The Tech Savvy Coach

Many coaches have already started to incorporate smart technology into their training, and when used to its full potential, iPads or other smart technologies can significantly enhance the coaching business. To some coaches, technology can seem a little daunting, but coaches need to embrace it by making themselves aware of what is available and how it can benefit them and their athletes.

Slow Motion Video/Video Streaming

There are many benefits of having a video readily available when it comes to sport coaching.

• Athletes and coaches do not need to be in the same location to have a relationship 
• A coach can provide support from any location during competition 
• Game strategies, injury concerns and nutritional needs can all be discussed 
• A coach can quickly record their athlete in action and have it played back in slow motion which enables both parties to see what’s happening and enable the coach to point out corrections 
• Enhances fan interaction 

Web Applications

Everyday more and more applications are being created to help us navigate and interact with the world. Mobile applications for coaching are no exception and there are many you can access effortlessly and with minimal cost.

• Coaches Eye - Web app for the iPhone has many features including: video, slow motion review, audio commenting and video drawing to highlight problems
• Sports Game Timer App – Many recreational leagues require equal playing time or that each player plays at least half of the game. Keep track of players with a simple timer/tracker for sports teams. Great if you need proof for the parents! 
• G.A.P.S. Sports Coaching App - Gain access to over 1750 activities, practices and skills, perfect for creating enjoyable and interesting coaching sessions and PE lessons on the move.

The use of technology allows coaches to organize themselves and gain efficiency by having simple to operate equipment that produces maximum results. Up until this point, coaches might have been able to get away with older methods of running a program, but not anymore. Today’s technology can make you a better instructor, manager and leader and coaches need to grab a hold or be left behind. Replace the old way of thinking and you’ll be amazed at what technology can offer!

References from the SIRC Collection

1. A Bertram C, Marteniuk R, Guadagnoli M. On the Use and Misuse of Video Analysis. International Journal Of Sports Science & Coaching [serial online]. June 2, 2007;2(0):37-46.
2. Lachance A. Long distance coaching using today's technology. Coaches Plan/Plan Du Coach [serial online]. Summer2009 2009;16(2):56-57.
3. O'Donoghue P. The use of feedback videos in sport. International Journal Of Performance Analysis In Sport [serial online]. November 2006;6(2):1-14 The techno coaching revolution. Cycling Weekly [serial online]. July 14, 2011;:70-72.

Staying Active over the Holidays

SIRC Newsletter now available online: Staying Active over the Holidays

This time of year means visiting with family and friends, attending holiday parties and giving gifts, so it can be difficult for most of us to stay active during the holidays. The good news is that staying active doesn’t have to be that hard; recruiting your friends and family can increase the fun, add motivation and create new traditions that can carry on from year to year. A good idea is to come up with alternatives to your regular workout and have fun with it!

Read more:  http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-dec12/index.html

Taking the Gym “To Go”

The development of fitness apps for mobile devices is essentially turning smartphones into pop-up gyms that include the personal trainer, minus the heavy price tag. Variety is abundant and their convenience makes them a viable tool when getting to the gym just isn’t possible. So why not browse through the available apps and see if you can find your own pocket personal trainer.

A couple of current popular options are:

Zombies, Run! 

What it Does: Provides new motivation for runs by placing you in a zombie apocalypse. As you run the app plays an ongoing narrative through your headphones, with you as a character in the story. The app tracks personal progress by giving listeners missions at story milestones. Missions can include distance running, sprints, or intervals (the app does not give you a route or pace), and they must be completed to ensure survival (you’ll hear when the zombies are on your tail) and to learn what happens next in the story.

Nike Training Club 

What it Does: This free app provides you with a variety of customized workouts based on the input you provide about your fitness goals. The level of the workouts can be set to match your fitness abilities. Workouts can range from 15 to 45 minutes, and include instructional videos with step by step photo instructions on how to properly complete each move. The app logs and tracks your workouts and provides access to an interactive online community.

Endomondo Sports Tracker

What it Does: It will keep track of times, distances, and calories with the use of GPS. The app can be used with any distance activity such as running, cycling, skiing, or even kayaking. As you work through your exercise there will be live audio feedback on your progress from a virtual coach. Endomondo also has a very active and interactive online community that allows you to post completed workouts on social media, issue workout challenges to friends, and allows friends to send you live pep talks during your workout.

The use of fitness apps must be taken with a grain of salt. Just like at the gym, you must manage expectations of what a fitness app can do; success is not guaranteed or instantaneous. Fitness apps are merely a tool to facilitate activity and healthy living. It takes a proper balance of nutrition, activity, and discipline to ultimately achieve personal fitness goals.

References available from SIRC online collection:

1. Bergman R, Spellman J, Hall M, Bergman S. Is There a Valid App for That? Validity of a Free Pedometer iPhone Application. Journal Of Physical Activity & Health. July 2012;9(5):670-676. 
2. Keller J. Apps for Group Fitness Instructors. IDEA Fitness Journal. April 2013;10(4):68-70. 
3. Robinson J. The Quantitative Self. ACHPER Active & Healthy Magazine. April 2013;20(1):10-11. 
4. Robinson J. Top Apps for Teachers. ACHPER Active & Healthy Magazine. December 2013;20(3/4):15-16. 
5. Saha I, Dirik A, Topkara U, Memon N, Gutierrez G, Rao S. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF ACCELEROMETER-BASED SMARTPHONES TO ASSESS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Conference Proceedings Of The Annual Meeting Of The American Society Of Biomechanics. January 2010;:571-572. 
6. Vickey T, Breslin J, Williams A. Fitness--There's an App for That: Review of Mobile Fitness Apps. International Journal Of Sport & Society. October 2012;3(4):109-127.