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University of Florida

The Science of Training Young Athletes

Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports before their high school graduation. Only 15% leave because they feel they are not good enough. Almost 70% leave because they were not having fun, or due to problems with the coach. Injuries cause 30% to give up sports. This course is packed full of practical sports science information that provide youth coaches and parents with the practical pediatric sports science insights to successfully retain young athletes and develop their sport potential while avoiding injury and overtraining. We begin by examining the multidimensional nature of coaching, the relevant sport motor performance abilities, the impact of growth and development on motor skills, the gene versus practice controversy, and briefly overview the body structures strengthened through training. Then we explore the athlete's energy supply, where this energy comes from, and how it matures along with the athlete. Finally, we examine the development of strength, power, anaerobic capacity, coordination and flexibility through the life span. The optional text manual for this course is available at: http://www.learnitez.com/HighPerformanceScience/manuals/

Status: Coaching
Status: Nutrition and Diet
BeginnerCourse20 hours

Featured reviews

PP

5.0Reviewed May 1, 2020

The course was explained comprehensively.. thank you so much for making this course, I have learned a lot. I can surely use this knowledge in my class as Physical Education teacher

GS

5.0Reviewed May 29, 2023

The course is really well structured. The topics are clearly open to deeper research and insights for the students but everything is clear and well displayed.

NA

5.0Reviewed Apr 19, 2020

A great thanks to my course instructor Dr Brooks and to my peers,believe me its very rich and would inform many friends to benefits too. keep the spirit and never stop learning.

NL

5.0Reviewed Sep 3, 2020

I found the teachings here very useful for my career path. It helped me understand how to treat kids better when teaching them sport and how to take care of them

FG

5.0Reviewed Dec 10, 2022

if you are interested in the science of training athletes this course could be the best choice.I am extremely grateful to you "Dr. Chris Brooks"

RA

5.0Reviewed Aug 3, 2020

Very very useful course for any coach anywhere in the world. Many new things learnt. Extremely useful. Thank your coursera for your flexibility and patience.

JS

5.0Reviewed Aug 8, 2020

Superb course. Very usefull and interesting. Course lecturer Chris Brooks is real profesional and it also makes course better. Highly recommend to everyone!

AK

5.0Reviewed Apr 2, 2017

This was a very useful course that helped me understand a lot about an athletes body and how to work on it as a coach.A 'must do' course for all coaches.

JS

5.0Reviewed Sep 9, 2019

This class is an excellent resource for coaches of any sport. It will change your coaching perspective and show you how to coach each individual athlete.

BD

5.0Reviewed May 28, 2017

Great base to build on. Filled in my gaps with regards to physical/physiological development of young athletes. For me it is a great addition to the English FA Level 1 and 2 football coaching course.

JB

5.0Reviewed May 15, 2020

Thank you for this amazing course. I look forward to taking the other course as well and hoiping to take a the Masters Course on Sports Management in UF. Go Gators!

AA

5.0Reviewed Jul 27, 2024

I took this course I have learned too much, the teacher is a great instructor. The activities are direct. I like it. Thank you for the opportunity.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 319

Porferia Poralan
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Reviewed May 1, 2020
Adaora Asiegbu
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Reviewed Sep 17, 2020
Cara Brown
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Reviewed May 27, 2020
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Reviewed Apr 19, 2020
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Reviewed May 28, 2017
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Reviewed Nov 20, 2019
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Reviewed Dec 2, 2021
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Reviewed Sep 4, 2020
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Reviewed Jun 20, 2023
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