Sport and Exercise

An interesting blog, and ensuing debate, on whether or not coaches need to be experts on their sport, and whether that means being an ex-player or athlete.

More than 1850 boats competed in the JP Morgan Round the Island Race. But one story that mattered to the UK media though, Lewis Hamilton, the British F1 driver was aboard Hugo Boss.

What's the best approach to coaching tactics and technique to children? This blog outlines some different approaches and suggests a mix and match approach.

Is Sport Science research ever actually used to improve athletic performance? How can a sports coach or athlete understand, combine and transfer this information into their game?

There's a growing consensus in the academic and popular literature that our attitude and our mindset are more important than our technical capability that make a difference to our success. As Zig Ziglar puts it, "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."

Motivational Interviewing is a client-centred approach to increasing people's intrinsic motivation to change. It an be used to help get people exercising, change unhelpful habits, or achieve new levels of commitment iStadia are hosting a 2 day course on Motivational Interviewing for Sports, Fitness and Health Professionals led by Charlotte Hilton, to be held at the University of East London, Stratford - close to the heart of the London 2012 Olympic site.

What an incredible story. Dara Torres (41) has made her 5th Olympics after winning the 100m freestyle at the US Olympic Trials, becoming oldest female to compete in Olympic swimming, 8 years after being the oldest member of the US team in Sydney!

In web 2.0, who should decide what counts as quality or knowledge in sport and exercise science?

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has confirmed that it will appear at the High Court tomorrow, for a Directions Hearing in respect of the case issued against the BOA by the sprinter Dwain Chambers. What is a directions hearing, and what is this case about?

BBC Oxford News relayed a story last night of a non-medically qualified nutritionist who advised a female client to drink too much water. The nutritionist has been sued and an out of court settlement has been reached worth £880, 000. The client suffered organ failure and as a result suffered brain damage.

Visualization is already used extensively in golf to improve performance. Usually, it is suggested to golfers that they visualize the shot at the same speed as in real-life to ensure accuracy and realism but new research suggests there may be more to the speed of the visualization than just keeping it real.

An interesting insight into how telecoms giants Telefonica are investing in technology that will help doctors to monitor rehabilitation from injury remotely.

An interesting post about the role of the statistical guru in sports performance, from 'Moneyball' Billy Beane in baseball, to Opta and Match Analysis in soccer, and the APBR in Basketball. To what extent is use of statistical analysis to improve selection and performance becoming the orthodoxy in professional sport?

Sadly a third case of doping has been announced after just 10 days of the the Tour de France. This time it's Riccardo Ricco, a young Italian prodigy and already winner of two stages.

We now know that Chambers won't be at the Olympics, but there's much more to this than a cheat getting his just deserts. I feel sorry for the guy, who was seduced into throwing away his career and living a life of regret - and allowed to do it by UK Athletics.

Interesting article by an NLP practitioner who is also a champion weightlifter, exploring the importance of the mind - body connection and awareness in sport.

A bit of a rant, but and interesting perspective on body image and the role that the authorities play in solvign the problem (or not)

Visit any youth soccer field, baseball diamond, basketball court or football field and you will likely see them: parents behaving badly. What is behind this rage?

Perfectionism is often seen as a bad thing, or even destructive. New research by Stoll and Stoeber (2008) however seems to suggest otherwise, and that it may even be beneficial to performance.

How do people perceive the aesthetic value of Paralympic Sport?