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20 Sep 2007 09:41:18
The Marshall MK Lions have teamed up with sport scientists from the University of Bedfordshire to help improve the agility and performance of the teams players.
The Lions, who play in the top basketball league in the country, underwent pre-season testing at the University last week. Staff and students tested the players on court agility and fitness levels, and blood samples were taken to identify the individual players strengths and weaknesses. Staff also monitored fitness performance in during training matches.
Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology, and former Premiership and international fitness coach, John McCarthy said: “We know what it takes to make a good basketball player, so we have been identifying the areas where the players should be focusing their training.
“Initial tests have gone well, and we are advising on individual training programmes which should be ready for the start of the season on Saturday (28 September). The players will be able to notice the improvement in their performance, and further optimise the teams performance.”
Students have also assisted in the screening of the players for injuries to ensure any unnoticed problems can be treated before they become more serious.
The players will work on the new training regime over the next month and their progress will be tracked. Follow-up testing sessions and training schedules will be devised based on the initial results.
Lynette Singleton, who carried out the tests said: “This is our first collaboration with the Lions, and this partnership will provide excellent applied practical experience for our sports students, and provide expert advice to further develop the basketball players. Last year one of our final year Sports Therapy students worked with the Estonian national rugby team to improve their strength, speed and stamina, and we are keen to continue such collaborations.”
In the latest Guardian league table, the University of Bedfordshire was ranked 12th in the country for its sports courses.
If you would like to find out more about sports courses at the University of Bedfordshire please call 01234 400 400 or visit www.beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2007» September» MK Lions ready to roar after fitness tests at uni
