LSU graduate J. Grainys: BC “Žalgiris” is created by lots of people

Justinas Grainys, a graduate of Sports Coaching study programme at Lithuanian Sports University, works in BC “Žalgiris” – the team which surprised Europe by its wonderful play in Euroleague. He is responsible for physical training in the club. Most basketball experts say that this year the players of BC “Žalgiris” are well prepared physically, and this is the merit of the LSU graduate as well.

Justinas remembers that he linked his future with “Žalgiris” during the fourth year of studies, when he was training children with long-term contracts with Kaunas “Žalgiris” club. After graduating, Justinas enrolled in Master’s degree study programme Sports Physiology and Genetics at LSU, and “Žalgiris” offered him to work with doublers along with a legendary physical training coach, LSU Honorary Doctor Aleksandras Kosauskas. Later a possibility to work with the main team opened up.

“I started working with a colleague Nerijus Navickas. Although we have been enjoying victories lately, the daily routine is not easy. Every day we spend about 8-10 hours working, plan the entire training process and individual player loads. The club has created excellent conditions for working and being together with the players, purchasing modern equipment and implementing the latest physical education programmes. We are often asked how we have managed to achieve such results. Coaches and players are real professionals. The basketball players rely on decisions, tactical plans, management, medical personnel, and then use all their energy during the match. This is the result of all the joint work,” said J. Grainys.

The graduate says that he needs to improve continuously working in a professional club. “When I began to work, I trusted myself, I wanted to learn, but I lacked practical knowledge. The university provided the foundation, the basic knowledge for further development. In the professional club, I work with the best athletes and coaches every day, so workouts have to be prepared with extreme care. My season does not stop in the summer too. I work with youth teams, and this year I am going on internships in several NBA teams. I want not only to get acquainted with the activities of the best clubs in the world, but also to participate in various seminars and trainings,” says J. Grainys.

He is sure that the study programme Sports Coaching is not only unique but also very important for the entire national sport. According to the graduate, no coaching courses or seminars can provide such knowledge. “If a student is motivated and wants a continuous improvement, he/ she can acquire knowledge that will help make a great career. Of course, you need to put your knowledge in practice. In addition, physical activity and sport are very popular nowadays, and there is a lack of skilled professionals who can help people do sports without hurting themselves,” said J. Grainys.

According to J. Grainys, sports studies are appreciated around the world, and there are not many such programmes. “Specialists from Lithuania, especially basketball specialists, are valued in many countries. Physical training coach Sigitas Kavaliauskas has been working in Chinese league, Deividas Rinkevičius – Russian, Ričardas Reimaris – Czech and other leagues. Sports other than basketball could be mentioned, too,” said the LSU graduate.

J. Grainys recalls that the honoured Lithuanian coach and Vice-Rector for Sports Aleksas Stanislovaitis helped him to choose the career. He provided valuable theoretical and practical knowledge.

The LSU graduate believes that constant work and improvement can help realize dreams, and one should not hurry to make a career. Success comes after gaining experience and becoming a well-known person.

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