Strength and conditioning practices of taekwondo coaches: A survey study

Abstract

Strength and conditioning (S&C) play a crucial role in enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury in combat sports. However, research on S&C practices among taekwondo coaches, particularly in Brazil, is scarce. This study addressed this gap by investigating the practices, knowledge, and challenges faced by Brazilian taekwondo coaches. An anonymous online survey was completed by 104 taekwondo coaches, covering background information, education, S&C perspectives, exercise selection, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics were applied to closed-ended questions, and qualitative content analysis was used for open responses. Results showed that while 94% of coaches held an academic degree, only 15% had formal S&C certifications. Nevertheless, nearly all participants considered S&C important or very important for taekwondo performance. Commonly prescribed exercises included squats (for strength), plyometrics (power/speed), ladder drills (agility), and dynamic stretching (flexibility), with kicking drills focused on speed and precision being most used for sport-specific conditioning. The key challenges reported by coaches included low athlete motivation and fear of injury, particularly among youth athletes. Coaches also highlighted the need for greater interdisciplinary support, improved access to S&C professionals, and better integration of training monitoring tools and technology. Moreover, this research will provide fundamental knowledge to advance S&C research, education, and applied practice within taekwondo.