Topic Developing adherence/resilience in talented athletes How coaches can use effective communication strategies to work with players athletes to develop adherence to training programmes and competitive strategies and tactics. Challenging existing coaching practices and reflecting on how we do things currently. Are we just telling them what to do or are they actively able to choose their own path having been guided to the right approach for them How can we measure whether or not the people we are coaching are actually “buying into� and learning all the key elements within their performance How coaches can play a role in supporting the athlete to manage their various lifestyle priorities and make the right choice for them and their development The speaker will pull examples from previous experience in military physical training programmes and in working with high level athletes and sports coaches from the world of sport. Speaker: Mark Bennett MBE – Performance Development Systems Profile Mark Bennett MBE is the founder of Performance Development Systems (PDS), with over 20 years experience as a qualified trainer & coach. Mark has spent many years developing a world class performance system which provides high quality performance coaching & mentoring to national, international coaches, organisations, teams and athletes. Mark served as a physical training instructor in the British Army, progressing through the ranks to become one of the senior Warrant Officers at the Army School of Physical training, where he trained and mentored future physical training instructors. He also served as the senior instructor at a 29 Commando running the physical development and commando training for the Regiment. Mark has experienced the stresses of operations abroad while serving with the commando forces. Mark turned down promotion to leave the services and set up his own company, coaching and mentoring people from a wide range of backgrounds. He was awarded the MBE in 2006 for his work in developing the Performance Development Systems (PDS). Mark works closely with the English Golf Union, providing training and mentoring for many of the top PGA coaches in the Country. Other clients have included the British Military, premiership rugby union and super league teams, international athletes as well as health
club chains, schools and the University of Washington. Mark has also worked closely with double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes designing and delivering training to other professionals and athletes.