#141 – What is an AFL Strength & Conditioning Coach

AFL Strength Training Plan

The Role of AFL Strength Coaches

Building Physical Resilience

An AFL Strength Training Plan is essential for preparing athletes to meet the physical demands of the game. An AFL strength and conditioning coach plays a crucial role in implementing this plan, focusing on developing ‘body armor’ through strength training, particularly in the trunk and neck, to help players withstand contact. Additionally, an AFL Strength Training Plan incorporates agility, speed, and power training into warm-ups when athletes are fresh to maximize effectiveness.

Using Sport Science for Performance

AFL coaches leverage sports science to monitor training loads and optimize performance. By using GPS data, they track players’ running distances and speeds, ensuring they reach high-intensity efforts weekly. This data-driven approach helps manage workload, prevent injuries, and enhance overall fitness.

Educating Athletes on Lifestyle Choices

A strength and conditioning coach goes beyond physical training by educating players on elite lifestyle habits. Proper sleep, nutrition, and recovery strategies are essential for peak performance. Coaches emphasize reducing alcohol consumption, improving sleep hygiene, and periodizing nutrition to support training demands.

Tailoring Training for Long-Term Success

Each athlete’s training plan is individualized to suit their career stage. Younger players who are not yet in the main squad focus on long-term development, increasing strength and speed. Coaches strategically adjust training loads to prepare athletes for future performance.

Collaborating to Prevent Injuries

Preventing injuries is a top priority, requiring close collaboration with medical teams. Coaches implement strategies to reduce common injuries like hamstring and groin strains. A well-structured reconditioning program ensures a smooth transition back to full training.

Unlock the 4 most important pillars of being an elite AFL Strength & Conditioning Coach! Whether you’re coaching at grassroots or high performance, this video breaks down key strategies for player development, injury prevention, and peak performance.

Highlights of the episode:

  • Physical preparation & body armor
  • 95% Rule of Sprint Exposure & Injury Prevention
  • Sleep is the Real Recovery Tool
  • Long-term athlete development
  • Summary / Recap

Listen: iTunes | Spotify

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Jack McLean, founder of Prepare Like a Pro, smiling and holding a red football.

Jack McLean

Jack McLean is the founder of Prepare Like a Pro and a passionate coach dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. He is the Senior Athletic Performance Coach at the Parramatta Eels, specializing in speed development, agility, and return-to-play strategies. Jack has previously worked as a Strength & Conditioning Coach at Hawthorn FC and as Strength & Rehab Coach at Melbourne FC. He holds a Master’s in Applied Sport Science and is a Level 3 ASCA-accredited coach.

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