| EliteFTS

A couple of weekends ago I gave my third Special Olympic Coaching Seminar. Since this information applies to all lifters and coaches I thought it would be beneficial to post it.

Originally, I was just going to post the entire seminar, but realize there are numerous parts to it, so I’m going to break it up over time.

Rules and causes for disqualification according to the IPF (the governing body over the Special Olympics)
Weight Classes
Proper Lifting Technique
Proper Spotting Technique
Common Meet Mistakes
Proper order of a training session
Examples of proper training sessions (including Prilepin’s Chart)
Examples for once a week, twice a week, and three times a week

PROPER SPOTTING TECHNIQUE

The Squat

Teach the lifter to take the minimal number of steps back before setting up.
Spot underneath the arms to prevent them from falling forward or back.
For females it may be more comfortable to spot at the bar if the weight is light enough, but it’s not ideal if they lose their balance and fall forward.
If the lifter loses their balance try to help them regain it with the minimal assistance necessary, otherwise you could potentially throw them off balance even more
Stay close and squat down with the lifter without touching them or the bar
Assist the lifter by supporting the bar to walk them back into the rack upon completion of the set

The Bench

When lifting the bar off make sure not to negatively affect the lifter’s position by pulling them off the bench or by not lifting enough which could place the bar in an award position
Spot with your hands close to the bar but not touching (with one hand under and one over). Only provide assistance when necessary.
If you need to provide assistance, try to keep the bar moving at the same speed as the lifter was pushing it. Don’t make them struggle or yank the bar away from them. Both could potentially cause injury
Don’t grab the weight from them or make them fight it too much.

The Deadlift