High performance sport coaches from the regional academies of sport (RASi) and state sport high schools (SSHS) have received a professional development boost and the opportunity to connect with industry staff following their inclusion in the second session of the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Strength Science Learning program.

“It’s great to see what is going on at a high level of sport,” Westfield Sports High Performance Coach Bradley Genova said.

“As a coach seeing what the next step is for our youth athletes – here is where we are at, here is where we need to be – is of great benefit.”

As part of the NSWIS and sports high schools partnership, NSWIS invited a number of world class practitioners and academics to share their insights into topics relevant to staff working in the talent, pathway and high performance areas of sport.

The sessions focussed on exploring best practice and alternative working methods in sport, different approaches to sport innovation and the results of cutting edge research.

NSWIS Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach, Nathan Spencer, who has recently returned from a four year stint as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Orlando Magic in the NBA and is currently working with women’s water polo program at NSWIS, highlighted his philosophy about strength and power diagnostics through his experience at the NBA.

“This session taught me about the importance of breaking down the key components of any program,” Bradley said.

“I need to ask myself – what’s our approach, what are other contributing factors, so that when I go to an athlete I have evidence and reasons for the program.”

In addition to enhancing their knowledge of strength and conditioning, the RASi and SSHS coaches were able to network and connect with industry stakeholders.

“It’s good to connect to NSWIS and the staff here,” Physical Performance Coach at the Illawarra Academy of Sport Lachlan McKenzie said.

“It’s great to meet the coaches and put faces to names as some of the athletes are located locally.

“Plus the networking is excellent – I can catch up with a few colleagues and some from the sports high schools where some of our youth athletes have gone.

“It’s good to understand how they are implementing their programs.”

NSWIS

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