SPKN’s Six Pillars of Sports Leadership

Well-Being
& Performance
Social Issues
& Ethics
Communication & Team Culture
Skill & Coach Development
Nutrition
& PEDs
Sport Science
& Technology

Welcome to SPKN Sport Knowledge Center

Your central hub for verified sport knowledge.

As a nonprofit, SPKN provides sport leaders with knowledge and tools necessary to fully develop today’s athletes—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Stay up to date on the latest sport science and coaching methods designed to enhance your skills and make a confident impact on your athletes’ performance, well-being, and health.

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From recent interviews to new research, stay up on the latest from the world of sport. As the hub of sport knowledge and practice, we make sure you have the resources to push sport forward.

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All our research is curated and peer-reviewed giving you access to an unmatched library of information all in one place.

Latest Research

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Exploring the Perceived Barriers of Effective Communication Within the Coach–Athlete Relationship: A Sample of Scandinavian Coaches and Athletes

Coaching is a process that guides development and is shaped by sound relationships between athletes and coaches. Interpersonal communication represents a mechanism for developing functional relationships. However, not all interactions between coaches and athletes are optimal, and limited research has attempted to understand the factors that impede the ability to engage in effective communication. This…

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Consideration of Mental Health and Well-Being in High-Level Sport: When Will a Coach-Centered Approach Be Introduced?

In recent years, the conversation surrounding mental health in sports has primarily focused on athletes, with much less attention paid to the well-being of coaches. However, a growing body of research is beginning to highlight the significant stressors faced by coaches, particularly those in high-performance environments, and the detrimental effects these stressors can have on…

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How Can We Make Research More Relevant for Sport Practice?

Contrasting Approaches in Research: Sport scientists often design studies that compare different training methods or models (e.g., interval vs. continuous exercise, polarized vs. pyramidal intensity distribution). These studies tend to conclude that one method is superior, but leading practitioners view these methods as complementary tools rather than mutually exclusive. Complexity of Athlete Development: No single…

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Explore all SPKN’s original series. We cover everything from socio-cultural issues to gripping coach stories. Communication and Team Culture, Sport Psychology, Social Issues & Ethics, Sort Science & Tech, and more…Enjoy all our incredibly informative interviews. These series provide a framework for building the next generation of sport practice while inspiring a better future in sport through knowledge.

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All our research is curated and peer-reviewed giving you access to an unmatched library of information all in one place.

Latest Articles

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Resilience in Recovery: Inspirational Sports Stories

The road to recovery from significant injury can be long and challenging, but many athletes have demonstrated remarkable resilience in their journeys back to success. Below, we explore real-life examples of athletes who overcame substantial obstacles, the vital role of their support teams, and key lessons for coaches and athletes. Real-Life Examples of Athlete Recovery…

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Psychological Support During Athlete Rehabilitation: Facilitating a Successful Recovery Journey

The rehabilitation phase is a critical time in an athlete’s recovery, not only for regaining physical strength but also for rebuilding emotional resilience and mental fortitude. During this process, a coach’s role extends beyond just monitoring physical progress. Coaches are uniquely positioned to offer psychological support, foster motivation, and collaborate with professionals to ensure a…

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The Future of AI in Sports: Challenges and Opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in nearly every industry, and sports are no exception. From analyzing game strategies to predicting injuries, AI has the potential to revolutionize how athletes train, how coaches make decisions, and how fans engage with sports. However, as with any technological innovation, the integration of AI into sports brings…

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THE LIMITS OF ANALYTICS: Why Great Coaching Is About Players, Not Just Data

In today’s world of sports, technology has become a key part of coaching. Devices like GPS trackers, heart rate monitors, and other tools give coaches real-time data to help improve athlete performance. While these technologies provide valuable insights, there’s a risk that some coaches—especially newer ones—may rely too much on the numbers. It’s important not…

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