Strength & Conditioning
Alan Sinclair
The aim of the Strength and Conditioning (S&C) programme is to maximise the physical preparation of athletes in relation to the specific fitness demands of their sport. We aim to provide world-class S&C support to TFIS athletes by providing a comprehensive and evolving service.
There are several key elements of our provision:
- Completing a detailed needs-analysis of the demands of an individual's sport to identfiy key components of fitness required for peak performance. This may involve video analysis; discussion with sport specific coaching staff; and reviewing published research relating to the fitness demands and common injuries in different sports.
- Completing a needs analysis of the individual athlete incorporating their competitive goals, training history, fitness test results and injury profile.
- A sport-specific periodized training programme is then designed based on the information gathered from the needs analysis.
- Specialist S&C coaching support is provided during supervised sessions to maximise gains in sport-specific fitness in the safest and most efficient manner possible. This may also include the use of video feedback to aid in technical development, and the use of advanced technology to monitor improvements in strength and power and inform future programme design.
David Young in Action
Over the last four years there has been an increase in the provision of supervised S&C training opportunities throughout the Tayside and Fife area. Sessions are held at the University of Dundee, Douglas Sports Centre (Dundee), Fife Institute (Glenrothes), Strathallan School (Perth) as well as sessions in Perthshire.
Although these locations form the cornerstone of our provision, we are constantly exploring innovative ways to ensure that all TFIS athletes regardless of their location, receive high quality strength and conditioning support.
The recent formation of the United Kingdom Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) will only enhance the current level of coaching available to TFIS athletes. The association, which is chaired by TFIS S&C Coach - Gil Stevenson, will provide professional accreditation for S&C professionals in the UK.
