Local coaches learn to XLR8

Palmerston North coaches, teachers and students were treated to a unique opportunity on Sunday (July 26) to increase their knowledge in speed, power and agility.

The XLR8 bronze level course, held at the Massey University Sport and Rugby Institute by Christchurch based company, XLR8 International, was an intensive seven hour course covering the techniques to increase athletes speed, power and agility. Using the principles of FASTER – First step quickness; Agility and acceleration; Stopping and starting; Technique efficiency; Explosive power; and Reaction Skills; the attendees were given many skills useful in the art of coaching athletes to be faster, stronger and more powerful.

“There was a great cross-section of the sporting industry in attendance,” says Ben Valentine of Sport Manawatu, who helped coordinate the promotion of the course attended by 25 people, some of who attended from as far away as Taihape. “There were top level coaches, grass roots coaches, high school teachers, fitness trainers, gym instructors, and UCOL and Massey sport and exercise science students, I think everyone who attended were able to take away something different and sport specific which will aid them in their training environment,” says Mr. Valentine.

The course participants had the services of Wellington Firebirds and former Black Caps batsman, Matthew Bell, on hand to demonstrate many of the activities, and provide an athletes perspective on conducting the drills. As well as theory based lessons facilitated by XLR8 Coaching Director Jamie Tout, participants took part in practical sessions using the XLR8 equipment, such as mini hurdles, speed chutes, speed ladders, and evasion belts.

“The skills learnt will certainly transfer easily to both the elite squash players I coach and the junior soccer team I help with,” says participant Grant Watts, of Palmerston North.

Central Squash’s Manawatu coaching coordinator, Karl Fraser says “It was an excellent day and I learnt a lot from it. Jamie certainly teaches it with passion and enthusiasm, which contributes to keen participation!”

The course attendants are now charged with creating and instigating 10 sessions for their athletes, they will then be awarded the XLR8 bronze level qualification.

If you are a coach or teacher who wants opportunities to be up-skilled in courses such as XLR8, or other sport specific courses, contact Sport Manawatu on (06) 357 5349.