Strength and conditioning practices in rowing.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Coaching Science

Background:

• Limited research exists on strength and conditioning (S&C) practices for rowing athletes in Great Britain.
• Understanding current S&C practices is crucial for developing effective training models and interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the specific training practices employed by S&C coaches working with rowing athletes in Great Britain.
• To gather insights into program design, exercise selection, and athlete assessment methods.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was developed and administered to 32 S&C coaches with an average of 10.5 years of experience.
• The questionnaire covered personal details, physical testing, strength and power development, flexibility, and unique program aspects.
• Coaches surveyed worked with athletes across various standards, from university to Olympic level.

Main Results:

• 94% of coaches reported their rowers performed strength training, with 81% incorporating Olympic lifts and 91% using periodized training models.
• The clean (63%) and squat (27%) were identified as the most important exercises. Approximately 50% utilized plyometrics.
• Physical testing was common (94%), focusing on cardiovascular endurance (80%), muscular power (70%), and muscular strength (70%).

Conclusions:

• Strength and conditioning practices among British rowing coaches heavily feature Olympic lifting, periodization, and comprehensive physical testing.
• The clean and squat are considered fundamental exercises, highlighting a focus on foundational strength and power development.
• This study provides the sole published data on S&C practices within British rowing, offering a benchmark for future research and coaching development.