Being an intern with a Rugby team has taken me one step closer to my dream of being a Strength and conditioning coach in professional sport. After what seems like hundreds of intern and job applications I have finally got a foot in the door. I came close to an internship with a professional rugby club and although bitterly disappointed I didn’t get it, the S & C coach recommended me to Craig Walker and Keegan Smith at the Sydney Roosters. They have welcomed me with open arms and now I can’t believe my luck. Now starting my third week with the Roosters, Keegan has asked me to reflect on my experience to date with the Roosters.
Here are a few of the things I have learnt to date and lessons I will take with me through my career:
1. The Simple Things work. As an outsider looking in I always imagined professional sporting teams doing complicated lifts and crazy exercises in the gym. Keegan has implemented a great strength program where there is a focus on one key lift followed by a series of accessory lifts.
Sydney Roosters gym
2. Make it Competitive. Athletes are competitive and they love competition. The gym sessions to date have been about getting into the gym and beating your Personal Best every time. This ad’s competition with others to lift more and competition within yourself to try and beat your own PB every time.
3. Atmosphere is Key. The gym is a place the Roosters want to be in. Keegan and the other coaches have created a great working environment. This is what has seen guys smash PB’s and this is what will translate into results out on the field. Everyone helps each other, everyone wants to be there and everyone encourages each other. There is no better place to be than in the Roosters Gym when someone beats their Snatch or Clean and Jerk PB!
Speed bench set-up
4. Be a Sponge 24/7. When I first started as an intern at the Roosters I said to myself to be a sponge and take everything possible on board. This is still the case. I try and learn off every coach at the Roosters, how they go about their job, how they communicate with the players and their professional approach. I try and pick up on everything that has made them a successful coach so I can use it to guide me.
5. Practice what you Preach. I have always been a fan of getting into the gym and lifting or getting out there and doing a conditioning or sprints session I have come up with. I am by no means the best Olympic Lifter or best Squatter in the world. But I have loved getting in the gym with the other coaches and trying to learn off them and snowball ideas around with them.
Phil Richards – Red Juice Drink
6. Be an Excel Nerd! An unknown skill of a Strength and Conditioning Coach is being a whiz on excel. I have learnt more on excel in the last 3 weeks than I knew before. Keeping records of the athlete’s progress to show coaches and athletes alike is key to the success and competitiveness of the gym programs.My first few weeks with the Roosters have been an amazing experience. It has also strengthened my goal of being a Strength and Conditioning Coach for a professional team. I am extremely excited about learning and developing more as a strength and conditioning coach through the pre-season and the months ahead as the training changes through the season with Keegan and the rest of the Sydney Roosters staff.
I can’t stop learning from Keegan and I get really excited each day to go into the Roosters and learn more from him and the other staff.
Keegan did my BioSignature Skin Fold’s today with my results not being ideal! With Keegan’s help i hope to lower these skin folds and improve my overall health!My goal is finally within sight, but with plenty more hard work to come. Look forward to writing another Blog for Keegan again soon.
Will Stuart – slaying dragons
More from Will’s blog click here
Made with Bullet