4B049E - Foundations of Coaching in Strength and Conditioning 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 4B049E
Module Title: Foundations of Coaching in Strength and Conditioning
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Sport
Faculty Sub Group: Sports Coaching
Module Leader: Nathan Evans
Module Team: Jonathan Jones, Melanie Tuckwell, Dean Parsons
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100095 - sports coaching
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • To introduce students to the key theories, practices, and methods that underpin effective coaching. 

  • To develop students’ ability to plan, deliver and reflect on inclusive and engaging coaching sessions. 

  • To support students in forming their coaching identity through self-awareness, critical reflection and practical experience. 

Content Summary

This module focuses on building the coaching skills strength and conditioning coaches need to help athletes improve. You’ll learn how to plan and deliver effective training sessions by motivating athletes, communicating clearly, and creating a positive environment. Making training inclusive and enjoyable, especially when teaching tough movements, will help athletes stay committed and build lasting habits. 

You’ll also reflect on your own coaching, identifying what worked well and what could be improved. This will make you more adaptable and confident in using evidence to guide your practice. 

By combining theory with hands-on experience, you’ll not only understand the science of training but also build key skills like leadership, problem-solving, and confidence—skills that will support you in a wide range of coaching and sport careers. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 42
Guided Study 114
Practical Classes and Workshops 14
Formative Assessment 10
Summative Assessment 60
Problem/Challenge Based Learning 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate understanding of key concepts, methods and behaviours associated with planning, delivering and evaluating coaching sessions.
LO2 Reflect on personal coaching experiences to identify strengths, areas for development and shape a coaching philosophy/identity.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio It provides students with the opportunity to evidence key coaching competencies such as needs analysis, session design, delivery, reflection, and professional conduct, supporting employability and progression towards industry-recognised accreditation. 0 3000 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) It offers a structured opportunity for students to demonstrate applied coaching competence in line with contemporary professional expectations and established CIMSPA and IUSCA standards. 23 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio
Practical Coursework (Onsite)

Reading List

Sports Coaching Concepts: A Framework for Coaching Practice 

Lyle & Cushion 

2017 

Routledge 

Essential 

Successful Coaching 

Martens 

2012 

Human Kinetics 

Essential 

The Professionalisation of Sports Coaching 

North, Piggott & Lara-Bercial 

2020 

Routledge 

Essential 

IUSCA Coaching Science Handbook 

IUSCA 

2022 

IUSCA 

Essential 

International Sport Coaching Framework 

ICCE/ASO/LBU 

2013 

Human Kinetics 

Supplementary 

Coaching Better Every Season 

Gilbert & Trudel 

2019 

Human Kinetics 

Supplementary 

Power, discourse and symbolic violence in coaching 

Cushion & Jones 

2006 

Sport, Education & Society 

Supplementary 

Safeguarding & Protecting Children in Sport 

UK Coaching 

2020 

UK Coaching 

Essential 

Coach Professional Standards Framework 

CIMSPA 

2021 

CIMSPA 

Essential 

International Sport Coaching Framework (Ch1-2) 

ICCE 

2013 

ICCE 

Essential 

Sports Coaching Concepts (coaching models) 

Lyle & Cushion 

2017 

Routledge 

Essential 

Successful Coaching (communication) 

Martens 

2012 

Human Kinetics 

Essential 

Athlete-Centred Coaching 

Kidman 

2005 

IPC Print Resources 

Supplementary 

Coaching Better Every Season (environment) 

Gilbert & Trudel 

2019 

Human Kinetics 

Essential 

The Sociology of Sports Coaching 

Jones, Edwards & Viotto Filho 

2016 

Routledge 

Essential 

IUSCA Coaching Science Handbook (session design) 

IUSCA 

2022 

IUSCA 

Essential 

Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training 

Bompa & Buzzichelli 

2019 

Human Kinetics 

Essential 

Coach “Athlete Relationship Motivation 

Mageau & Vallerand 

2003 

Journal of Sports Sciences 

Essential 

The Motivational Dynamics of Sport 

Harwood, Keegan & Smith 

2014 

Routledge 

Essential 

Motor Learning and Performance 

Schmidt & Lee 

2014 

Human Kinetics 

Essential 

Attentional focus and learning 

Wulf 

2016 

International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology 

Essential 

Learning by Doing (Gibbs Reflective Cycle) 

Gibbs 

1988 

Oxford Further Education Unit 

Essential 

Experiential Learning (Kolb Model) 

Kolb 

1984 

Prentice Hall 

Essential 

Reflective Practice in Sport Coaching 

Knowles, Gilbourne & Cropley 

2014 

Routledge 

Essential