Blog: Trio of TASS practitioners share S&C conference experience

The focus of the recent Wasps Academy Strength and Conditioning was clear with a comprehensive list of expert speakers in the field on the programme.
A threesome of practitioners from the TASS network – Lee Kirk, Wayne Pattinson and Alan Pope – are now reflecting on their key learnings from the event.
The programme for the conference held at the Ricoh Arena included presentations from the following industry professionals:
- Dr Graeme Close – England Rugby Nutrition Consultant, Professor of Human Physiology Liverpool John Moores University
- Nick Winkleman – IRFU Head of Athletic Performance & Science
- Des Ryan – Arsenal FC Head of Sports Medicine & Athletic Development
- Jonas Dodoo – Head Coach at Speed Works
- Dan Lewindon – Head of Performance Science & Medicine The LTA
Lee Kirk BSc(Hons) ASCC CSCS, Strength and Conditioning Coach at University of Exeter has shared his feedback:
Nick Winkleman: What we say matters
⁃ The more NOVEL and PERSONALLY important the cue is, the more likely you are to add it to short term memory
⁃ Relate cues to what is important to your athletes in relation to their sport
⁃ Say the MOST with the LEAST
Nick Winkleman: Coach like a caveman
⁃ Learn as much as possible through implicit (IMP) learning without cueing
⁃ Once learning slows, increase explicit (EXP) learning
⁃ If cues don’t work, change the environment
⁃ Constrain the drill to increase possibility of new movement pattern
Dan Lewindon: Integrated rehab
– Inclusive strategy, player centred
– Not your player or decision in isolation
– Language and communication are crucial
– Mistakes happen – reflection is key
Dr Graeme Close: Sports nutrition
– Energy demands reduces dramatically as game day approaches
– Create deficits at the beginning of the week to accommodate the loading at the end of the week – avoid weight gain
– Time when player isn’t being tracked is of huge importance
– The performance nutrition tree – pick low hanging fruit first!
For more information about TASS practitioners or CPD opportunities, please contact Network Manager, Craig Williams.
