The Northern Territory Institute of Sport (NTIS) is taking an innovative approach to developing first-class athletes through a new Coach Development Program.

 NTIS Athlete Services Manager Michael Watkins said the program literally coaches the coach.

 “Any coach or teacher of juniors and youths from under 6s to under 20s can take part in the program, no matter what their sport, their level of qualifications or the level of competition,” he said.

 “The NTIS Coach Development Program aims to educate coaches on four pillars of junior athlete development – physical competence, running technique and speed, excellence in sport specific skill, and confidence and resilience. 

 “Along with workshops on the four pillars run throughout the year, we run practical applied learning sessions which empower coaches with the knowledge to teach their athletes to run well and help them physically develop so they can better handle the rigours of their sport.

 “Physical competence development includes seven foundation movements that underpin all sporting skills and activities of daily living – squat, lunge, push, pull, hinge, rotate and brace.

 “There aren’t too many programs across Australia at any level that teach coaches how to coach athletes to run and perform these foundation movements. For instance, athletes may think they can run well but this is a learned skill. In field and court sports, it is a sport specific skill and many athletes do not have the fundamentals to run properly and avoid injury.

 “Ensuring coaches teach the correct running technique and can enhance the physical competence of their athletes, can give athletes a real advantage.

 “If you can coach a sport specific skill, you can coach these. No equipment required, no bells, no whistles, just a bit of enthusiasm and the best piece of kit your athletes will ever have – their own body”

 “The sessions are not a boot camp or fitness session. Athletes must attend with their coaches, who are active participants. The coaches listen, watch and learn from NTIS staff. Coaches can then use these strategies in coaching sessions with their teams and clubs”.

 “The Territory has a good record of producing top-class athletes and the NTIS wants to ensure we continue to do so.”

Watkins said the program is operating three times a week in Darwin and Alice Springs and once a week in Katherine. Between 40-60 coaches from a range of sports including rugby league, tennis, netball, hockey, squash and triathlon are currently taking part.

For more information contact the NTIS Athlete and Coach Development Manager Tim Ellison at Tim.Ellison@nt.gov.au