John Mackersie, Pt. 2 - Coaching and Programming for Special Forces - Ep. 58
Dec 14, 2023
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Strength and conditioning coach John Mackersie discusses coaching Special Forces units, emphasizing training consistency, individualized programs, and data collection. Lightning round of tips includes fitness standards, mental struggle, and maintaining self-discipline. Also explores social media presence and training resources for special operations.
Balancing individual needs with group workouts can enhance team performance by tailoring training programs to address specific weaknesses and optimize individual performance within team settings.
Tailoring workouts to accommodate various training styles can improve adherence and progress, promoting consistency and engagement for better training outcomes.
Deep dives
Individualized Group Workouts for Team Performance
Balancing individual needs with group workouts can enhance team performance. By assessing team metrics and identifying common weaknesses, tailored training programs can address specific gaps. Front-loading movement preparation and providing individualized corrective exercises before group training can optimize individual performance within team settings.
Customized Programming for Diverse Training Styles
Tailoring workouts to accommodate various preferences in training styles can improve adherence and progress. Offering multiple workout options, while focusing on specific deficiencies like power production, enhances overall training effectiveness. Providing choices within structured routines promotes consistency and engagement, leading to better outcomes.
Building Relationships Through Shared Challenges
Engaging in shared physical challenges like cold weather training fosters camaraderie and trust within teams. Involvement in team activities outside regular training builds rapport and connection. Creating a supportive environment where individuals feel understood and valued enhances collaboration and performance.
Flexible Coaching Strategies for Effective Guidance
Adopting flexible coaching approaches helps navigate individual differences and preferences in training. By offering guidance while respecting individual choices, coaches can influence positive changes in training routines. Encouraging small adjustments and open communication fosters a collaborative coaching environment focused on continuous improvement.
This is part two of our interview with John Mackersie. If you missed the first half, we recommend starting at part one, which is episode 57, just before this one.
John Mackersie is a strength and conditioning coach with over 15 years of professional coaching experience in collegiate athletics and within special operations. John began his coaching career in Division I athletics and has been working with Special Operation Forces since 2013. He’s currently the head of strength and conditioning for an Army Special Forces unit.
In addition to coaching, John has spoken and lectured on numerous occasions for the National Strength and Conditioning Association at both national and regional levels, as well as preparing individuals for certification and exam preparation.
In this episode, we hit John with a rapid-fire series of questions from our audience about training for or with a Special Forces unit. We also discuss his advice for other coaches coming to the SOF world from university strength and conditioning backgrounds.
Time Stamps:
00:00:22 Group Workouts 00:04:32 Training Consistency 00:07:46 Yes, and? 00:09:48 Time Spent With Individuals 00:12:00 Separate Entities 00:14:13 What to Do and Not Do 00:17:32 Data Collection 00:21:40 Direct Impact 00:23:30 Sponsor Note 00:23:56 Lightning Round -Tips on Raising A Family -Special Operators -Basic Fitness Standard -Opt Tempo -Strong Man Training -Mental Struggle -Maintain Self Discipline -Best and Worst Advice 00:31:15 Social Media Presence 00:32:04 Outro
Send John angry messages about Olympic lifting:
https://www.instagram.com/m_stronger/
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