Weightlifting Ireland

Level 1 “Assistant Coach” Course aim:

This course is aimed at participants who are introducing people to the sport of weightlifting and

multi-joint assistance exercises . It provides each participant with a body of knowledge and

practical expertise to enable them to introduce a beginner lifter to the basics of the Olympic lifts.

The course will cover programming principles: coaching methodology: principles of power

development: progressive resistance: exercises to develop technique and power: warm-up and

stretching techniques: limited number of lifting techniques: progressive development of the

techniques.

Introduction:

In this sense the Assistant Coach is the coach who is commencing the weightlifting coaching

process and has not yet achieved a sufficiently high degree of competency to be certified as

“competent”.

For the purpose of this document the following definitions apply. A “simple” coaching situation has

the following characteristics:

the performance factors are well-defined

the responsibility of the coach is limited

the consequence of error is limited

the coach is expected to have acquired some limited, well accepted knowledge and

information

the coach is expected to use previously-learned, well accepted coaching practices and procedures

the objectives are short term

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the course

Introduce the basic movements the Core lifts (Clean and Jerk and the Snatch) to beginners

Apply and correct basic weightlifting skills and ensure that each lifter has the opportunity for optimal learning, development and performance in a simple coaching environment

Identify basic common faults in technique

Develop and produce a 6 week training programme for a beginner or novice lifter.

Demonstrate coaching competencies relevant to a Level 1 Assistant Coach

Coaching Competencies:

Valuing:

Articulates his/her own values regarding a specific coaching situation.

Chooses a previously-taught, well-defined course of action in a simple coaching situation.

Provides a basic rationale for his/her choice of a course of action.

Problem Solving:

Solves a limited number of simple coaching problems posed in an environment where all the

variables are under control.

Interaction:

Undertakes some reflection about his/her own ways of interacting and intervening with others.

Applies fundamental learning principles appropriate to the given coaching situation.

Communicates clearly a simple message

Critical Thinking:

Recognizes the need to gather information and think about own experiences in order to assess their

importance as a basis for taking future decisions and action.

Leadership:

Brings about a positive outcome to a simple coaching situation.

Has a positive influence on the behaviour of individuals, groups or teams.

Works collaboratively with others.

Recognizes the efforts of others.

Course guidelines:

Learning is both process and product

Formal learning is designed to promote systematic and structured learning

Purposeful - clearly defined aims and outcomes

Planned – training content allowing the learner achieve learning outcomes

Organised – in a logical manner

Active – intellectually and physically

Result orientated – measured against criteria.

One should note that informal learning takes place all the time. There must be verification that the

learner had achieved the desired skills. Practical coaching is an essential component of the testing

procedures. Critical thinking involves effectively selecting a belief or interaction that warrants

analysis and reflection, examining why you might have responded in the way you did and how did

it differ to yours.

Practical Coaching:

Course contact time will be 40% Lecture based . 60% Practical based

Assessment:

1. Written test

2. Practical Coaching test

3. Logbook - Reflective Learning Journal

Evaluation:

Course participants and tutors will be asked to provide a written evaluation of the course.

Certification:

A certificate issued by Weightlifting Ireland with Coaching Ireland Accreditation,

European Weightlifting Federation and the International Weightlifting Federation.

Weightlifting Ireland Level 1

Day 1 Timetable

The History of Weightlifting

Conditions that facilitate Learning

The role of the coach

Olympic Lifts and their uses

Gym Safety

The role of Functional Testing and Corrective exercises

Introduction to the Clean / Power Clean – Jerk

Introduction to the Snatch – Power Snatch

Practice Session

Day 1 Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the history of Weightlifting

• Describe the conditions that facilitate learning

• Explain the role of a coach

• Apply safe practices in the Gym environment

• Examine why we use Olympic Lifts

• Discuss the importance of Functional Assessment for O.L.

• Assess the Phases of the Clean and Jerk ,and the Snatch

Day 2 Timetable

Skill Training

Warm up / Warm down for Weightlifting

Functional Competency and the Olympic Lifts

Practice the Lifts

Programme Design and Logbook

Day 2 Learning Outcomes

• Describe how we learn a skill

• Develop a warm up / warm down session for Weightlifting

• Examine and practice the lifts using the Reverse Method

• Design a beginners session using Brush Handles, Medballs, Bars etc

• Develop a template for your Logbook