Systematic Sport Development

There is a
terrific article on the BBS Sport web site http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7534073.stm
on British Cycling. It is a great example of what a systematic sport
development process can do to develop champions and sustain championship performance.
Excellence in any in any discipline does not happen by chance, there is usually
a design. I am a big fan of sustained excellence. When you study teams and
individuals who have achieved sustained excellence you will see common
characteristics. One of the unifying characteristic is good solid coaching,
continuity and a program that is athlete centered, coach driven and administratively
supported. Unfortunately in too many situations coaching is an afterthought,
the administrators think they are the stars of the show. Put the athlete’s
front and center, give them great coaches and give those coaches ALL the tools
to do their job and get out of the way.