The document outlines a seven-step approach to applied conditioning in sports, specifically focusing on athlete development within professional rugby league. It emphasizes the need for tailored interventions based on detailed performance analyses, physiological requirements, and psychological factors affecting athletes. The framework also includes practical considerations for strength and conditioning, nutrition, and performance evaluation to enhance athlete capabilities throughout the training cycle.

1. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Athlete Development
Case Study

2. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Research Model used for the basis of case study
Sanctuary, C. Meir, R. & Sadler, I. 2012. The Seven Step Approach to the
Application of Sports Science in English Professional Rugby League:
Practical Considerations in Strength & Conditioning. International Journal of
Sports Science & Coaching Vol 7 (1) pp 33 – 44
Step One: Analysis of the Sports Performance
Step Two: Needs Analysis of the Sport / Individual
Step Three: Design of the Intervention
Step Four: Implementing the Intervention
Step Five: Monitoring the Intervention and Promoting Adherence
Step Six: Evaluating the Intervention – Programme Modifications and
Analysis
Step Seven: Exiting the Intervention

3. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step One - Needs Analysis (Sport)
• Changing characteristics of anthropometric and physical components, Forwards
v Backs (7,23)
• During competition, high intensity efforts are often followed by periods of
incomplete recovery (7)
• Forwards demonstrate superior absolute aerobic and anaerobic power and
muscular strength (7)
• Addition to rucking, mauling and scrummaging adds to the physical demands
(22, 17)
• Anaerobic system used for intense efforts, Aerobic system used to aid recovery
and repeated effort (7)
• Positions are grouped with broad physical and technical characteristics for
individual positions (25)
• Marked differences in body mass across levels of competition (26)
• Implementation of field & laboratory tests allows for the examination of
adaptations to training, evaluation of player qualities, talent identification and
prediction of performance

4. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step One - Needs Analysis (Sport)
• Speed a discriminating factor between Forwards & Backs (7)
• Changes in physiological and anthropometrical characteristics over
the course of a season (5)
• Work : Rest Ratio = 1: 1.4 (Forward) 1: 2.7 (Backs) (6)
• Tactical considerations play a key role in the success of teams (19)

5. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
• Rugby Union (Lock / Second Row)
• 21 Years
• Age Grade University 2nd XV, BUCS Northern 1A
• Injury Status: No recent or relevant injuries
• Training Status: Three years within University setting, ten years within club
rugby. Sound knowledge of basic principles and strength training application.
Olympic lift and derivatives limited (developed during season).
• Personal Goals for Season:
Increase muscle mass
Increase 1RM scores for Prone Row & Squat
Improve 5 & 10m acceleration time
• Team / Coaches Goals for the Season:
Increase of lean mass
Increase acceleration test scores
Increase strength scores (end of season) by 20%

6. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
• Rugby is late specialisation sport
• Base of fundamental movement / physical literacy required to
progress to upper echelons of sporting performance
• Coaching expectations (28)
• Multi disciplinary approach that includes:
Coaches, Physio, Nutritionist, Performance Analysis and will cover
Biomechanics, S&C, nutrition and technical / tactical considerations
• Development of an athlete centred approach (18)
• Communication with athlete (18)
• Development of feedback system (questionnaire) (27)
• Baseline assessments of technical skills against RFU competencies

7. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
Biomechanically
• Tall athlete
• Position requires quick acceleration
• High frequency of contact
• Triple extension fundamental to position specific movements

8. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
Nutrition
• Training and competition will affect muscle and liver glycogen
stores (29)
• For optimal performance good nutrition is vital (1)
• Nutrient deficiency in young athletes may affect growth,
muscle development and performance (20)
• For this individual an increase is body mass is a targeted
goal, so the mechanisms of achieving that need to be
analysed
• Increased requirement for protein in strength trained athletes
(24)

9. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
Psychology
• Position requires controlled aggression
• Tendency to become “over aroused” under pressure
• Firm belief in his point of view and can be unwilling to shift
from that
• Difficult to reason with once frame of mind is set

10. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
Performance Analysis
• Set criteria
• Video & data analysis of team and individual performance
• Weekly analysis sessions set aside to identify strengths and
areas to develop along with goal setting

11. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Two - Needs Analysis (Athlete)
Activity Frequency Duration
Technical 4 2 x 1hr
2 x 2hrs
S&C 4 4 x 1hr

12. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Three - Design
• Training variation is increasingly acknowledged as serving a key function in
successful training prescriptions (11)
• Periodization offers a framework for planned and systematic variation of training
parameters, in a way that directs physiological adaptations on the training goals
required for the sport (4)
• Periodized training offers superior development of strength, power, body
composition and other performance variables (8)
• A major obstacle for coaches working in seasonal team sports is the frequent
matches and extended competition period (11)
• Team sports using the classic model would taper considerably for the duration of
the competition phase which is clearly counter productive (2)
• Coaches must take into account the interaction of metabolic conditioning that is
performed alongside strength and power training (12)
• It has been suggested that undulating nonlinear periodized approaches are more
viable when planning the training year for team sports (7,9)

13. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Three – Design (Macro / Meso / Micro Cycles)
It is the merging of science and sweat that will allow athletes to excel (17)
• S&C Programming Booklet
• Block One – Hypertrophy (German Volume Training)
• Block Two – Strength (15)
• Block Three – Strength Speed (13)
• Block Four – Maintenance (3)

14. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Six – Evaluation (S&C)
Positive
• Sequence of training day (11)
• Block Periodized model (14)
• Use of Olympic Lifts (13, 15)
• Skill Based Conditioning Games (10)
Develop
• Monitoring of Training Loads (16)

15. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Six – Evaluation (Nutrition)
Positive
• Macro Nutrient Split (20, 24)
Develop
• Reliance on supplementation

16. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Six – Evaluation (Performance Analysis)
Positive
• Set criteria (7)
• Two way process
• Video analysis
Develop
• GPS Analysis

17. Applied Conditioning for Sports
Step Seven - Exit
• Signposting developmental pathway (RFU)
• Signposting to local clubs at completion of
University studies
• Progression S&C plan

18. Applied Conditioning for Sports
References
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Journal of Sport Sciences 29 (1) pp 73-82
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28
3. Bosquet, L. Montpetit, J. Arvisas, D. & Mujika, I. 2007. Effects of Tapering on Performance: A meta analysis. Medicine, Science and Sports
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4. Brown L. & Greenwood M. 2005. Periodization essentials and innovations in resistance training protocols. Strength and Conditioning Journal
Vol 27(4) pp 80 – 85
5. Campi, S. Guglielmini, C. Guerzoni, P. et al. 1992. Variations in energy producing muscle metabolism during the competitive season in 60 elite
rugby players. Hun Rev Sports Med 33 (3) pp 149-54
6. Deutsch, MU. Maw, GJ. Jenkins, D. et al. 1998. Heart rate, blood lactate, and kinematic data of elite colts (under 19) rugby union players during
competition. Journal of Sports Science 16 pp 561-70
7. Duthie. G, Pyne, D, Hooper. S. 2003. Applied Physiology and Game Analysis of Rugby Union. Sports Med 33 (13) pp 973-991
8. Fleck S. 1997. Periodized strength training: A critical review. Journal of strength and Conditioning Research Vol 13 (1) pp 82 - 89
9. Fleck S. & Kraemer W. 1997. Designing resistance training programs. (2nd edition). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
10. Gabbett T. 2006. Skills Based Conditioning Games As An Alternative to Traditional Conditioning for Rugby League Players. Journal of Strength
and Conditioning Research Vol 20 (2) pp 309 – 315
11. Gamble P. 2006. Periodization of Training for Team Sports athletes. Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol 28 (5) pp 56 – 66
12. Gamble P. 2004. Physical preparation of elite level rugby union football players. Strength and Conditioning Journal Vol 26(4) pp 10 –
23Mayes, R. Nuttall, FE. 1995. A comparison of the physiological characteristics of senior and U21 elite rugby union players. Journal of Sports
Science 13 pp 507
13. Hori N. & Stone M. 2005. Weightlifting Exercises Enhance Athletic Performance That Requires High Load Speed Strength. Strength and
Conditioning Journal Vol 27 (4) pp 50 – 55
14. Issurin V. 2010. New Horizons for the Methodology and Physiology of Training Perioidzation. Sports Med 40 (3) pp 189 – 206
15. Kawamori N. & Haff G. 2004. The Optimal Training Load for the Development of Muscular Power. Journal of Strength and Conditioning
Research Vol 18 (3) pp 675-684
16. Kelly V. & Coutts A. 2007. Planning and Monitoring Training Loads During Competition Phase in Team Sports. Strength and Conditioning
Journal Vol 29 (4) pp 32 - 37
17. Mayes, R. Nuttall, FE. 1995. A comparison of the physiological characteristics of senior and U21 elite rugby union players. Journal of Sports
Science 13 pp 507
18. McGladrey, B. Murray, M. Hannon, J. 2010. Developing and Practicing an Athlete-Centred Coaching Philosophy. YouthFirst: The Journal of Youth
Sports Vol 5 (2) pp 4 – 8
19. Mckenzie, AD. Holmyard, DJ. Docherty, D. 1989. Quantitative analysis of rugby: Factors associated with success in contact. Journal of Human
Movement Study 17 pp 101-13

19. Applied Conditioning for Sports
References
20. Meyer, F. O’Connor, H. Shirreffs, S. 2007. Nutrition for the young athlete Journal of Sport Sciences 25 (1) pp 73 – 82
21. Meyers M. 2006. Enhancing sports performance: Merging sports science with coaching. International Journal of Sports Science and
Coaching Vol 1(1) pp 89 – 100
22. Miller, S. Hendy, L. 2000. The effects of ever increasing load on electromyographic parameters in selected lower limb muscles during the
parallel squat.
23. Olds, T. 2001. The evolution of physique in male rugby union players in the twentieth century. Journal of Sports Science 19 pp 253-62
24. Phillips, S. 2006. Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to metabolic advantage. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism 31
pp647-654
25. Quarrie, K. Williams, S. 2002. Factors associated with pre season fitness attributes in Rugby players. Sydney the University Press pp 89 – 98
26. Quarrie, KL. Handcock, P. Toomey, MJ. Et al. 1995. The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project:III. Antropometric and physical
performance characteristics of players. Br Journal Sports med 29 (4) pp 263 – 70
27. Rhind, D. Jowett, S. 2012. Development of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Maintenance Questionnaire (CARM-Q). International Journal of
Sports Science & Coaching Vol 7 (1) pp 121 - 137
28. Solomon, B. 2010. The Influence of Coach Expectations on Athlete Development. Journal of Sports Pyschology in Action 1 pp 76-85
29. Wildman, R. Kersick, C. Campbell, B. 2010. Carbohydrates, physical training and sports performance. Strength & Conditioning Journal 32 (1)
pp 21-29