Sebastian Moran - Strength & Conditioning Coach
Introduction The Solution
Athlete ranking does not necessarily correlate with the ability to
move well. In fact, over-specialisation means that we commonly
see athletes at the highest level unable to perform basic
movements adequately.
Sports are then frustrated when these same athletes have
biomechanical deficiencies in sport techniques, and are frequently
injured.
To increase an athlete’s “movement potential”, it is important to
provide young athletes with an opportunity to master foundational
movements through exposure to a wide variety of these
movements throughout their development.
Pyramid of sport mastery.
Credit: SoccerFit Academy
The Problem
In order to develop movement competence, coaches/athletes must
understand:
• 1. The importance and benefits.
• 2. What correct technique looks like, and how to effectively
teach correct technique.
• 3. How to create an optimal learning environment in which
athletes are engaged in the process of technical mastery of
foundational movements.
Past, Present & Future
A constraints-based approach can make learning foundational Previously, the approach taken has been workshop-style coach
movement patterns more engaging for athletes, as well as education, with little follow-up. This was ineffective.
promoting self-discovery and improving retention of learning.
Currently, we are providing education focused mostly around the
Sport Wales Institute S&C department’s strategic intent is to why & how, and hosting athlete testing days so that we can provide
provide coaches/athletes with education and tools in order to help regular feedback to coaches/athletes.
them develop the foundational movement skills required for their
sport.
Next steps will be to maintain engagement through providing
education and tools to introduce constraints-based learning and
Elements of this strategy include: variability to further develop movement competence.
Why mastering
foundational movements
is important
How to perform/coach
foundational movements
correctly
A variety of engaging,
constraints-based
Psychosocial modulators of motor learning and it’s interactions
movement puzzles
We’d Like Your Feedback
Clear progression
Q1: What challenges/barriers do you face when attempting to
system to provide a develop physical competency in your athletes?
sense of challenge and
achievement Q2: How could coach development better support you to develop
movement competency in your athletes?
Any feedback is appreciated, and we’d love to hear from you if
Regular, visual feedback you’re currently doing something similar. You can reach me at:
to maintain engagement Seb.Moran@Sport.Wales