Sport specific training refers to the development and refinement of athletic skills that is particular for a certain sport, such as pitching a baseball or running a marathon, according to Coach Vern Gambetta, author of "Athletic Development." Personal trainers can help athletes by providing an exercise program to improve or maintain their skill level or improve their fundamental movement patterns to prevent injuries. Each training program must tailor to each athlete's goals, abilities and sport.
Prerequisites
Before training any athletes, personal trainers must screen their movement patterns to determine whether they have any weaknesses, faulty movement patterns or risk of injury, according to physical therapist Gray Cook, author of "Movement." Any signs of faulty movement patterns or weakness increases injury risks and inhibits an athlete's ability to train sport specific skills. This screening tests fundamental movement patterns, such as the squat, lunge and step-up. If the athletes exhibit any faulty movement patterns, then they need to improve those patterns before training sports specific skills.
Features
Sport specific training starts with a dynamic warm-up that reinforces proper movement patterns, stimulates the nervous system and improves joint and muscle mobility, according to Gambetta. The athletes proceed to train the sport skill that the sport demands. For example, a mixed-martial art fighter might perform a series of strikes and kicks against a punching bag, sandbag punching and grappling on the ground, rolling techniques and getting up from the ground drills. The session ends with a combination of dynamic stretches, static stretches and self-massage techniques to relax tight and fatigued muscles.
Benefits
Personal trainers help athletes provide feedback for their progress and eliminate the guesswork from their workouts. They act as an athlete's coach in motivation and accountability so that the athletes do not drop out from their training. Athletes also use personal trainers as a source of information about exercise strategies and equipment.
Qualifications
Personal trainers must have at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science, physical education, sports medicine or a related field and an accredited certification that gives personal trainers practical applications and professional growth. They must also be certified in CPR and basic first aid from a qualified provider, such as the American Heart Association or the YMCA, according to fitness professional Donald Evans, contributing writer for Quackwatch.org. Accredited certifications include the National Academy of Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, PTA Global, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Personal trainers need excellent communication and listening skills and judgment when dealing with athletes.
References
- "Athletic Development"; Vern Gambetta; 2006
- "Athletic Body in Balance"; Gray Cook; 2003
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