USJF High Performance Coaching Workshop

1. Foundations of High-Performance Physiology (Coach-Practical)

New coaches do not need to become physiologists, but they do need to understand what they are seeing on the mat and how it impacts performance.

Key topics include:

• Lactic acid vs. fatigue (clearing common misconceptions)

• Work-to-rest ratios in randori and competition

• Recovery strategies between matches and training days

• Recognizing signs of overtraining vs. underpreparation

2. Training Methodology & Periodization

This section focuses on how to organize training so athletes peak at the right time without sacrificing technical quality or long-term development.

Key topics include:

• Structuring a training week (technical, tactical, physical)

• Short-term vs. long-term planning (daily → seasonal → quadrennial)

• Peaking for competition

• Adjusting intensity while preserving skill quality

• Managing mixed ability levels within one training group

3. Motor Skill Acquisition & Learning

Understanding how athletes learn is just as important as what they learn.

Key topics include:

• Skill acquisition vs. skill performance

• Blocked vs. random practice

• Constraints-led training in judo

• When to correct—and when to let athletes struggle

• Teaching transfer from drills → randori → competition

4. Competition Coaching & Decision-Making

High-level coaching requires calm, informed decisions under pressure.

Key topics include:

• Match analysis: gripping patterns, tempo, and scoring trends

• Coaching between matches, what actually helps

• Tactical adjustments mid-tournament

• Managing athlete emotions and arousal levels

• Coach behavior standards on the IJF stage

5. Video Analysis for Performance Improvement

Video is a powerful tool when used correctly.

Key topics include:

• What to look for in competition footage

• Identifying patterns in gripping, movement, and attacks

• Opponent scouting fundamentals

• Turning video insights into actionable training goals

• Avoiding information overload for athletes

6. Professionalism & Long-Term Athlete Development

International coaching is about more than medals, it is about building careers and protecting athlete welfare.

Key topics include:

• Coach roles within a national delegation

• Communication with athletes, staff, and officials

• Ethical boundaries and athlete welfare

• Long-term athlete development models

• Building athletes for sustainable careers, not just tournaments

Sports Psychology

Presenter: Dr. Michael Buckle

It is valuable to begin with an overview of applied sport and performance psychology and how it can support both coaches and athletes.

Presentation

• Overview of applied sport and performance psychology

• Core mental skills training commonly used with athletes

• Mental health and clinical issues frequently addressed in sport settings

• How and where to identify a qualified sport psychology consultant

• Case study: Working with an Olympic-level athlete

• Case study: Supporting an elite-level coach—because coaches benefit too

• Question and answer session

On Mat Training Session

USA Judo in Collobaration with USJF – High Performance Coach Education

USA Judo High Performance Coach Director: Ed Liddie

3 hour Training Session – 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

1. Grip Fighting & Tactical Positioning

Grip dominance is treated as a primary performance skill, not an afterthought.

• Initial gripping strategies vs. elite opponents
• Breaking, re-gripping, and grip sequences
• Managing space, angles, and tempo
• Grip choices based on opponent tendencies

2. Competition-Specific Randori

Randori is structured to replicate international match demands.

• Situational randori (score down, golden score, penalties)
• Work-to-rest ratios matching IJF competition
• Short, high-intensity rounds with clear tactical objectives
• Emphasis on decision-making under fatigue

3. Transitions & Groundwork Integration

Training reflects modern scoring realities and referee trends.

• Immediate follow-ups after attacks
• Mat awareness and boundary management
• Pin retention and escape chains
• Submission awareness in high-level shiai contexts

4. Tactical Decision-Making & Match IQ

Athletes are coached to think, adapt, and problem-solve on the mat.

• Reading opponent patterns
• Adjusting tactics mid-match
• Risk vs. reward decision-making
• Strategic use of penalties and pace

5. Coach Education: What to Watch For

This camp is as much about developing coaches as athletes.

• Identifying technical inefficiencies in real time
• Giving concise, effective mat-side feedback
• Knowing when not to coach during a round
• Aligning daily training with long-term performance goals

6. Performance Culture & Professional Expectations

Reinforces standards expected at the international level.

• Training intensity and accountability
• Athlete conduct and preparation habits
• Coach professionalism at camps and events
• Building consistency across clubs and regions