What is convenient is not always right. Just because
something is easy to measure does not mean it will improve performance. If we train
for what we measure then hopefully that will improve, but if what we measure is not
relevant to the sport we are training for, then we have the athletic equivalent
of no child left behind – a bunch of athletic dolts who can do mindless repetitions
of cone drills but can’t play the game. They know how to take the test, but don’t
know how to apply it to the game. Our job as athletic development coaches is
not to do what is convenient and easy, but to do what is right, to do what improves
performance in the game. Sometimes it is basic, sometimes it is complicated,
but it should transfer. Sometime it is measurable and sometimes it only shows
up the field.
2 Comments
Jamie Atlas
Thanks for saying that Vern! I train my people to move in three planes of motion with different loading on different legs at different times, I spend hours watching video of people break down their opponents and I sometimes feel like I am taking crazy pills when I try to point out that when it comes to agility drills, the cone will not dodge. The cone will not fake you out. The cone does not remember what move you put on it last time. Players need to learn to move correctly, but also to react correctly. Lets hope that your words are heard by many. Love this blog
Jamie Atlas
Fitness Blog
Let not best be the enemy of good and in this case, the easy way is not always the right way.