The backroom team

Becoming one of the backroom team which keeps sports people at the top of their game is one which appeals for any sports minded person. From Formula One motor racing to the Badminton horse trials, there is inevitably a sports scientist, and a personal trainer to hand. An ability to offer sound advice and proven knowledge are the most important attributes for the person who may become a close associate and even a friend. The mental side of sport has to dealt with as well. As anyone who knows their sports, a player who is ‘down’ and not competing is a worrying sight for the back room team. Its their job to lift the person and help with positive approaches to the game. Losing is not an option and that has to be carefully placed inside the head of the sports person. The desire to win may be waning and that desire has to rekindled, all we’re all out of a job!

Fixing strains and sprains is simple compared with the players who has decided they are not good enough. That requires a special skill which comes naturally to some and not so to others, but the personal trainer who can lift is a much sought after trainer. The bigger the sport the higher the pressure and that comes not only from the sport itself but also the sponsors and the fans. The sponsors have a vested interest in success, and owners of sports clubs equally demand the top levels from their stable. Because, to a great extent that’s what a player is, where in the likes of American Football, English Soccer, or World Cricket, the player is a commodity on whose success brings riches and glory.

Owners demand success

Without that success an owner may decide to sack the whole lot and start again with anew team of personal trainers and staff. It sometimes works but there is probably a 50/50 success rate on sports clubs owners who have changed their back up team thinking it would bring new titles and new trophies.

So for the personal trainer who has dedicated a lot to time and energy to the sport, the possibility is always there that the job could disappear tomorrow. That is incentive enough to make sure the player or the team does well, but sport is not a finite thing and all sorts of events can conspire to the downfall of a top sporting star. The media play a big part in all this as they have the power to make a break anyone in the public eye be it television, sport or films. The stories which can be circulated around the world could be damaging to the extent they have a direct and diverse effect on the sports person. Fans can idolise a player and a team until things start to go wrong and then the fickle nature of the sports fans comes to the fore. There are exceptions and one is tennis where despite obvious favourites in a tournament and home crowd support, all is played in a dignified manner. There is no greater respect than on the tennis court, even though the two players may be locked in Gladiatorial combat. Snooker is another where total respect for each player is paramount, and even in this most traditional of sports there will be a personal trainer there for further support if required.

For the sponsors and the owners – money talks

So in the modern world of sport, there are almost no exceptions in the need for some one to be there to whisper the odd word of advice. Should I take the 5 iron and play safe or go for it with the big driver? The question is put to the caddy, and his or her advice is taken on board. The player who suddenly falls down with a tendon damage to the ankle, listen to the sports scientist first, and then the club will see to getting the best treatment. The reality is that sports business means money and lots of it. The pressures are high but the rewards are great for the player and personal trainer who can get to the top – and stay there.