Functional Path Training

The Road - Part Two

So, what should we change? What can do to remedy this situation? It is quite simple, shift the emphasis from preparing the road for the athlete to preparing the athlete for the road. It is an arduous journey that takes more than talent. It demands everyone being on the same page. It is not harsh or tough love, it is caring. It is coaching the person, giving guidance and direction. Remember it is a transformational process, not transactional. It is allowing the athlete space to grow and learn through trial and error. Along the way there will be choices, some quite simple and others complex. We need to help the athlete make informed choices that are best for therm. It is understanding that mistakes and failure in an athletic contest is just a bump in the road, a real learning opportunity to grow and move on. It demands that we as leaders get out of our comfort zone of being the almighty, know it all. We must humble ourselves and understand the athlete and recognize that it takes time for the athlete to grow. It is more than words. If we expect them to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, then we must also be willing to be uncomfortable. We need to value what matters to the athlete, get past appearances and labels. Give them all the tools they need to navigate the road. Hard intelligent training that thoroughly prepares for the rigors of competition is necessary, not an option. Provide reasonable behavioral guidelines that give them structure and guidance. Give them a working compass oriented to true north, along with a current road map so they can navigate the detours and road closures to be able to get to their destination. In summary, to help your athletes navigate the road it is quite simple – coach your athletes the way you would want to be coached. To help you guide your athletes on the journey I recommend you read Do Hard Things by Steve Magness and listen to Finding Mastery podcast #358 December 6, 2022, with master coach Paul Assaiante https://findingmastery.net/pau /

Learning the Craft – The La Cumbre Years 1969 to 1973

My first four years coaching were at La Cumbre Junior High School in Santa Barbara California, in the neighborhood where I grew up. I taught Physical Education and over the four years there I coached track and cross country each year as one season each of football and basketball. The photo is collage that a friend one of mine put together the year I was coaching football. Yes, we did wear ties when we coached back then – influence of my mentor. It was a real learning experience, learning the craft of coaching with boys aged 12 to 15 in seventh, eighth and ninth grade. I taught four or five periods of PE and then coached after school at the same time I was training for the Decathlon. Time management and attention management were crucial. Looking back on the experience fifty years later I would not trade the experience for anything. I am still in contact with many of the “kids”. Even though they are all grown up now in their sixties I still call them kids. Been great to see their life journeys and how what we did in sport influenced them and reflect on how much they taught me about life and coaching. It was a great foundation the next fifty years and continues to be today.

GAIN 2022

GAIN is back in person in 2022! Applications open today for GAIN 2022, taking place from June 14 to June 18 at Rice University in Houston Texas. Space is limited, so apply soon to secure your space. Some key details are below and you can learn more and register at: https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2022/

When is GAIN? June 14 to June 18, 2022

Where is GAIN? Rice University in Houston Texas.

How do I apply? Submit your application at: https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2022/ Please be aware enrollment is limited. We will let you know within ten days if you are accepted.

What is GAIN? GAIN is a community of professional’s eager to learn and willing to share ideas and information. GAIN is not about more exercises, sets, reps and training methods it is about passionate people who pursue excellence with honesty, integrity and respect to make a difference in the lives of the people we coach and teach. It is open to Strength & Conditioning/Athletic Development coaches, Sport Coaches, Physical Therapists, ATC’s, Chiropractors, Doctors and Physical Education teachers. You can learn more about GAIN our this week’s GAINcast (https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-235-its-gain-time/) as well as the 2019 State of GAIN presentation (https://thegainnetwork.com/video/state-of-gain-2019-gambetta/).

GAIN Mission - To focus on the possibilities for enhancing human movement with no limits or limitations and emphasize connections and links between all disciplines in the same manner we emphasize connections and linkages in the body.

How much does GAIN cost? Tuition is $2299 for new attendees and $1299 for returning attendees. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, and lodging at Rice University, as well as access to the GAIN Library, GAIN Master Class Series archives, and HMMR Plus membership.

Why do I have to apply? Can’t I just sign up? Having people apply is part of what makes GAIN special. It would be easier to make it open for anyone to enroll, but that is not what GAIN is about. We are looking for people willing to share and challenge themselves and others to grow professionally. The people in the network with you are as important (maybe even more important) than the faculty experts. The connections and inspiration you get from those around you have a significant impact on the experience.

Who are the faculty? Our full faculty is listed on the GAIN website. We’ve chosen a faculty that has a tremendous breadth of experiences and a record of excellence in across all fields of sports performance from skills coaching to athletic development, to sports medicine and physical education.

Where can I learn more about GAIN? Visit our website (https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2022/). You can also call us at 941-378-1778 or email Vern Gambetta at [email protected]

Announcing GAIN Master Class Series

GAIN is a community of professionals eager to learn and willing to share ideas and information. This year was to be the thirteenth edition of GAIN at Rice University in June but the Covid 19 pandemic has forced a change in plans. We know we can’t recreate the unique live GAIN experience, instead we have created a whole new learning experience that takes advantage of the connectivity of the internet. I have always believed that adversity is opportunity in disguise. This is an opportunity to get out of our comfort zone and present a unique educational experience in an interactive format – the GAIN Master Class. This will not be another webinar with someone talking over PowerPoint. Instead we will have an interactive format with a featured presenter along with a panel of experts. The goal of each Master Class is to provide the highest quality actionable information, information you can use and apply now. There will be one class a month for twelve months. The topic areas will address the four areas of athletic development - Physical Education, Strength & Conditioning, Athletic Medicine & Sport Science​ - featuring experts who can connect disciplines and ideas across domains.

If you are hungry to learn, to be challenged and be comfortable with being uncomfortable, the GAIN Master Class is for you. As we proceed, we will seek your input, we will adapt, we will change to make it better for you, the learner. We promise we will not have someone reading slides to you for an hour. Each Master Class will have a plenary presentation, an expert panel, discussion groups, and exercise /training demonstrations. GAIN has never been about more exercises, sets, reps and training methods. It is about passionate people who pursue excellence with honesty, integrity and respect to make a difference in the lives of the people we coach and teach.

There will be sixteen master classes. The first class is free, open to all. The cost for a season pass is $499.99 or $55.00 for an individual session. In addition, each moth the attendees will receive a digital packet of information pertaining to that months Master Class. Contact us at [email protected] for group or institutional rates. To learn more about GAIN Master Class go to https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2020/ or call 941-378-178. Enroll Now! Don't miss out on this career changing experience.

 

GAIN 2020 - Join US

GAIN 2020 will be held June 16 to 20 at Rice University in Houston Texas. This is the thirteenth year of GAIN; it started 2007 with twelve attendees and four instructors and has grown to ninety attendees from all over the world and eighteen faculty. GAIN is a community of professional’s eager to learn and willing to share ideas and information.

GAIN is not about more exercises, sets, reps and training methods it is about passionate people who pursue excellence with honesty, integrity and respect to make a difference in the lives of the people we coach and teach. To learn more about GAIN go to https://thegainnetwork.com/ or call 941-378-178. Applications will open on January 15, 2020. Don't miss out on this career changing experience.

GAIN is open to Strength & Conditioning/Athletic Development coaches, Sport Coaches, Physical Therapists, ATC’s, Chiropractors, Doctors and Physical Education teachers. Those who attend are professionals seeking career advancement & renewal through a networking experience and who are interested in getting out of their comfort zone.

We Have It Backwards

Today we spend an inordinate amount of time and effort preparing the path for the athlete. We make sure that everything is controlled. We make the path smooth and straight when in reality the path is circuitous and crooked with many detours along the way. What we should be doing is preparing the athlete. Get them ready for the bumps and detours. Build adaptability and robustness that prepares them for any path and obstacle in their way. Lest we forget that the goal is to grow and nurture and adaptable athlete who can thrive in the competitive cauldron.

Free the Kids – Let Them Play

I do not know Nick Willis, but he is a current athlete that I hold in high regard both for his accomplishments on the track, longevity and willingness to share his thoughts/lessons learned throughout his career. He posted this on Twitter yesterday, needless to say it really resonated with me:

“I trained 3 times a day from 7 to 17 years old. Just so happened that 99% of it was playing intense (and I mean intense) games of pick-up sports with school mates.” @nickwillis

In 1971/72 I had five ninth graders run under five minutes in the mile, with the best at 4:33. They trained five or six day a week maybe 28 miles for the highest mileage week. But most importantly they had daily physical education that was physical and educational and they played pick-up basketball or touch football at lunch. They were fit as a fiddle because they played, they rode their bikes, and they had paper routes. That year we also beat York High School in the Track & Field News National Postal two mile. York ninth graders were training six or seven days a week upwards of 75 miles a week.

Oh, for the good old days – when are we going to wake up and realize what we are doing to kids with early specialization and formal high intensity training. It is ruining kids, taking the joy out of it. Let them be kids and play. Champions and age group record holders at eight or nine years old don't have a good track record in fact they most often disappear by age sixteen. Not too hard to figure this out.

GAIN 2019 Faculty

Our faculty is a very special group with a tremendous breadth of experiences and a track record of excellence in their chosen fields. They know how a performance team works, how all aspects of athletic development complement each other and most importantly they understand the process of developing athletes. The faculty and their willingness to share and interact make GAIN special. They know how to connect the dots and still stay grounded in the basics. They completely live the GAIN Mission which is: To focus on the possibilities for enhancing human movement with no limits or limitations and emphasize connections and links between all disciplines in the same manner we emphasize connections and linkages in the body.

With each faculty members short bio, I have included their presentation topic and a link to their episode on the GAINcast, many have also been guests on the HMMR media podcast.

GAIN XI is June 11 to 15, 2019 at Rice University in Houston Texas. Apply as soon as possible. For more information & to apply go to http://thegainnetwork.com/

THE Faculty

Vern Gambetta, Founder of GAIN Network, Currently Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. Vern brings 50 years of experience having worked with sport at all levels of competition. Vern will do a morning session on the Multi-Stage warm-up, a presentation on Leg, Legs, Legs – the Foundation and a wrap up presentation on Reflections & Recollections.

Peter Vint, PhD, is an internationally recognized expert in sport science, performance technology, and sport analytics. He has served as a trusted advisor, consultant, and educator with leading sporting organizations including the US Olympic Committee, UK Sport, Titleist Golf, Nike, and a number of professional sports teams in the NBA, NFL, MLS, MLB, and The Premier League.

In 2016, Dr. Vint was hired as Academy Director for Everton Football Club in the English Premier League. During that time, Vint and his leadership team launched a number of initiatives to support improved health, wellbeing, and athletic development of Everton’s 160 Academy players who range in age from 9-21. Prior to his work in the UK, Peter served the United States Olympic Committee for more than a decade as Senior Sport Technologist, Director of High Performance, and Senior Director of Competitive Analysis, Research and Innovation.

Dr. Vint holds a Ph.D. in biomechanics (sport science), completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Motor Control and Motor Learning, and has completed executive leadership studies at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. Peter will do two presentations: Deterministic Model – Theory and Application and Living with Analytics GAINcast Episode 80: Performance Team (with Peter Vint) 

John Pryor, Former conditioning coach Japan Rugby, now the conditioning coach for Fiji Rugby and The Brumbies in Super Rugby. John has developed a system for blending speed and strength development based on his experience and incorporating the concepts of Frans Bosch that apply to all sports. He is not afraid to challenge conventional thinking. John will do a daily Breakout/Workshop on Elements of Robust Running. GAINcast Episode 135: The anatomy of agility – part 1 (with Frans Bosch and John Pryor) GAINcast Episode 136: The anatomy of agility part 2 (with Frans Bosch and John Pryor) 

Jim Radcliffe, Head S&C Coach University of Oregon, a pioneer and a true master of the profession. Jim Radcliffe joined the Oregon athletic department in August 1986 and works as the head strength and conditioning coach. Radcliffe is one of the most overlooked elements in the success of Oregon student-athletes and not only plays a significant role in the Ducks’ football program as the designer of the year-round conditioning calendar, but also has been quick to aid the athletic development of athletes in the sports of baseball as well as men’s and women’s track & field.

While he has long been one of the integral components to the program’s success – as often credited by both past and present Oregon student-athletes – his work and innovation are now recognized as one of the overwhelming contributions to the fast pace the football team has employed in recent years.

During his tenure, which is the longest among his counterparts within the Pac-12 Conference, he has established himself as a highly-respected teacher, coach and author. An active clinician throughout the country, he is widely recognized as one of the leading authorities regarding exercise for the development of strength, speed and agility.

In addition to overseeing a strength and conditioning program that was named one of the top 10 in the country in 2013 by Bleacher Report, Radcliffe was included on a list of the 65 most influential strength coaches of all time by another 2012 website, as well as one of three national finalists for FootballScoop’s Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year award in 2010.

Upon his hiring in 1986, Radcliffe spent two years as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Ducks before assuming the head role, a position he has held  since.

Radcliffe taught and coached a variety of sports and was the athletic trainer for four years at Aloha (Ore.) High School from 1980-83. He then did graduate study at Colorado and worked in private business prior to joining the Ducks’ staff. Graduating from Pacific (Ore.) with a degree in physical education and health in 1980, he played four seasons at defensive back and was captain of the special teams. Radcliffe earned his Master’s in biomechanics from Oregon in 1992.Jimmy will do a morning filed session on Plyo Progressions and will co-present with Vern on Lessons Learned. GAINcast Episode 125: Gold medal roundtable 

Martin Bingisser, HMMR Media, Swiss National Hammer Throw Coach, many times Swiss national hammer throw champion. Martin is the founder of HMMR Media, an online coach’s education platform, and co-host of the GAINcast and HMMR Podcast. He is also active as a coach, servicing as the Swiss national coach in the hammer throw, throwing coach for LC Zurich, and fitness coach for GC Rugby Zurich. Martin is a graduate of University of Washington and is a practicing lawyer in Zurich Switzerland. Martin will co-present with John Kiely on New Concepts of Stress & Adaptation.

 Grace Golden PhD is currently is a Senior Lecturer & Program Director for the Graduate Athletic Training Program at the University of Oregon. Her education includes BS in Physical Education/Teacher Preparation (University of Oregon, 1989), MS in Physical Education/Athletic Training (University of Oregon, 1991) and a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science (Oregon State University, 2007).  She has been Head Women’s Athletic Trainer (University of Nevada-Las Vegas, 1997-2000), Assistant Athletic Trainer (Stanford University, 2000-2001), Associate Head Athletic Trainer (UCLA, 2007-2009) and Clinically focused on lower extremity screening and long-term rehabilitation of ACL injuries, her philosophy and approach are strongly influenced by emphasizing the existing intersections of fundamental movement skill development, motor learning theory, and apt performance programming in active individuals who have experienced lower extremity injury in order to emphasize physical literacy & athletic performance and the potential to prevent injuries.  Grace will present on Taking a Hard Look at Evidence Based Practice.  HMMR Podcast Episode 172: Better balance (with Grace Golden)

Nick Garcia, Athletic Development Coach & Assistant Track Coach, Notre Dame High School, Sherman Oaks, California. An accomplished athlete himself Nick has developed an outstanding athletic development at Notre Dame high school where he works with all sixteen sports. He earned his bachelor's degree and his master's in Physical Education from Cal State Northridge. Nick is also the co-host of the HMMR media podcast with Martin Bingisser. Nick will do a morning practical session on Special Strength. GAINcast Episode 46: State of the Sport (with Nick Garcia) 

Leonard Zaichkowsky PhD, a professor, researcher, and consultant for almost four decades at Boston University, pioneered sports psychology by bringing cognitive neuroscience and sports performance together as an interdisciplinary science. His academic textbooks and research publications demonstrated the importance of an athlete’s remarkable brain in anticipating and acting on opportunities during competition. He has consulted with teams in the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, Australian Rules Football, the Spanish men’s national soccer team, and Olympic sports organizations around the world. Len is a former president and a fellow of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, and currently section editor on psychology for the International Journal of Health, Sport and Science. Recently, the American Psychological Association honored Len with the “Distinguished Service to the Profession” award. Today, Len is a cofounder and senior consultant at 80 Percent Mental Consulting, advising coaches, teams, and sports organizations on developing athlete cognition. After too many Boston winters, he and his wife now live in Fort Myers, Florida. Len will do two presentations: Training the Brain and Learning to Learn Better.  GAINcast Episode 130: The playmaker’s advantage (with Len Zaichkowsky and Daniel Peterson) 

Greg Gatz is in his 19th year as Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports. While overseeing the facility management and organization of 21 varsity athletic teams, Gatz is directly in charge of program design and installation for several specific teams including baseball, men's and women's soccer, volleyball, and track (sprinters/ hurdlers).

Gatz has worked with several national champion teams at Carolina including: women's soccer (1999, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012), men's soccer (2001 and 2011), a volleyball team that finished with one of its highest national ranking ever (No. 7) in 2014 as well as the baseball team's six recent appearances in the College World Series (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013).

Prior to the University of North Carolina, Gatz spent 11 years as a high school physical education teacher and coach in the Orlando, Fla., area. A 1983 graduate of Ithaca (N.Y.) College, Gatz competed in football and track while receiving a degree in physical education. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Greg will do one presentation highlighting the evolution of Olympic Sport Strength & Conditioning program during his 21 years at UNC – The Carolina Way. HMMR Podcast Episode 112: Win Like A Tar Heel (with Greg Gatz and Jonas Sahratian)

John Kiely PhD, John has worked directly with the coaches of Olympic and world champions in three major sports. He has coached a Paralympic track medalist and European champion, numerous combat-sport athletes, and lots (and lots!) of kids. From a team sport perspective, he has worked as the Power Training Consultant for the Munster senior rugby squad, the Director of Fitness for Garryowen Rugby Academy, and as an advisor to top professional football clubs.

Outside the sporting domain John has consulted for both the police and the military and has performance managed the science and conditioning support for elite polar expeditions. From 2005 to 2009 John was the Head of Strength and Conditioning for UK Athletics, and retains a brief with that organization to provide direct service to current world champion and Beijing silver medalist, triple-jumper Philips Idowu and coach Aston Moore.

From an academic perspective John graduated with an honours degree in sports science from the University of Limerick, and a master's degree in strength and conditioning from the University of Edinburgh. In the past John has lectured on sports science and physical education courses at the University of Limerick, has published in both practical coaching and peer-reviewed science journals, served as an invited reviewer for top sport science periodicals, authored a book chapter, presented on various topics at international sports science conferences, and regularly present at coaching conventions. John Kiely will co-present with Martin Bingisser on New Concepts of Stress & Adaptation and will Breakout/workshop on Training Coordination. GAINcast Episode 61: The Future of Periodization (with John Kiely)  GAINcast Episode 132: Learning to control (with John Kiely) http://www.hmmrmedia.com/2016/05/hmmr-podcast-episode-48-mental-biases-with-john-kiely/

Bill Knowles, Director of Reconditioning and Athletic Development for HPSports is world-renowned in the field of Sports Reconditioning and Athletic Development. As a specialist with years of experience at the Professional, Olympic, and Elite Junior levels of sport; he specializes in developing injury prevention, performance training and reconditioning strategies for athletes and teams. Bill has lectured and trained staff around the world on his concepts of managing joint compromised athletes in their quest for a return to competition following injury.  He has equally presented an adolescent model of injury prevention and performance for soccer players.  Bill works consistently with the Philadelphia Union Academy in Major League Soccer/USA. Bill has worked with governing bodies of sport such as the RFU (England Rugby), The FA, Australian Institute of Sport, Chinese Olympic Committee, US Soccer, US Skiing, The England Institute of Sport, and the NCAA.  He has trained athletes and staff from over sixty professional teams throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Bill will present on Beyond Reconditioning. GAINcast Episode 49: Reconditioning (with Bill Knowles) http://www.hmmrmedia.com/2017/10/hmmr-podcast-episode-124-a-dollar-a-day-with-bill-knowles/

Angus Ross PhD, Physical Performance Lead - Performance Physiologist, High Performance Sport New Zealand in a power physiology and strength and conditioning role, primarily working with track and field. He has worked with a number of sports at an elite level within the NZ system, including sprint cycling and skeleton in recent years. He was an Olympian in Bobsled for New Zealand. Angus will present on Eccentric Strength Training – Do’s and Don’ts and A Year with Tom Walsh – Lessons for All GAINcast Episode 83: Power Physiology (with Angus Ross) 

Ed Ryan, ATC serves The Andrews Institute as the Director of Athletic Medicine providing service on behalf of Nemours Children’s Hospital to the US Tennis Association’s National Campus in Orlando Florida. Ryan served as the 2007-16 USA Basketball Women's National Team athletic trainer and medical services coordinator for all USA Basketball teams. A 21-year member of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Sports Medicine staff, Ed served as the Medical Director and head athletic trainer for numerous events, including the Winter Olympics, Summer Olympics, Winter Paralympics, and the Pan American Games. GAINcast Episode 141: Athletic medicine (with Ed Ryan) 

Randy Ballard, ATC, Director of Integrated Performance He oversees the collaborative efforts of I-Perform, which includes representation from the Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning and Sports Nutrition units to promote an integrated athletic department that provides student-athletes and teams with programming and resources for optimal performance, athletic development and global wellness. Ballard was integral in the creation of the I-Perform program, which launched in the spring of 2014 with the goal of putting forth a unified approach to student-athlete health, well-being and performance.  Randy is a graduate of Kansas State and has a master's degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas. Randy will present on Putting it all Together. GAINcast Episode 45: Perform (with Randy Ballard) http://www.hmmrmedia.com/2016/01/hmmr-podcast-episode-32-movement-screens-with-randy-ballard/

Joe Przytula, ATC (AKA Mr. GAIN) is currently the Supervisor of Physical Education and Health at Elizabeth Public Schools USA- the second largest school district in the state of New Jersey. Prior to 2012, he was the head Athletic Trainer and a physical education teacher. He graduated from Montclair State College with a BS in physical education with a concentration in athletic training. He was NJSIAA athletic trainer of the year in 1998, recipient of the Governor’s teacher award in 2008, and NJAHPERD Active Schools Champion in 2018. Joe’s model of athletic development and rehabilitation is strongly influenced by manual therapy, the Gambetta Method, and physical therapists David Tiberio and Gary Gray. He has extensive involvement in improving community access to nutritious food, and engineering walkability/bikeability back into neighborhoods. Joe will do a breakout workshop session on Hip to the Shoulder GAINcast Episode 149: Integrated training (with Joe Przytula) 

 Greg Thompson has been teaching and coaching for over 30 years. He has degrees from Alma College and Wayne State University.  He currently teaches elementary Physical Education at Longacre Elementary in the Farmington Public School District in the suburban Detroit. Since coming to Farmington, he has served as K-12 Physical Education Coordinator and Department Chair.  In addition to his teaching duties, he serves as Acting Principal. His programs have earned two EDEX awards, one for assessment and one for “Rise and Shine”, his before-school exercise program.  In 2014 he received the Governor’s Champion for Health award from the Governor’s Fitness Council. Since 2010, he has been a member of the GAIN faculty. As a coach, Greg has successfully completed the USSF “A” License as well as the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He has performed as Director of Coaching for the Livonia Soccer Club and the Dexter Soccer Club.  He is currently with Michigan Rush-Northville as Athletic Development Director.  At the collegiate level, he has worked with Schoolcraft College Men’s Soccer, Madonna University Men’s Soccer, and currently with University of Michigan Men’s Club Soccer.  Coach Thompson was recognized with Madonna University’s coaching staff as NAIA Regional Coaching Staff of the year. Greg will do a morning practical session on Crawling on Applying Differential Learning Concepts GAINcast Episode 37: Physical Education (with Greg Thompson) 

 Steve Myrland, Myrland Sport Training. Steve is an innovative thinker who can connect the dots like no other. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. He has worked as an athletic development coach in the NHL and at the University level including National Championship teams in Soccer and Ice Hockey at University of Wisconsin. Steve will present morning sessions:Sticks, Straps, & Mini Bands. GAINcast Episode 25: Train to Play (with Steve Myrland)  GAINcast Episode 108: Counterculture (with Steve Myrland) 
http://www.hmmrmedia.com/2018/04/hmmr-podcast-episode-149-zen-and-the-art-of-training-with-steve-myrland/

Chris Webb, a graduate of University of Pittsburgh Chris works closely with Vern Gambetta on GAIN swimming. He is former Head Coach, T2 Aquatics & Fort Collins Area Swim Team. He will present on Coach Wellness & Keep Perspective. Chris will a present Taking Care of Yourself. GAINcast Episode 66: The Champion’s Choice (with Chris Webb) 

GAIN 2019 – Applications Open

GAIN is a community of professional’s eager to learn and willing to share ideas and information. GAIN is not about more exercises, sets, reps and training methods it is about passionate people who pursue excellence with honesty, integrity and respect to make a difference in the lives of the people we coach and teach.

Who attends? GAIN is open to Strength & Conditioning/Athletic Development coaches, Sport Coaches, Physical Therapists, ATC’s, Chiropractors, Doctors and Physical Education teachers. Those who attend are professionals seeking career advancement & renewal through a networking experience and who are interested in getting out of their comfort zone.

When is GAIN? June 11 to June 15, 2019

Where is GAIN? It is held on the campus of Rice University in Houston Texas.

How much does GAIN cost? Tuition is $2150. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, and lodging at Rice University.

How do I apply? Go to tinyurl.com/gain19 to apply, submit your application now, enrollment is limited. We will let you know within ten days if you are accepted.

Where can I learn more about GAIN? Go to www.thegainnetwork.com/ or call 941-378-1778. You can also email Vern Gambetta at [email protected]

Why do I have to apply? Can’t I just sign up? Having people apply is part of what makes GAIN special. It would be easier to make it open for anyone to enroll, but that is not what GAIN is about. We are looking for people who are wiling to share and challenge themselves and others to grow professionally. The people in the network with you are as important (maybe even more important) than the faculty experts. The connections and inspiration you get from those around you have a significant impact on the experience.

Who are the faculty? Our faculty has a a tremendous breadth of experiences and a record of excellence in their chosen fields. They know how a performance team works, how all aspects of athletic development complement each other and most importantly they understand the process of developing athletes.

How does the network work? The GAIN annual meeting is the beginning. Participants have access to a secure website that offers access to an online forum and library including video of past GAIN Annual Meetings. In addition, GAIN members are eligible to come back each year at a reduced rate.

GAIN 2019 Theme Building on the Basics – Step by Step

GAIN Mission To focus on the possibilities for enhancing human movement with no limits or limitations and emphasize connections and links between all disciplines in the same manner we emphasize connections and linkages in the body.

Contemporary Coaching Challenges

This is an excerpt from my book Athletic Development – The Art & science of Functional Sports Conditioning that I thought was particularly timely.

“We do not coach in a vacuum. Within our society we have some contemporary cultural, athletic, educational, and economic obstacles that coaches from past generations did not have to contend with. A colleague of mine, Steve Myrland, has identified and articulated these challenges. Within our culture: We sit too much. We are what we eat, and we eat too much resulting in a lethargic overweight society. We are a result-oriented society with little appreciation for the process, we want it now. Failure (at anything) has a social price tag attached to it. Boys will gladly demonstrate proficiency; but will often quit before having to reveal deficiency. Girls often fear success if it places them “apart.”  Girls must try to resolve the conflict of working to be strong, fit, and fast, and a social order that offers few rewards for these qualities.

Within the context of the athletic arena: We play to train; rather than train to play. We specialize before we develop athleticism and competitive maturity. We emphasize game-skills before and often to the exclusion of fundamental movement-skills. We evaluate before we teach (always trying to find the next prodigy). Physical Education isn’t physical, and it is not educational. In training and competition: We value quantity over quality, more is better. We are (generally) forced into a one-size-fits-all model of drills and exercises, even though one size never does fit all. Play has disappeared, if practice is not organized and there is not coach present, there is no practice. We prefer to watch rather than participate. In marketing health, fitness and sports: We are led to depend on “things” and on venues more than on athletes and coaches. Recognize that in the athletic arena the young athlete may have different goals than we have.”