Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2 from Coursera

In this course you will learn how to design the type of training that takes advantage of the plastic nature of the athlete’s body so you mold the right phenotype for a sport. We explore ways the muscular system can be designed to generate higher force and power and the type of training needed to mold the athlete's physical capacity so it meets the energy and biochemical demands of the sport.

We also examine the cost of plasticity when it is carried beyond the ability of the body to adjust itself to meet the imposed training stresses. The cost of overextending plasticity comes in the form injuries and chronic fatigue. In essence, a coach can push the athlete’s body too far and it can fail. Upon completion of this course you will be able to assemble a scientifically sound annual training plan.

What's inside

Syllabus

Training Science

In the first topic you are introduced to the fundamentals of training science. This knowledge underlies your ability to design the type of training that will most effectively improve an athlete’s performance. Essential concepts such as homeostasis, core training principles, magnitude and timing of the training stimulus, and periodization theory are all discussed.

Sport specific strength and power

Training an athlete’s strength and power so it improves their sport performance is a challenging aspect of coaching. Here is the important knowledge you must have: First, you must understand the important terminology such as strength, torque, work and power. Second, you must be able to apply the principle of specificity and transfer of training effects to the athlete’s strength and power development. Third, you must know what peripheral structural adaptations and central adaptations you are trying to accomplish.

Acute fatigue during training and competition

Fatigue is a phenomenon we all experience. It is characterized by tiredness and the desire to rest. Whether the athlete likes it or not, fatigue serves a protective function. It is both cognitive and physical in nature. In this topic you are introduced to the science of acute fatigue due to training and competition. With rest, acute fatigue dissipates and the body becomes stronger. You will learn about important fatigue theories, and the factors believed to contribute to fatigue such as low fuel supplies, acidity and body temperature.

Chronic Fatigue Due to Overtraining

When an athlete is underperforming, and you don’t know why, suspect chronic fatigue due to overtraining as the prime contributing factor. Unfortunately, because we don’t fully understand chronic fatigue our knowledge about overtraining remains scant. Hans Selye’s General Adaptation framework suggests it is likely due to too much training and insufficient recovery that leads to a prolonged maladaptation of physiological systems and structures. In this module you are provided insight into chronic fatigue and its relationship to overtraining.

Preparing the athlete for competition

The final topic examines how to organize an athlete’s training so it ensures peak performance. We begin by discussing how to manage the various training effects resulting from a training session. Then we explore methods you can use to quantify training loads and how to taper those loads before a major competition. Finally, you will learn about thinking behind assembling an annual training plan

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the scientific fundamentals that drive training, enhancing learners' ability to design effective training programs

Taught by Dr. Chris Brooks, a recognized expert in sports science

Provides a comprehensive study of the muscular system and its role in athletic performance

Develops an understanding of specific strength and power training principles, enabling learners to optimize athlete development for various sports

Examines acute and chronic fatigue, helping learners recognize and address the challenges associated with excessive training

Provides guidance on organizing and implementing an annual training plan, ensuring optimal athlete preparation for competition

Reviews summary

Highly-praised course on training young athletes

Learners say this course is excellent and highly recommended. According to students, this course provides essential and up-to-date information with scientific explanations on how to train young athletes. The course is comprehensive, covering many areas of sports performance and coaching. The instructor explains every topic with examples, graphics, and in a way that is understandable to everyone.

The instructor explains every topic in a way that is understandable to everyone.

"An awesome course with a great teacher, she explained every topic with examples, graphics in a way that is understandable to everyone."

"The course covered all the topics in great detail."

Provides scientific explanations on how to train young athletes.

"The presenter has a wide experience in the training field."

"It was very interesting and included a lot of pretty current work on exercise physiology, anatomy, and training theory (and backed up by scientific studies where possible)."

Covers many areas of sports performance and coaching.

"It was extremely comprehensive and covered so many areas of sports performance and coaching that I was not expecting it to."

"An informative and exciting course packed with all the information as to train the young athletes."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2 with these activities:

Review exercise physiology

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Understanding basic exercise physiology will help you build a strong foundation for learning how to train athletes effectively.

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Read a textbook chapter or article on exercise physiology.
Review your notes from a previous exercise physiology course.
Take a practice quiz or exam on exercise physiology.

Attend a study group or discussion forum on training science

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Participating in a study group or discussion forum will allow you to connect with other students and learn from their perspectives on training science.

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Find a study group or discussion forum that is relevant to your interests.
Attend the group regularly and participate in the discussions.
Share your own knowledge and experiences with the group.

Complete online tutorials on strength and power training

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Following online tutorials will allow you to learn from experts in the field and gain practical knowledge about how to train athletes for strength and power.

Browse courses on Strength Training

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Find online tutorials from reputable sources.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and take notes.
Experiment with different strength and power training techniques.

Five other activities

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Read 'Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training'

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Reading this book will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of periodization, which is essential for designing effective training plans.

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Read the book and take notes on the key concepts.
Discuss the book with other students or a mentor.
Apply the principles of periodization to your own training or the training of others.

Attend a workshop on training science or sports performance

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Attending a workshop will give you the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.

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Find a workshop that is relevant to your interests.
Attend the workshop and take notes.
Apply the knowledge you gained from the workshop to your own training or the training of others.

Design training plans for different sports

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Designing training plans for different sports will give you hands-on experience in applying the principles of training science to real-world scenarios.

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Choose a sport and research its specific training needs.
Develop a training plan that incorporates the principles of training science.
Implement the training plan and monitor the athlete's progress.

Volunteer as a coach or trainer

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Volunteering as a coach or trainer will give you practical experience in applying the principles of training science to real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Coaching

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Find a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests and skills.
Develop a training plan for your athletes or clients.
Implement the training plan and monitor the progress of your athletes or clients.

Create a blog or website on training science

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Creating a blog or website will allow you to share your knowledge of training science with others and establish yourself as an expert in the field.

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Choose a topic for your blog or website.
Write high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience.
Promote your blog or website through social media and other channels.

Career center

Learners who complete Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who work with athletes to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries. They use their knowledge of the human body and运动科学to develop and implement rehabilitation programs. This course can help Athletic Trainers understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective training programs and improve their athletes' performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Athletic Trainer

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Strength and Conditioning Coaches work with athletes to improve their strength, power, and endurance. They develop and implement training programs, provide motivation and support, and help athletes overcome challenges. This course can help Strength and Conditioning Coaches understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective training programs and improve their athletes' performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strength and Conditioning Coach

Coach

Coaches work with athletes to help them improve their skills and performance. They develop and implement training programs, provide motivation and support, and help athletes overcome challenges. This course can help Coaches understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective training programs and improve their athletes' performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Coach

Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiologists use their knowledge of the human body and运动科学to help people improve their health and fitness. They develop and implement exercise programs, provide nutrition counseling, and help people with chronic diseases manage their conditions. This course can help Exercise Physiologists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective training programs for young athletes and their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exercise Physiologist

Sports Medicine Physician

Sports Medicine Physicians are doctors who specialize in the treatment of sports-related injuries and illnesses. They diagnose and treat injuries, provide rehabilitation, and help athletes prevent future injuries. This course can help Sports Medicine Physicians understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop more effective treatment plans and provide better care for young athletes.

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Youth Fitness Specialist

Youth Fitness Specialists work with children and adolescents to help them improve their health and fitness. They develop and implement fitness programs, provide nutrition counseling, and help children and adolescents with chronic diseases manage their conditions. This course can help Youth Fitness Specialists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective fitness programs for young athletes and their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Youth Fitness Specialist

Exercise Scientist

Exercise Scientists use their knowledge of the human body and运动科学to develop and implement exercise programs for people of all ages and fitness levels. They work in a variety of settings, including fitness centers, hospitals, and research laboratories. This course can help Exercise Scientists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop more effective exercise programs for young athletes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exercise Scientist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists work with people who have disabilities to help them improve their functional abilities. They develop and implement treatment plans, provide support and motivation, and help people overcome challenges. This course can help Occupational Therapists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective treatment plans for young athletes with disabilities.

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Personal Trainer

Personal Trainers work with clients to help them improve their health and fitness. They develop and implement training programs, provide nutrition counseling, and help clients with chronic diseases manage their conditions. This course can help Personal Trainers understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective training programs for young athletes and their clients.

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Kinesiologist

Kinesiologists use their knowledge of the human body and movement to help people improve their health and fitness. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and fitness centers. This course can help Kinesiologists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop more effective rehabilitation programs and fitness programs for young athletes.

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Health Teacher

Health Teachers teach students about health and fitness. They develop and implement lesson plans, grade papers, and provide support to students. This course can help Health Teachers understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them teach their students about the importance of exercise and healthy living.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists work with people who have injuries or disabilities to help them improve their movement and function. They develop and implement treatment plans, provide support and motivation, and help people overcome challenges. This course can help Physical Therapists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective treatment plans for young athletes with injuries or disabilities.

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Registered Dietitian

Registered Dietitians use their knowledge of nutrition to help people improve their health and well-being. They develop and implement nutrition plans, provide counseling, and help people with chronic diseases manage their conditions. This course can help Registered Dietitians understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop more effective nutrition plans for young athletes.

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School Nurse

School Nurses work with students and staff to prevent, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses. They develop and implement health education programs, provide first aid, and help students with chronic diseases manage their conditions. This course can help School Nurses understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop more effective health education programs and provide better care for young athletes.

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Biomechanist

Biomechanists use their knowledge of the human body and movement to design and develop products and technologies that improve human performance. They work in a variety of settings, including sports, healthcare, and ergonomics. This course can help Biomechanists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them design more effective products and technologies for young athletes.

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