BEIRUT (Lebanon) - The FIBA Regional Office-Asia recently conducted two back-to-back Level 1 Sports Performance Specialist (SPS) courses in Saudi Arabia. Organised under the aegis of the Saudi Arabia Basketball Federation, the course in Riyadh (Jan 28-29) had 17 participants, while the course in Jeddah (Feb 1-2) saw 15 participants. Six women attended each of these courses.
The Sports Performance Specialist course is a special initiative of the FIBA Regional Office-Asia aimed at empowering local physical trainers with a program to promote strength and conditioning in National Teams and local Clubs. Its objective is to decrease non-contact injury rates and increase the knowledge of coaches about strength and conditioning in order to elevate the standard of Basketball.
“The Sport Performance Specialist course changed many of my concepts regarding the educational perspective on the role of physical conditioning and its importance in the team. It highlighted the integration with the coach and the team's health practitioner, as well as how to convey information to the players to avoid incorrect performance," said Reda Namangani, a participant in Jeddah.
“I thank those in charge of this course. The trainer is more than wonderful and conveys the information in a very beautiful way. I also thank the course organizers, representatives of the Basketball Federation, for allowing and providing the opportunity to participate,” said Ayoub Al Hawsawi, a participant in Riyadh.
Noran Alahdal, who took the course in Jeddah found it of incredibly valuable and enriching experience.
“The role of a physical trainer in sports cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which strong and sustainable athletic performance is built. Through this course, I realized how crucial proper physical conditioning is for players—not only in terms of strength, endurance, and speed but also for injury prevention,” she said.
“This was not just a theoretical course but a comprehensive hands-on experience that deepened my understanding of how strategic physical preparation directly impacts performance on the court.”
“Huge appreciation to the Saudi Basketball Federation for their commitment to developing sports professionals. Investing in physical conditioning means building champions who can compete at the highest levels!”
Her “classmates” in Jeddah agreed.
“Well, as a basketball player I thought it would be a mediocre course about coaching basketball etc., but actually I realized how lucky I am to be here with this incredible experience about something I have never thought about as a basketball player,” said Khalid Alhawsah.
“The course was highly professional and extremely valuable,” said Emad Alsamman.
“I look forward to more such initiatives that contribute to the growth of the sport.”
FIBA