Sports Specific Training
Strength & Conditioning Training
Strength and Conditioning Training is the ability to work easily and/or with lessened stress while performing a chosen activity. Example: When you learn to do something new it can often be difficult and uncomfortable, but the more you persist at it the easier it becomes, until it is a task that can be carried out with ease or almost instinctively
The aims of the Strength and Conditioning program are to:
- develop correct exercise technique
- improve the strength base of all athletes
- individualise programs to address athlete specific strengths and weaknesses
- improve athletes' sports specific movements and techniques through agility and speed sessions
- improve athletes' physical conditioning through sport specific conditioning sessions
Strength and conditioning consists of nine fitness elements which are specific to your chosen sport. They are:
- Strength – the extent to which muscles can exert force by contracting against resistance (holding or restraining an object or person-Rugby League)
- Power – the ability to exert maximum muscular contraction instantly in an explosive burst of movements (jumping or sprint starting-Track and field)
- Agility – the ability to perform a series of explosive power movements in rapid succession in opposing directions (zigzag running or cutting movements-Tennis)
- Balance – the ability to control the body’s position, either stationary (e.g. a handstand) or while moving (e.g. a vault or gymnastics stunt)
- Flexibility – the ability to achieve an extended range of motion without being impeded by excess tissue, i.e. fat or muscle (executing a leg split). Flexibility can be further broken down into: static passive, dynamic and static active
- Local Muscle Endurance – a single muscle’s ability to perform sustained work (rowing or cycling)
- Cardiovascular Endurance – the heart’s ability to deliver blood to working muscles and their ability to use it (running long distances)
- Strength Endurance – a muscle’s ability to perform a maximum contracture time after time (continuous explosive rebounding through an entire basketball game)
- Coordination – the ability to integrate the above listed components so that effective movements are achieved.
Of all the nine elements of fitness cardiac respiratory qualities are the most important to develop as they enhance all the other components of conditioning.
Let’s break it down some more:
| Examples of Sports Specific Training | Members Who Use Sports Specific Training |
CONTACT SPORTSThese include anything when one person comes in physical contact with another. Such as, Rugby League, Union, AFL, ![]() Thirlmere Roosters Training |
Members of South West Sydney Academy of Sports
![]() Thirlmere Roosters Training with Jamie |
Court SportsE.g. Basketball/netball |
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HAND-EYE SPORTSe.g Tennis/Cricket/Golf
Matthew's Achievements:
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![]() Matthew Williams Professional Baseball Player |
DYNAMICE.g Paddling, rowing, diving Belinda's Achievements:
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ENDURANCEeg Cyclist/Runner Regular running or jogging offers many health benefits. Running can:
A race is never won or lost on the day of the event but rather in the countless hours you spend pounding pavement during training sessions. Training to your absolute optimum is the difference between winning and losing. |
Caroline's Achievements:
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Sport Specific Training Programs
Master Trainer – Jamie Horner has a Level 1 ASCA (Australian Strength & Conditioning Association) Strength and Conditioning Coaching qualifications which provides with the knowledge and skills to understand, apply and design programs including basic training principles and variables to physically prepare beginner level athletes to improve their sports performance.
We offer small to large group training sessions or packages for strength & conditioning or our popular personalised “at home” program designed by Master Trainers and Personal trainers who are experienced in the field of sports. This program is for anyone wishing to increase their strength levels, irrespective of the position or the code that they play.
Please contact our Master Trainer Jamie or UFO Personal Trainers today for a consultation to discuss the personal needs for your sport.
Registered with Fitness Australia
The Health and Fitness Association






