Sports Science & Performance

Universal Movement Patterns: This is a system wide, universal movement pattern program in elementary, middle, and high schools that uses specific movements to test, teach, and develop athletes. All of our athletic teams and  PE classes will utilize this movement pattern system in an age appropriate way. These movement patterns will be the basis of our dynamic warm-up before practice as well as the primary tool to diagnose potential problems that may be pre-existent in the athlete.

Functional Testing: Our Director of Sports Science and Performance, Mr. Kyle Southall, will coordinate with BCS strength coaches to develop functional tests for proper weight room placement and exercises. It is our desire that no athlete will perform a load bearing, olympic style lift before they pass a functional test and get proper training on the techniques. These tests will also enhance the decision to return to normal lifting after an injury.

Strength and Conditioning Programs: Coordinating with BCS strength coaches to monitor and develop research based cycles and programs to best enhance both male and female athletes.

Education in Nutrition, Hydration, Rest, and Flexibility: Coordination between BCS health and PE teachers to develop the core concepts needed to be taught to students to embrace a lifestyle of healthy eating and proper care of the body.

Care of “Throwing” Athletes and Sport Specific Needs:  Our Director will work with BCS coaches who work with throwing athletes (pitchers, baseball players, softball players, quarterbacks, javelin, shot, and discus) to keep ‘arm care’ as a high priority of development and conditioning. He will also will ensure that workouts maximize all unique sports needs.

Long-term Health and Fitness: While the short term goal is to minimize time loss injuries and maximize competitive performance, the ultimate goal of this program is to introduce, educate, and inspire BCS students to adopt a lifestyle of health and fitness which glorifies God in the teaching of our body as the temple of God’s Spirit even when the years of competitive athletics come to an end.

Research Opportunities:  Kyle will continue his robust teaching and research schedule. His schedule will allow him to perform research at UAB that is not feasible at Briarwood and to continue consulting and working/traveling with USA Wrestling and Team USA Sports Medicine. 

Accountability and Evaluation: Kyle will meet with the BCS Athletic Director to give reports in the following areas: 
1. Performance evaluation of the program and director
2. Updating goals of the program
3. Evaluating essential needs to meet goals
4. Budgeting resources required to meet goals

Developing a Model for All Schools  Briarwood intends for this program showcase a model school-based program for other school systems to investigate and adopt. We believe that this effort will provide information and practices to help school-aged athletes and athletic programs develop and remain as healthy as possible in the rigors of competition.