Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/science-of-training-young-athletes-part-2

Introduction

### Course Review: Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2 on Coursera Are you an aspiring coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast looking to deepen your understanding of training young athletes? Look no further than the **"Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2"** offered on Coursera. This comprehensive course is designed to guide learners through the intricate process of developing effective training regimens that cater specifically to the needs of young athletes as they grow and adapt. #### Course Overview The course delves into the fascinating concept of the plasticity of the young athlete’s body—the ability to adapt and change according to specific training stimuli. Throughout the course, participants will gain insights into designing training programs that not only improve performance but also take the biomechanical and physiological responses of the athlete into consideration. Key topics include sports-specific strength and power development, managing acute and chronic fatigue, and strategically preparing athletes for competition. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Training Science**: This foundational module introduces the essential principles of training science. Here, you learn about critical concepts such as homeostasis and periodization theory. Understanding these principles is crucial for designing effective training that drives noticeable improvements in performance. 2. **Sport-Specific Strength and Power**: This section focuses on the terminology and practical applications relevant to developing an athlete’s strength and power. Learn how to apply the principle of specificity and understand the adaptations needed at both the peripheral and central levels. This knowledge is pivotal for tailoring training that enhances an athlete's performance in their respective sport. 3. **Acute Fatigue During Training and Competition**: Fatigue is an inevitable experience during athletic training and competition. This module teaches the science behind acute fatigue, exploring its cognitive and physical components. Understanding fatigue allows you to manage training loads effectively and promote better recovery strategies. 4. **Chronic Fatigue Due to Overtraining**: In this module, you’ll learn about the dangers of overtraining—a common issue among young athletes that can lead to chronic fatigue and underperformance. The course discusses the underlying physiological mechanisms and provides insights into recognizing and addressing this critical issue. 5. **Preparing the Athlete for Competition**: Finally, this section equips you with strategies to ensure athletes are primed for performance. It covers how to manage training effects, quantify training loads, and develop a cohesive annual training plan to optimize success before major competitions. #### Why You Should Take This Course The **"Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2"** course is highly recommended for several reasons: - **Expert Insights**: The course is designed and delivered by experts in the field, providing you with a wealth of knowledge and insights that are both current and relevant. - **Practical Application**: The emphasis on real-world application means that you can immediately implement what you learn into your training regimes or coaching practices. - **Flexibility and Accessibility**: As a Coursera course, it offers the flexibility to learn at your pace, making it an excellent choice for busy professionals or students. - **Supplementary Knowledge**: This course builds beautifully on its predecessor, ensuring a detailed and comprehensive understanding of training science, and preparing you effectively for advanced coaching roles. #### Conclusion In conclusion, if you are aiming to enhance your expertise in the sports field, particularly in training young athletes, this course is a must. With its scientifically-backed curriculum, rich content, and practical focus, the **"Science of Training Young Athletes Part 2"** stands out as an invaluable resource. Dive in, broaden your understanding, and contribute positively to the athletic development of young talents!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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