Coach, scientist or logistics?
Take home message
IT’S A BIT OF ALL THREE - DO YOU BALANCE?
For Coaches
You need to plan with principles and methodically with a purpose. Once that is done - coach.
For Athletes
Don’t leave planning up to your coach. Be proactive in your development.
I had the privilege of enjoying a few quiet moments watching a local club training session, reflecting as I watched a fielding drill, waiting for the coaching. Now, I’ve absolutely no doubt that colleagues watch my sessions wondering the same thing - where’s the coaching? - so I’m mindful of judging a one-off session. But it did get me thinking.
I’m currently assisting a junior rugby Academy and noticed a similar practice in my own training. When “training” twenty 13-14yo boys and girls in a gym the size of a garage, it is very much an exercise in logistics. Ensuring there’s enough suitable equipment to keep them busy and enough space so they stay out each other’s way and train safely. That the exercises are simple enough that athletes learn by repetition as the time for coaching is limited to “lifeguard” duties - making sure everyone is safe. Young kids in this environment are more likely to be hurt walking into a barbell than actually lifting one. However, with the older group that is smaller in numbers, there’s less logistics and more coaching.
Balancing act.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
Then there’s the senior elite athletes I work with and the realisation that one percenters can be a big deal. Science has a substantial role in program direction and initiative. However, sometimes, trying to squeeze that last bit of perfection into a program can be over-scienced. The over-cleverness of science is at the expense of coaching. Elite athletes still need, and want, coaching.
Improving physicality is a balance of all three - coach, logistics and scientist - and at times I can lose balance. Logistics is critical for every training session. No point planning intricate details only to forget the balls or forget to book the pitch/gym (I’ve been there before, meticulously planned testing only to forget to book the court. Not good.). You need to plan to know your drills, player numbers and equipment needs. I regularly review my system to allow for simple technical cues for improvement while ensuring “everyone gets a turn”.
It’s more than science too. A wonderfully periodised plan, exquisitely balanced loading protocols and the latest technology won’t matter if you cannot communicate the program or let the athletes know the time for gym. I also find, as I am sure many do in the “uncertain times” that circumstances can change pretty quickly. Remember, it is not the strongest that survive, but the most adaptable to change.
I think that sometimes, athletes can tend to forget this too. I am not sure that they plan. The very good ones do. They can plan drills to work on deficiencies and string one or two sessions together. The good ones will also know what equipment they need for the session. Sometimes it can be hard to coach themselves, but they can observe teammates and offer good insight, the type of teaching that comes from knowledge and feel or experience. Very good players, whilst capable of planning and coaching, still crave development and the perspective of an elite observer/coach who can provide guidance and challenge.
Regardless of the level of your next training session, make sure you’ve all three components covered.
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Thanks again. BA.