5B060E - Applied Coaching in Strength and Conditioning 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 5B060E
Module Title: Applied 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: Dean Parsons, Jonathan Jones, Melanie Tuckwell
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 5
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 develop students’ ability to apply pedagogical theory to design inclusive, participant-centred coaching practices.  

  • To enhance critical understanding of how to coach specific populations, including youth athletes and underrepresented groups. 

  • To encourage self-awareness and reflective practice that supports the continuous improvement of coaching identity and behaviour. 

Content Summary

In this module, you’ll explore the key coaching principles that help athletes improve and stay motivated. As future Strength and Conditioning professionals, we’ll learn how to plan and deliver training sessions that are structured, progressive, and tailored to individual needs. 

You’ll look at how coaching philosophy, communication, and motivation play a big role in athlete development. You’ll also learn how to create inclusive and positive environments—especially important when teaching complex movements and encouraging long-term commitment to training. 

Reflective practice is a big part of this module too. You’ll be encouraged to think about your coaching sessions, evaluate what went well, and identify areas for improvement. This helps you grow into a flexible, evidence-informed coach. 

By combining theory with practical experience, you’ll build technical knowledge in exercise science and develop key transferable skills like leadership, critical thinking, and professional identity—skills that are essential for success in coaching and the wider sport industry. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 35
Guided Study 112
Practical Classes and Workshops 21
Formative Assessment 10
Summative Assessment 60
Problem/Challenge Based Learning 62
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Apply appropriate pedagogical approaches and planning frameworks to design inclusive coaching sessions for youth athletes and diverse participant groups.
LO2 Evaluate your coaching practice and philosophy in the context of applied settings, demonstrating informed decision-making and adaptability.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio Enables students to demonstrate competence against recognised domains of coaching practice, including needs analysis, session design, delivery, reflection, and professional conduct, thereby supporting progression towards industry-recognised accreditation and employability within the strength and conditioning sector 0 3000 50 No 40
Synchronous Onsite Practical Assessment Practical Coursework (Onsite) Provides students with a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate applied coaching competence in live or simulated coaching environments, aligning academic learning with professional expectations and reinforcing standards of practice consistent with both CIMSPA and IUSCA guidance. 25 N/A 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

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

Reading List

Coaching Philosophy, Ethics and Motivations 

Lara-Bercial, S., & Mallett, C. (2023). *Coaching Philosophy and Ethics in Sport. Routledge. 

Cushion, C. et al. (2021). *Understanding coaching philosophy: A Critical Review. International Sport Coaching Journal. 

CIMSPA Coaching Standard; UKSCA Coaching Competency; NSCA Professional Standards; IUSCA Practitioner Framework 

Coaching & Pedagogical Methods 

Jones, R., Edwards, C., & Kingston, K. (2022). *The Sociology of Sports Coaching. Routledge. 

Light, R. (2021). *Game-based approaches and CLA in coaching. Journal of Physical Education and Sport. 

CIMSPA Coaching Standard; UKSCA Pedagogy Guidance; NSCA Coaching Guidelines; IUSCA IQF 

Creating the Coaching Environment 

Kidman, L., & Lombardo, B. (2021). *Athlete-Centered Coaching. Human Kinetics. 

Harwood, C. et al. (2022). *Psychological safety and coaching environments. Sport Psychologist. 

CIMSPA Coaching Environment Standard; UKSCA Team Management Guide; NSCA Ethics; IUSCA Accreditation 

Practice Design, Session Planning for a series of sessions 

Turner, A., & Comfort, P. (2022). Advanced Strength and Conditioning: An Evidence-Based Approach. Routledge. 

Reid, C. et al. (2023). *Non-linear pedagogy in practice design. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 

CIMSPA Planning Standard; UKSCA Programming Guide; NSCA Session Design; IUSCA Practitioner Pathway 

Coaching Youth Athletes 

Lloyd, R., & Oliver, J. (2022). *Strength and Conditioning for Young Athletes. Routledge. 

Faigenbaum, A. et al. (2021). Youth resistance training: Updated position statement. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 

CIMSPA Youth Coaching Standard; UKSCA Youth Training Guide; NSCA Youth Position Statement; IUSCA Youth Development Framework 

Coaching Diverse Populations 

Gilbert, W., & Trudel, P. (2021). *Coaching for Diversity and Inclusion in Sport. Routledge. 

Norman, L. (2022). *Inclusive coaching practices in sport. Sport in Society. 

CIMSPA Inclusivity Standard; UKSCA Diversity Guidance; NSCA Legal & Ethical Guidelines; IUSCA Inclusivity Framework 

Coaching Female Athletes 

Costello, J., & Joy, E. (2023). Female Athlete Health and Performance. Human Kinetics. 

De Souza, M. et al. (2023). Coaching female athletes: Physiological and psychological considerations. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 

CIMSPA Female Athlete Coaching Standard; UKSCA Female Athlete Guide; NSCA Position Statement on Female Athletes; IUSCA Practitioner Accreditation