COACHING STORIES.
Bite sized video clips released fortnightly with defining stories and lessons learnt from years in the trenches. Discover the mistakes made along the journey, the epiphanies that have helped make sense of things and tips and suggestions that can assist directly or provide an alternative perspective.
STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES #1
The Power of Constraints or just Bad Coaching and Cueing?
My first exposure to a constraint’s led approach to developing running mechanics was a bit of a rude awakening which really left me questioning my coaching of running mechanics and in disbelief of the “power of constraints”. I hope you enjoy the story and get something from it.
STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES #3
Not Closing the Door Completely on Mini-Bands
I’ve never been a big fan of the blanketed use of mini-band work comprising hundreds of repetitions of "feel the burn" exercises. Lucky I didn't close the door on mini-bands! In a young sprinter I was able to find out what made a difference and what didn’t. I'm not fully converted but it does have its place in the "library".
STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES #5
Bridging The Gap
When asked to critique an LTAD multi-jumps model I simply stated “what sort of GRFs will your athletes be exposed to in training or competition?” Despite the level or attainment of KPIs, if loading is so far regressed from the competitive actions are we setting young athletes up for failure? Should we "bridge the gap"?
STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES #2
Optimising the Lift but Overflowing the Bucket
Another harsh lesson learnt - this time in Sprint Cycling. Although I could optimise lifting performance in the gym, with my extravagant warm-ups, I learnt quickly of the negative impact this had on the track. A crucial lesson in understanding that all elements of a program add up and can easily "overflow the bucket".
STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES #4
Save it Till You Need it
Whilst working with an elite track coach, preparing a high level junior 800m runner, I learnt "why not" to introduce max. strength training when sport performance is already increasing at a dramatic rate without it. I learnt the concept of "save it till you need it"; this concept can apply to the implementation of any type of training