Sports science isn’t some secretive, proprietary practice. Rather, Coach Devan McConnell believe it’s a combination of tools, technologies, and expertise that helps coaches better understand what is happening with their athletes, and why. Here he explains how applied sports science helps him walk the tightrope between long-term development and short-term preparation, including the specific tools he uses right now.

Managing athletes’ training loads in-season is a delicate art, with a coach needing to balance long-term player development goals with short-term team successes. Coach Devan McConnell presents a holistic training model for performance coaches and sports scientists alike.

The hand supported rear foot elevated split squat has become a staple for us. It has exceeded all expectations and preconceived notions of what was possible with this lift from a loading standpoint. Much more important are the performance improvements that came with the ability to load so aggressively with zero negative consequences from an injury perspective.