SPKN’s Six Pillars of Sports Leadership
Well-Being
& Performance
Communication & Team Culture
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& 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.
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.
New Releases
All our research is curated and peer-reviewed giving you access to an unmatched library of information all in one place.
Latest Research
Longitudinal Associations Between Enjoyment of Physical Education, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscular Fitness Among Finnish Adolescents
Adolescents’ experiences in physical education (PE) have profound implications for their future physical activity behaviors and health outcomes. A longitudinal study conducted among Finnish students investigated the relationship between PE enjoyment and fitness components—cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF). Here are the key takeaways from this study: Background: Regular physical activity (PA) is crucial…
An evaluation of the behavioural inhibition system and behavioural activation system (BIS-BAS) model of pain in athletes
This article explores how athletes respond to pain through the lens of the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) – Behavioral Activation System (BAS) framework. Here are the key points and takeaways: Framework Overview: This study applies the BIS-BAS model to understand how athletes cope with pain. The BIS is activated when pain is perceived as a…
Development and evaluation of the psychometric properties of a new measure of athlete insomnia: Insomnia in Response to Sports‐related Stress Test questionnaire
This article discusses the development and validation of the Insomnia in Response to Sports-related Stress Test (IRSST) questionnaire, aimed at measuring sleep disturbance in elite athletes due to sport-specific stressful situations. Here are the key points and takeaways: Background and Need: Elite athletes often experience high levels of stress from training, competition, and personal expectations,…
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.
Original Series
All our research is curated and peer-reviewed giving you access to an unmatched library of information all in one place.
Latest Articles
Empowering the Athlete Within: The Importance of Understanding Athlete Identity
Coaches play a crucial role in the holistic development of athletes, impacting their personal and professional growth in significant ways. By focusing on building positive relationships, fostering a healthy team environment, balancing athletic and personal development, and recognizing the individual needs of athletes, coaches can nurture and positively influence their athletes’ identities.
Unlocking Team Success: Integrating Cultural Competence in Coaching
In the dynamic world of sports, cultural competence is becoming an essential skill for coaches who work with diverse teams. Understanding and integrating athletes’ varied cultural backgrounds into coaching methods fosters inclusivity and enhances team communication and performance. This article explores strategies for sport coaches to develop cultural competence and create a more cohesive and…
The Pros and Cons of Wearable Technology for Collegiate Athletes
In recent years, wearable technology has revolutionized the sports industry, providing athletes, coaches, and sports scientists with unprecedented data on performance, health, and recovery. Devices such as GPS trackers, heart rate monitors, and sleep analyzers offer a wealth of information that can enhance training programs and prevent injuries. However, the widespread adoption of these technologies…
Mastering Coach Communication: The Power of Public Praise and Private Correction
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful coaching, and one of the most impactful strategies is the principle of “Praise in Public, Condemn in Private.” This approach is not just about being nice; it’s a strategic tool that can significantly enhance team dynamics and individual performance. As coaches, embracing this principle is a testament to…
Social Issues
& Ethics