I continue to be
amazed, befuddled and baffled by people’s infatuation with training programs.
It is almost comical to get emails and phone calls asking me about the latest
rope thing or the plate swing. The one’s I always like are questions about the Jamaican
Sprint program or the Russian Speed program. I want to say SO WHAT! It doesn’t
matter unless you are coaching Jamaican sprinters in the same environment with the same talent level. Let’s
get real here; it is not about the recipe it is about the cook. I could give out
every training program for every sport I have ever worked and those programs
would not work the same for you as they did for me. The ones that were
successful for me could be duds for you and the ones that were duds for me
could be great for you.
Take the time, energy, yes money, and focus on learning
the principles and the foundations of sound training. For those of you just
starting in coaching get a mentor not a guru. Learn about all the great coaches
and their ideas and principles, then apply the template of current research and
sport science, now you have something. I still go back and periodically read my
notes from clinics by Bill Bowerman. Look at principles that are scientifically
based and proven in the cauldron of competition, avoid the monkey see, monkey do
syndrome, be a leader not a follower, innovate don’t imitate.