The Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Power integrates 13 modules.

The Strength and Power Coach

In this module you will learn more about the current landscape of strength training, exploring the roles and responsibilities of a strength and power coach, and the different domains a coach can operate in. The activities in this module help to set the scene for the rest of the course and will encourage you to start thinking about the type of career you would like in this industry.

Topics include:

• Defining key terms such as strength, power and coaching
• The benefits of strength training
• Roles, responsibilities and coaching domains
• Safeguarding responsibilities and professional boundaries
• How to work alongside specialist practitioners

Coaching Foundations

This module covers a wide range of concepts that can help you better understand yourself — including why and how you coach. Developing in these areas can help you to support the long-term progress of the different individuals you coach.

Topics include:

• Developing a coaching philosophy
• Coaching styles
• Using the biopsychosocial model to inform coaching practice
• Understanding and deploying key psychological skills
• Critical thinking
• Reflective practice

Health, Safety and Welfare of the Participant

In this module you will learn how to maximise the safety of the participants you coach. This will include how to implement appropriate health and safety processes within a strength training environment.

Topics include:

• Screening participants
• Identifying contraindications for training
• Preparing the training environment
• Strategies for maintaining safety during a training session
• Dealing with incidents, accidents and emergencies
• Understanding key areas related to anti-doping

Testing and Monitoring

In this module you will develop an understanding of testing and monitoring strategies that can be used to objectively monitor and assess the participants you coach.

Topics include:

• Differentiating testing and monitoring
• Purpose of testing
• How to test various fitness components
• The value of monitoring
• Internal and external monitoring tools
• Monitoring performance and fatigue

Periodisation

In this module you will delve into preeminent recovery-adaptation theories and explore how a periodised approach to training can help to maximise performance of the individual.

Topics include:

• Differentiating periodisation and programming
• Theories of recovery-adaptation
• Training cycles
• Basic model of periodisation

Programming

In this module you will learn how the manipulation of training variables can elicit specific adaptations.

Topics include:

• Principles of training
• Effects of detraining
• Strength training adaptations
• Primary fitness components
• Training considerations to enhance strength-biased fitness components
• Profiling key training variables in a strength-oriented programme

The Warm-up and Flexibility Training

Implementing effective warm-ups can offer many short- and longer-term benefits and yet is often neglected in programme design. In this module you will discover key principles that underpin the design of effective warm-ups.

Topics include:

• Purpose of a warm-up
• Principles of designing effective warm-ups
• The RAMP method
• Pre- and post-training flexibility methods

Strength Training Foundations

In this module you will cover a range of strength training exercises, with videos and interactive activities highlighting relevant coaching points.

Topics include:

• Strength and power training modes
• Fundamentals of exercise technique
• Key coaching points relating to several strength training movements, including:
• Lower body bilateral (squatting and hinging) exercises
• Lower body unilateral exercises
• Upper body pressing exercises
• Upper body pulling exercises
• Anti-rotation and bracing exercises

Weightlifting Derivatives

This module focuses on the coaching and performance of weightlifting derivatives and how they can be modified to meet the needs of specific individuals.

Topics include:

• When and how coaches may employ weightlifting derivatives
• Using the BWL technical model to analyse weightlifting technique
• Key positions and phases for the snatch, clean and jerk
• Common weightlifting derivatives and their coaching points
• Programming to enhance the force-velocity profile
• Differentiating from weightlifting-specific programming

Plyometric Training

In this module you will cover one of the most popular methods for enhancing power, plyometric training.

Topics include:

• Defining plyometric training
• The benefits of plyometric training
• Mechanisms underpinning stretch-shortening cycle ability
• Phases of the stretch-shortening cycle
• Sequencing and coaching plyometric training progressions
• Plyometric training programming considerations

Applied Coaching Skills

In this module you will develop a deeper understanding of coaching pedagogy (the study and practice of how coaching helps individuals to acquire skills and improve performance) and how to develop the coach-participant relationship.

Topics include:

• Enhancing the coach-participant relationship
• Coaching to facilitate the learning process
• Enhancing verbal instruction
• Constraints-based coaching
• Using questions effectively in a strength training context
• Coaching groups and individuals

Holistic Development of the Participant

In this module you will explore areas outside of the strength and power training environment that can contribute to improving and sustaining health and performance.

Topics include:

• Nutritional concepts including:
• Adherence
• Energy balance
• Macronutrients
• Micronutrients
• Nutrient timing
• Supplementation
• Benefits of sleep
• Proactive strategies for enhancing sleep and recovery
• Lifestyle factors and stress management

The Strength and Power Coach Case Study

The final module on this course allows you to showcase what you have learned and evidence the required competence to achieve the Level 3 Coaching Strength and Power qualification.

As part of your case study, you will be required to demonstrate the ability to:

• Screen a participant effectively
• Work collaboratively to set goals
• Implement appropriate and effective testing methods
• Design and implement a strength and power-oriented training programme
• Monitor participant progress
• Reflect on your coaching