Part 1 - Why Use a System
The aim of these 2 posts is to talk about why I think a systems-based approach to strength and conditioning is the way to go and how it can benefit your practice. One of the main things that prompted this conversation or wanting to write this post is that it appears to me that the biggest thing strength and conditioning coaches struggle with is time. Everything outside of coaching, whether it's data collection or programming, we end up doing early before we're coaching, before we're in the gym or late at night, eating into our personal time and preventing us from doing what we love, coaching.
This sequence of events kind of defeats the purpose of having a job you enjoy with all the flexibility and interaction, because you then miss out on that life outside of work because you're too busy programming until 12 a.m. or putting data in or trying to collate data and visualise it at 2 a.m.
A system is essentially a set of connected parts that form a more complex whole. Not all systems are super complex; it just means that there are a few different moving parts coming together to make a whole. All companies will have systems, and I don't think strength and conditioning should be any different; they can prepare you for multiple situations, provide structure and effective, efficient daily operations. They don't have to be overly complex, and If they are, they should still remain simple to use and easy to operate. That's the point, you're trying to make your life easier.
If you always use the same facility, you can create a template and structure that ensures you always have the right equipment and that the session runs smoothly and efficiently. Because your system has already worked out the logistics, you can focus on coaching.
In general, I believe systems can be broken down into an outline, components that make up the outline, and elements within the components. These don't have to be super detailed, but they should all be layered on top of each other.
Your outline could simply be the different sections (think timings, overall goals/focus of the session). Your components, such as physical preparation, main lifts, and accessory work, will make up the various timings/sections of the session. The elements within these components are where you get into the nitty-gritty of your programming. However, you could design a system in which the elements are divided into categories (such as hinge, squat, push, and pull). Understanding those three sections and what's in each makes your life a lot easier because you can just tick the box or drop down menu as you know what makes up each of the elements and components.
In part two, I will go into more around how the design of a system can develop common language between staff and athletes and how you may already have a system you're not aware of!
Comments