The aim of the present study was to explore and describe volleyball players` experience of an individualised, supervised strength-training programme aimed at physical performance and injury prevention. The purpose was also to use the players` observations to obtain an understanding of the role of a physical coach. The study comprised nine participants (age 19) who had been involved as an experimental group in a strength-training intervention study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews conducted by one independent interviewer. The transcribed interviews were analysed using qualitative conventional content analysis. From the analysis, three overarching themes describing the content of the text emerged: being in an enjoyable, relaxed situation, interaction between coach and athlete, mental and physical achievements. In conclusion, strength training could be used to improve self-esteem among young females. When designing strength-training intervention studies, it also seems to be important to be aware of the fear and feeling of uncertainty that could exist among the participants. From the athlete`s perspective, the performance in strength training is dependent on many factors, such as team spirit, individual
© Copyright 2011 The Open Sports Sciences Journal. Bentham Science. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.