Functional Path Training

Complexification

Not sure if complexification is a word in the English language but I see it more and more in training especially with young coaches impressed with their knowledge. It is easy to make things complicated and complex. It takes wisdom and understanding to make things simple and clear. Training to improve performance is a relatively straightforward process. The emphasis here is on process. It takes time for the various training stimuli to adapt to the stress imposed. Simple is not easy, it demands a deep understanding of the demands of the sport and the needs of the athlete. Simplicity yields complexity, not to make it more complex than it already is. Focus on the need to do activities and reap the rewards in competition.

Today's Workout

How many of you walk into the gym, out to the field or onto pool deck with today’s workout as an end unto itself, looking for that one great workout that will make a difference? If you do then think again, today’s workout must fit in the context of the whole training plan. Think of it as one pixel in a mega pixel picture. For the picture to be clear, in focus and complete it will take all pixels fitting together to create a unified whole.  Great performance in competition is set up by consist work in training, not one special workout. Today’s workout is important but remember it is one of many in pursuit of a goal.

Lessons from 2012 – Part Two

We may think we are training the body but we are really training the brain – To borrow Tim Noakes terminology the brain is the “Central governor” it controls everything we do.

Talent development is not survival of the fittest – It is not about ten years or 10,000 hours it is a process that involves deliberate practice. It is understanding growth and development, individual rates of maturation.

You cannot separate excellence in sport from excellence in life – You can’t be a chump outside of training and a champ in the game. You may get away with for a little while but eventually it will catch up with you.

When working on skill or acquiring a new technique – Once someone gets it right – STOP (Allow the brain to retain what it learned) Vin Walsh

Important to learn how to ask the right questions – This is the key to learning. Asking questions that are insightful and on point.

You must train the way you want to play – Yes it is about specificity, but it is more than that. All aspects of training must line up with the demands of the sport. Train fast to play fast; if you train slow you will not be able to play fast.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained - No gain without risk. Mistakes are learning opportunities.

Coach the athlete you have not some mythical hypothetical model – Know your athletes, their strength & weaknesses, individualize to the greatest extent possible.

Know the basic technical models of your sport - Master them and build on these.

You must train the female differently – There is a whole different endocrine hormonal environment. Strength training is much more important during all phases of the training year. My rule of thumb with the female athlete is more volume of intensity.

Those who achieve at the highest levels are seldom if ever concerned what other have to say about them or judge them to be – High achievers are confident and will stand out from the crowd regardless of criticism.

Lessons from 2012 - Part One

Being ready to deliver on the day – The ability to have your athletes ready to perform at their best at the required time is most important. That can be the final of the Olympic games or a high school state championship. Everything is directed to this goal.

Coaching is a careful blend of art and science – No more explanation is necessary

Emotional intelligence is the key to effective coaching – It is all about people and how we as coaches grow and develop ourselves and the people we work with.

An overemphasis on injury prevention will lead to injuries – Good injury prevention is a transparent part of a sound training program. What is happening today is an emphasis on so-called corrective exercise and special injury prevention exercises that normal training is being ignored. When training is ignored then the athlete is predisposed to injury because they are not ready to perform.

The ability to race is different than the ability to be paced to a fast time – Anyone with ability can hang on and be pulled to fast time the medals are won by those who can race. Those who are race hardened, who understand tactics and are fully adaptable to variety of race situations.

It is imperative to develop and refine physical literacy in parallel with skill development – Physical literacy slightly leads skill and technical development; it is impossible to have one without the other.

We must take a giant step back and look at what we are doing with recovery – I think we need to learn to use recovery methods more judiciously. Not necessary to ice bath after every workout. We need to understand that the inflammatory cascade is part of the adaptation process. Must educate the body to take advantage of this not interfere with this all the time.

Little things count – Big things are a given, they are hard to overlook but it is the little things that quickly add up.

Coaching men and women is different. “Men battle to bond. Women bond to battle.” Nigel Redman – I think this is pretty self-explanatory.

2012 Highlights

I was very fortunate to have many great opportunities to learn and share ideas in the past year. My top three experiences for 2012 were:

#1 – GAIN V Houston Texas June 12 to June 17 at Rice University. This was the fifth year for the GAIN Apprentorship program. It was by far the best. Terrific interaction and sharing of ideas among true professionals, the network aspect of this is really coming together.

#2 – Global Coaching House in London during the Olympic games. This was a place to gather and listen to presentations and share experiences with coaches from around the world. Just the opportunity to interact day to day with coaches like Frank Dick and Bill Sweetenham was an experience of a lifetime. The Olympic atmosphere also helped to elevate the event; it was special, one of the best learning experiences of my career.

#3 – Visit to University of Oregon in November. My good friend and colleague Jim Radcliffe, head Strength & Conditioning coach at Oregon, brought me in to do staff development with the S&C staff and the athletic trainers. This hands down is one of the best strength & conditioning programs I have seen in all my travels and all my years. They train athletes. It was as experience to be totally immersed in the program including the game day experience. One big reason Oregon plays the way they pay is because of the way they train.

Sporting Highlights

#1 - Aston Eaton’s world record in the decathlon in atrocious conditions at the US Olympic Trails. This kid is special. I got to watch him train when I was at Oregon in November. His coach Harry Marra has done a great job and there is more to come. He has redefined the event.

#2 – David Rudisha’s world record in the 800 meters at the Olympic games. What a spectacular run from the front and in the pressure of the Olympic games. This guy is poetry in motion.

2012 Looking Back

Each year at this time of year I look back on the previous year just completed and as I get older I find myself looking back increasingly over years gone past. I do this not for nostalgic reason rather I do it to gain perspective to more forward. Much like a rower in a single scull sits facing away from the direction they row, they must look back to move forward effectively. The end of the year is a time for reflection and analysis. Each day is special, so do something to make each day special for yourself and for someone else. Family is special; it is too easy to lose sight of this in pursuit of a career. True friends are special – those who are willing to tolerate your mistakes and stay with you during the good and bad times. I am looking forward to 2013; it will mark my 44^th year coaching. I stopped making resolutions years ago, rather each year I try to renew my resolve. I simply want to keep improving as a person and as a coach. I want to continue to honor those people who have helped me and to help others to achieve their potential. I will continue to do what I do not for recognition but for the fact the pursuit of excellence has it’s own rewards. Have a happy and healthy 2013.