High School Strength and Conditioning InternAt — Theodore Roosevelt High Strength & Conditioning Program

1. **Curriculum Review:**
- Engage in thorough reviews of strength and conditioning curriculum materials under the guidance of the head strength coach.
- Participate in one-on-one sessions to discuss and clarify theoretical concepts related to anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition, and programming.

2. **Observation and Learning:**
- Shadow experienced strength and conditioning coaches during hands-on training sessions. Student intern will not be alone with high school students during learning.
- Acquire a foundational understanding of equipment usage, safety protocols, and effective communication with high school athletes.

3. **Small Team Guidance:**
- Progress from observational roles to actively participating in small group training sessions.
- Learn to guide and supervise athletes in the weight room, emphasizing proper form, technique, and motivational strategies.

Student intern will not be alone with high school students during learning.

4. **Textbook and Online Resource Utilization:**
- Review and study relevant textbook materials independently.
- Explore online resources curated by the head strength coach, incorporating current research, video tutorials, and specialized training programs into the learning process.

5. **Application and Case Studies:**
- Apply theoretical knowledge through practical case studies, bridging textbook concepts with real-world coaching scenarios.
- Engage in discussions to enhance critical thinking skills and understand the practical implications of strength and conditioning principles.

6. **Quiz and Evaluation Sessions:**
- Participate in periodic quizzes and evaluations based on the curriculum and online resources.
- Engage in group discussions to reinforce learning, address questions, and deepen understanding.

7. **Independent Project:**
- Develop an independent project creating a comprehensive resource guide for a specific strength and conditioning topic.
- Present findings and insights to the coaching staff, demonstrating the ability to synthesize information and contribute meaningfully to program development.

Tasks:

**Types of Muscles:**
- Activity: Organize a muscle fiber type demonstration, showcasing the differences between slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscles through specific exercises.
- Assignment: Develop a presentation discussing the implications of muscle fiber types on athletic performance and the design of training programs.

**Nutritional Breakdown:**
- Activity: Analyze and interpret nutritional labels, emphasizing the macronutrient breakdown of common foods, and discuss their relevance to athletic performance.
- Assignment: Design a sample daily meal plan for a high school athlete, considering specific nutritional requirements based on training intensity and goals.

**Programming and Periodization:**
- Activity: Collaborate on designing a mock strength and conditioning program for a specific sport, considering periodization principles and adjusting intensity throughout the training cycle.
- Assignment: Develop a detailed periodization plan for a high school athlete, addressing pre-season, in-season, and off-season phases with rationale for each phase.

**Overview of Lifting Technique and Cues:**
- Activity: Conduct a series of technique workshops, focusing on fundamental lifting movements such as squats, deadlifts, and bench press, emphasizing proper form and key coaching cues.
- Assignment: Create a manual detailing proper lifting techniques and cues for various exercises, with accompanying videos or illustrations to aid understanding.

Training:

1. **One-on-One Curriculum Session:**
- *Training Method:* Conduct a personalized curriculum review session where the intern engages in a detailed discussion with a seasoned strength and conditioning coach. Cover topics such as programming principles, nutritional guidelines, and coaching techniques to ensure a solid theoretical foundation.

2. **Hands-On Observation Sessions:**
- *Training Method:* Initiate 1-3 observation sessions where the intern shadows experienced coaches during actual training sessions. Emphasize understanding the basics of equipment usage, safety protocols, and effective communication with athletes.

3. **Hands-On Small Team Guidance:**
- *Training Method:* Transition the intern to a hands-on role with small groups in the weight room. Begin by assisting in the supervision of exercises and gradually progress to leading sections of the training session. Focus on refining coaching cues and adapting training plans to individual needs within the group setting.

4. **Progressive Programming Workshop:**
- *Training Method:* Host a workshop on progressive programming principles, providing interns with hands-on experience in designing tailored strength and conditioning programs. Encourage them to apply this knowledge during one-on-one consultations, customizing plans based on an athlete's specific needs and goals.

5. **Video Analysis and Feedback Session:**
*Training Method:* Introduce video analysis sessions where interns record and review their coaching interactions. Provide constructive feedback on communication, technique correction, and motivational strategies. This approach helps refine their coaching skills and reinforces the importance of continuous improvement in a practical context.

**Textbook Material Review:**
- *Training Method:* Implement a structured study session where interns systematically review relevant textbook material related to strength and conditioning. This can include anatomy, exercise physiology, and sports nutrition. After independent study, facilitate a group discussion to clarify concepts, answer questions, and ensure a comprehensive understanding.

**Accessing Online Resources:**
- *Training Method:* Facilitate a guided session for interns to explore and navigate online resources curated by the head strength coach. This includes video tutorials, research articles, and specialized training programs. Encourage interns to critically assess and integrate this online content into their knowledge base, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with current trends and research in the field.

Learning Outcome:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in designing individualized strength and conditioning programs tailored to high school athletes, incorporating principles of periodization and specificity to address varying skill levels and sports requirements.
2. Apply effective coaching techniques to instruct proper exercise form and technique, ensuring the safety and optimal performance of high school students during strength and conditioning sessions.
3. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with high school coaches, athletes, and support staff, fostering a positive and cohesive training environment that aligns with the goals of the sports programs.

4. Acquire a comprehensive understanding of sports nutrition principles and their application to high school athletes, integrating nutritional guidance into strength and conditioning programs to optimize performance, recovery, and overall well-being.

5. Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing and maintaining strength and conditioning equipment, emphasizing facility safety protocols, and efficiently managing training spaces to create an organized and conducive environment for high school athletes.