This week in the world of sports science, here’s what happened…
- Chris Barnard’s view on agility ladders
- Are protein supplement claims misleading consumers?
- Are you a current intern aiming to get noticed?
Chris Barnard’s view on agility ladders
Chris Barnard, a leading S&C coach and founder of Overtime Athletes, recently addressed a common misconception surrounding the use of agility ladders in a YouTube clip. He argues that many coaches are misapplying agility ladders, relying on them to develop agility when, in his opinion, more effective methods exist.
Barnard suggests that the best way to enhance an athlete’s agility is through a progressive training system that begins with basic change-of-direction drills. As the athlete improves, he advocates for increasing the complexity of these drills by incorporating reactionary elements or external stimuli. In the clip, Barnard demonstrates this approach by having an athlete work on their lateral shuffle mechanics. He then progresses the drill so the athlete must lateral shuffle in response to the coach’s cues, ultimately moving on to practising the shuffle while mirroring an opponent.
According to Barnard, this progressive system is far more beneficial for improving an athlete’s agility abilities than agility ladders. He believes that while athletes may become proficient at the specific drills on the ladder, this skill does not translate effectively to real-game scenarios on the court or field.
If you would like to learn more about agility, check out our detailed course: Agility by Nick Richardson and our blog: Five Ways To Develop Elite Agility In Invasion Sports by James de Lacey.
Are protein supplement claims misleading consumers?
A recent study highlighted a concerning trend in misleading claims by sports supplement companies. The study examined 102 protein products purchased from Amazon and Google Shopping.
The results revealed that nearly half (43.8%) of the products contained health claims that were not authorised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It is evident that sports supplement companies are employing strategies that exaggerate health claims and provide consumers with deceptive information. For instance, the study identified several non-authorised claims, such as “improved performance,” “increased strength,” and “fat loss.” While protein can contribute to these results when combined with other factors, consuming the supplement in isolation does not lead to these health claims.
This research indicates the urgent need for more stringent legislation to prevent sports supplement companies from mislabelling products and misleading consumers. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity for enhanced consumer education regarding protein supplements and the accuracy of their health claims.
For more information on this story, click here. If you’re interested in accurate information about protein and sports supplements, check out our courses: Protein for Athletes and Sports Supplements.
Are you a current intern aiming to get noticed?
Legendary S&C coach Michael Boyle recently shared his no-nonsense advice to interns in an Instagram post: “Be the first one here, the last one to leave, and don’t sit down!”
Instead of offering advice on technical topics such as exercise selection, programming concepts, or athlete monitoring strategies, Boyle emphasises the fundamental principle of commitment. It’s about showing up and executing your responsibilities reliably! He points out that many people today are lazy, frequently late, and full of excuses.
If you’re an intern seeking to make a mark, take Boyle’s advice seriously and ensure you stand out! We were lucky to have Boyle on our podcast, and his episode is well worth a listen: Bilateral Training Is Dead, Unilateral Is King.
From us this week:
>> New course: Coping With Stress And Anxiety
>> New podcast: Creating Complete Athletes
>> New infographic: Progression Pathway Clean
>> New article: Hydrotherapy
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