Strength and Conditioning (S&C) is a performance-focused discipline that develops physical attributes specific to a given sport and athlete. It is used to improve athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury by enhancing an athlete’s physical capacities.
Strength and Conditioning utilises testing, monitoring, and diagnostics to inform programme planning, design and coaching interventions. By analysing an athlete’s physical capabilities, S&C coaches create personalised programs that ensure optimal adaptation and performance. Coaching sessions can take place in a gym, on a pitch, field, track or court. Continuous monitoring through personal communication and use of various technology, ensures that athletes are progressing as expected, and programs are adjusted to enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
Strength and Conditioning combines science and practical training to optimise an athlete’s performance by designing structured training that aligns with competition and training demands. S&C coaches assess movement patterns and physical capacities and then coach the athlete to move or express forces in an efficient and safe way to improve their athletic abilities and performance. There is collaboration with sport coaches, medical teams and other service providers to ensure comprehensive and holistic physical development. Using a data-informed approach allows for precise programming to maximise physical adaptation and optimise performance.
The core objectives of S&C are to enhancing athletic performance to meet the demands of training and competition, develop sport-specific physical capabilities, technical proficiency performed consistently across a range of movements or exercises, reduce injury risk and return to play if an injury occurs, and ensuring long-term athlete health and sustainability.
Strength and Conditioning coaches focus on multiple areas depending on the needs and objectives of the sport and athlete. This is done in collaboration with other SNISI departments, practitioners and coaching staff in an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary approach. These include:
All SNISI S&C Coaches are current UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coaches (ASCC) and have completed the UKAD Introduction to Clean Sport course. Staff have also gained a post-graduate degree in Strength and Conditioning or Sports Science-related subject.
Staff in the S&C Unit have travelled to and supported teams and athletes at Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, international competitions and training camps within the UK and Ireland and across the world.
UK Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA)
Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA)
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Sport Ireland Institute – Strength and Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning for Sport Performance – UK Sports Institute
Strength & Conditioning | Australian Institute of Sport (ais.gov.au)