a moment. Since the Olympic Games were re-introduced at the end of the 19^th Century, the competition between athletes has increased dramatically. Athletes are running faster, lifting heavier and jumping higher, changes we are now seeing yearly. The modern technology only reinforces this concept, with venues and equipment of the highest standard readily available for the athletic population.

In more recent times, we saw the beginning of the Youth Olympic Games, with the first event held in Singapore in 2010. The Youth Olympics were introduced to be a platform for upcoming athletes to compete at an elite level, representing the true spirit of the Olympic Games, without the baggage of excessive branding, over-done media and just a genuine appreciation of being part of something so big.

When considering the changes seen in just 8 years of the Youth Olympic Games, it’s crystal clear why coaches need to be aware of and prepared for change. In just 8 years, an additional 40 events have been added to the program and almost 1000 more athletes are invited to compete. These events include new sports that have never been part of such a high-level competition and the athletes competing have never been to well-prepared for the event.

The Future – Strength and Conditioning

With these trends not likely to slow down anytime soon, we will see so many new and exciting inclusions of sports and events at competitions such at the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games. With this will come more advanced technology and venues, higher performing athletes and a hungrier desire to take the top of the podium. Strength and Conditioning coaches will need to be ready and willing to take on these challenges and work with our athletes to prepare them for their chance of claiming victory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here at Acceleration, our coaches understand the importance of adapting to changes, and we offer services for all ages, sports and abilities.[/vc_column_text][tek_button button_text=”I want an individual training program” button_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Faccelerationaustralia.com.au%2Fcontact%2F|title:Email%20for%20more%20Info||” button_position=”button-center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]