Performance Coaching Programme Unit 1: Building for Team Success Session Topic: Fitness Testing Tutors : Roger Keenan/Kevin Mc Guigan Date: 12th October 2011

Outcomes At the end of this Unit you will be able to: Explain the protocols for physiological testing in Gaelic games; Perform interpretation of a fitness test results spreadsheet; Analyse how the results can inform your training programme. Agreed Team Objectives - ownership & accountability -Realistic, achievable, specific, time-bound Sports Team Analysis – personal development plan – review – Critical Success Factors – collective team development plan – Recognising and negotiating potential obstacles to success

Assessing Fitness Requirements Group Task: In groups of 4/5 Discuss the range of aspects of fitness required in Gaelic games; Provide an example within the game when each aspect of fitness is important.

Assessing Fitness Requirements

Assessing Fitness Requirements

Fitness in Gaelic Games Physical Fitness Endurance; Strength; Flexibility; Speed; Agility; Motor Fitness Agility; Balance; Co-ordination; Power (speed & strength); Reaction Time

Assessing Fitness Requirements Discuss: In groups of 4/5 What fitness tests have you used with teams?

Fitness Tests Fitness Tests Standing Broad Jump Sit & Reach Medicine Ball Throw Vertical Jump 1RM Bench Press Shoulder Rotation Handgrip Strength 300 Yd Shuttle Fitness Tests Bleep Test Yo Yo Test Ruler Drop Test Illinois Agility Run Abdominal Strength 150 Yd Shuttle 20m Sprint 5m Sprint VO2 Max T-Test

Scheduling Fitness Tests   Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Phase of Season (Club) Pre Season In Season Off Season  Test Based on a typical club season, when would you schedule fitness tests?   Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Phase of Season (Club) Pre Season In Season Off Season  Test  P P

Practical Demonstration & Discussion Move to the Sports Hall

Interpreting Fitness Test Results Task: In Groups of 5 You have been provided with a complete set of actual fitness test results; Discuss in your groups what trends / issues you can identify;

Interpreting Fitness Test Results Task: In Groups of 5 You have been provided with a set of actual fitness test results for one player; Discuss in your groups what trends issues you can identify;

Interpreting Fitness Test Results Methods for Analysing Trends / Issues? Range of Results Is there a big gap between strongest and weakest performers; Are there any ‘stand out’ performers at either end of the spectrum; Is the same trend evident across all tests / isolated to specific tests; Group Average – how do players compare; Is the average a fair indicator of how the group performed overall; Are there any ‘rogue’ results that adversely affect the average; Is being above the group average enough;

Interpreting Fitness Test Results Methods for Analysing Trends / Issues? Improvement / Deterioration; Can you compare results with similar previous fitness results; Are there improvements / Are strong aspects being maintained; Where would you like to see improvements; Are Results Reflected on the Pitch; Do the strengths reflect position of player; Are there any warning signs for the team / individuals; Any other ideas?

Informing the Training Programme Some Decisions Individual v Team programme; Stage of season (Pre, In season, Post season); Pitch based activity v Other; Self driven v Coach driven sessions; Strengths / Weaknesses.

Informing the Training Programme Task: In Groups of 5 In your group, take 5 minutes, and discuss the full set of team results How would the results inform your training programme?;

Summary Are you satisfied that you: Understand the physiological protocols for fitness testing; Can effectively carry out an appropriate fitness testing session; Can interpret a fitness test results spreadsheet; Can apply findings to your training programme; Agreed Team Objectives - ownership & accountability -Realistic, achievable, specific, time-bound Sports Team Analysis – personal development plan – review – Critical Success Factors – collective team development plan – Recognising and negotiating potential obstacles to success

Thank You! Any Questions? Agreed Team Objectives - ownership & accountability -Realistic, achievable, specific, time-bound Sports Team Analysis – personal development plan – review – Critical Success Factors – collective team development plan – Recognising and negotiating potential obstacles to success