New Athletic Development Course

Andy Thomson has commenced delivering the inaugural Athletic Development Course at Glasgow College. The first of its kind, the course is designed to bridge the gap between the technical / tactical journey and the physical journey of all athletes. Designed with the coach firmly in mind the course tracks the maturation journey of the athlete as they negotiate the perils of growing up. I wrote the course in an attempt to broaden the scope of knowledge the coach requires beyond 'heavy weight lifting', 'volume miles' and 'running drills'. It is a journey of discovery of how the athlete learns to move correctly and highlights what is described as the Foundation Movements common to all sporting actions and postures.

The course format for Glasgow College is one of 12 weeks of 3hour modules that are divided between theory and practical elements. Students are able to assess a variety of fundamental movements using the Physical Competence Assessment process and then explore the progressive journey of some basic exercises. Suitable for all coaches, right through to elite level, the course is designed to give students a sound understanding of the teaching and coaching of the required movements. Further work sees the students being taught and supported in weaving these vital 'physical' components into the progressive training program. Main Modules: What is Physical Literacy?; The Maturation Journey; The What and How of Physical Competence Assessment; The Basics of Athletic Development; Exercise progression; Injury Reduction; Planning the Session Practical Modules: Physical Competence Assessment (20 movements); Exercise Selection and Progression (the Foundation Movement journeys); The Warm Up.