Considerations for coaches training female athletes
Guy Pitchers
Like their male counterparts, female athletes want to become fitter, faster and stronger, meaning that there is a requirement for researchers, practitioners and coaches to better understand the female athlete. Most training programmes/ interventions are based upon research on men: women have been considered physiologically too variable, with the menstrual cycle deemed to be a barrier for inclusion with potential interference to results.10 There are many physiological and psychological differences between the sexes, and indeed between women themselves (eg, oral contraceptive users versus non-users). Therefore, in order to truly individualise and optimise training, these differences must be considered during the planning and implementation of strength and conditioning plans. Coaches need to understand female-specific issues such as: the menstrual cycle, breast health, female psychology and trends in female injuries in order to be able truly to promote the health and well-being of female athletes; this means, in turn, that they can train sportswomen in their own right and not group them with men.
Want to learn more, free for 14 days?
You do not have access to view the full version of the text/pdf article 'Considerations for coaches training female athletes'.
Sign-up to a free 14-day trial UKSCA-IQ subscription today to read the complete article and obtain access to all the rest of our premium content.