PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY & WELLBEING

Vc Scholars And Maroons

The winter term proved to be a busy one across the Scholarship programme. The bulk of my support was geared towards helping the Hockey and Rugby clubs continue their upward trajectory in the respective BUCS/weekend leagues

My touch points with Scholars included small focus group discussions and workshops looking at team dynamics, psychological skills in performance, and match reviews I also continued to provide 1:1 mental skills training for our Boat Scholars.

Clubs And Head Coaches

This term saw me continue to support the Performance coaching staff, with continued 1:1 work with Alan Tyers (Club Co-ordinator, Men's Football) and Chani Wopara (Club Cordinator, Netball) I was fortunate to be involved both in key training sessions and some clutch match performances, as both environments worked towards promotion.

My focus in the summer term will shift to the Cricket club and Coach Chris Bolton, as well as working with Ed Bloomfield, Holly Stead and Tom Selby to prepare the Boat club mentally and physically, for a busy regatta calendar

Connor Grant Sport & Exercise Psychology Consultant & LTA Tennis Coach

Summary

The second term of the academic year has proven to be another successful and positive period for us Building upon the great work that started back in pre-season last year, squads continued to work hard on their physical development right through to Easter. With some exciting new elements also added, our squads continue to build and expand on our delivery beyond the gym.

Term 2 Review

After a well-deserved Christmas break, during which teams were given remote training programmes to maintain fitness, Term 2 started in early January.

During the early exam period, the programme provided flexibility where S&C sessions were offered as an opportunity for students to take a break from the books if they wished.

Exercise and movement are not just limited to improving physical fitness, but also have wide-reaching beneficial effects on cognitive performance, concentration, memory, mood, and mental health In addition, everyone knew that there were some key fixtures just around the corner, so proactive preparation was key.

The fixtures soon came thick and fast, with some unbelievable results across the board The S&C delivery was continuously supporting the performance of our squads in the background, keeping our student-athletes healthy and injury-free, while developing key physical qualities that underpin successful sporting performance

All squads had access to a minimum of 2 – 3 coached sessions in the S&C suite per week, with additional sessions made available for the Scholars and Maroons on Mondays and Fridays. The detailed programmes we provide are tailored to both the demands of the sport and the individual, periodised over the whole year Feedback on individuals' performance is continuously evaluated using velocity-based training (VBT) devices.

Evolving Our Programme

Our remit is not just limited to working in the gym though, and educational pieces around optimising recovery, sleep, nutrition, and running mechanics were added throughout the term In addition, we introduced some exciting new technology, with high-spec GPS devices trialled to monitor training and match load.

Another piece added to the programme were weekly Open Rehabilitation sessions, put on to offer support to students who have unfortunately suffered an injury These sessions are made available to all studentathletes, guiding them through the return-toplay process and putting them in the best possible place to recover to full fitness and do what they do best in their sports

WHAT'S NEXT

The busy term ended on a high, with some excellent achievements and results. However, the productive work continues, with planning put in place for S&C delivery to more than 20 different sports through Term 3 for the first time

Furthermore, this is a key period in the year for our Rowing and Cricket clubs, with important competitions coming up through the summer. They have been working exceptionally hard all year to be ready for the season ahead and have recently ramped up the intensity in their training camps

With the weather improving, the team will be delivering both indoor and outdoor sessions, working on all aspects of physical development. This will put everyone in a great place to maintain and build upon their well-earned improvements in strength, power, speed, and fitness heading into the summer, and next season.

This is an exciting period for the S&C department, with four highly qualified coaches on board, offering a range of services and expertise throughout the summer period.

Dr Will Sparkes

Lead Strength & Conditioning Coach on behalf of the S&C team