Knowledge Nuggets

The 2020 Summer SIRCuit in now available! Browse our newest collection of articles, offering timely and relevant research and insights relating to leadership, athlete development, and high performance sport.

High-top basketball shoes are often marketed for their ability to minimize the risk of ankle injuries, however this claim is not supported by the evidence. Instead, increased risk has been linked to prior ankle injuries. Experts recommend wearing whatever feels the most comfortable and supportive.

“Skills learned slowly are forgotten slowly” is an aphorism that should be used to coaches to inform practice structure. While a blocked practice structure may improve short-term practice performance, a randomized practice structure poses a greater challenge to learners resulting in enhanced motor learning and thus better long-term performance.

Did you know eating more fish could help protect you from brain injury? The SIRCuit explores the promise of omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, vitamin D, curcumin, high quality fats and carbohydrates, and good hydration in protecting athletes from sub-concussive injury.

Coaches and officials play an important role in Football Canada’s concussion prevention and management strategy. “Athletes need to know how to perform the skills properly, which means we have to give our coaches the tools to teach those skills and our officials the tools to deal with it effectively in competition.” Learn more in the...

Coaches can support the mental health of their athletes by creating a culture in which athletes feel safe disclosing psychological distress. This includes adopting a holistic coaching philosophy, building strong relationships, role modeling supportive behaviours for all team and staff members, and initiating confidential check-ins with struggling athletes.

Game Plan’s Managing Uncertainty During COVID-19 workbook is a practical tool to support positive mental health through self-awareness, acceptance, adaptability and values-based behaviour. The workbook was developed for Canada’s high performance athletes but is great for anyone wanting to hone their skills and build resilience.

Carol LaFayette-Boyd is one of Canada’s rising track and field stars – at the age of 77. The multiple world record holder is one of a growing number of Masters athletes forcing us to consider new frontiers in human performance. Learn about the physical, social and psychological benefits of Masters sport in the SIRCuit.

In partnership with CoachNB, CoachingNL and CoachingPEI, the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic’s Podium Performance Webinars offer a virtual platform for coaches to connect and learn. The Coach Socialization Series consists of 3-4 sessions a week covering a variety of topics including mental performance, resilience, and a building a positive and competitive culture.

Are you constantly feeling flat, tired and unmotivated? While stress could be the cause given the current circumstances, this infographic from the New South Wales Institute of Sport provides some other suggestions, including sleep patterns, dietary habits, overtraining and dehydration.