Certificate in Applied Athletic Performance
Build a broad foundation in training variables, physical preparation and periodised planning, with practical context for coaches and practitioners working with teams and athletes.
Build a foundation in athletic performance principles.
The Certificate in Applied Athletic Performance is designed to build a broad understanding of acute training variables and periodised planning across the micro-, meso- and macro-cycle.
The course is not tied to one sport. It provides foundational knowledge that can support coaches and practitioners working with teams, athletes and a range of training populations.
As a CPD certificate, the course is intended to extend your knowledge and support your ongoing development. It does not, on its own, confer a professional strength and conditioning qualification.
Seven core areas that support athletic performance.
Build a broad knowledge base across anatomy and physiology, strength, speed, endurance and testing, before bringing the key principles together through programme design and periodisation.
Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Build the foundational understanding needed to connect training decisions with the human body.
Key Lifts in Resistance Training
Explore the role of key resistance-training movements within athletic development programmes.
Introduction to Speed, Acceleration & Deceleration
Develop an understanding of the physical qualities and coaching considerations that shape early speed development.
Max Velocity & Agility
Explore speed at higher velocities alongside the demands and principles of agility development.
Endurance Development
Understand how endurance qualities can be developed and positioned within a wider physical preparation programme.
Fitness Testing
Examine the role of testing and monitoring in understanding athletes and informing training decisions.
Programme Design & Periodisation
Bring the course together through structured planning across micro-, meso- and macro-cycles.
What you should be able to take into practice.
The course focuses on three connected areas: theoretical understanding, practical coaching and the management of athlete-development programmes.
Built for coaches who want to deepen their understanding of physical preparation.
Because the course is not sport-specific, it can support coaches and practitioners who want a broader grounding in physical preparation across different sports and training populations.
Build your knowledge at your own pace.
The Certificate in Applied Athletic Performance is delivered fully online and is self-paced, giving you the flexibility to build your knowledge around your coaching, training and other commitments.
Before you enrol.
Key information about the focus, content, delivery and intended audience for the Certificate in Applied Athletic Performance.
What will this course prepare me to do?
The course provides a broad foundation in athletic performance, training principles and programme design. It is intended to support coaches and practitioners working with teams and athletes by developing their understanding and helping them make more informed training decisions. It is a CPD certificate rather than a standalone professional strength and conditioning qualification.
Is the course self-paced?
Yes. The course is self-paced and fully online. You can log in to your Setanta Academy account and access the course at any time, allowing you to fit your study around your existing commitments.
Is the course specific to one sport?
No. The course is designed around athletic-performance principles rather than one particular sport, making the content relevant across different coaching environments.
Who is the course aimed at?
It is suitable for people looking to coach athletes as well as general-population clients and who want to build stronger knowledge around physical preparation and programme design.
What topics are covered?
The course covers anatomy and physiology, resistance training, acceleration and deceleration, max velocity and agility, endurance development, fitness testing, and programme design and periodisation.
What is the course fee?
The current listed price for the English Certificate in Applied Athletic Performance is €995.
Where do I access the course?
The course is accessed through Setanta Academy. After enrolment, learners use their Academy account to access course content.
Build your understanding of athletic performance.
Develop practical knowledge across physical preparation, training methods and periodised programme design with Setanta Academy.