Skill Training – Quantum versus Newtonian View

The Newtonian view of skill training is to construct neat
little training packages that are programmed to proceed logically step by
step in a linear manner to a higher degree of proficiency. Don't get me wrong
there is a place for this, but much less that we once thought. Too much of this
creates robots who look good until the competition starts. You must have skill
and drill progressions, but they must be criteria based so that every athlete
is not asked to progress at the same rate. Each athlete has a very distinct movement
fingerprint. No two athletes in the same sport or event move exactly alike. A quantum
and more contemporary view of this is to present the athlete with a
series of increasing difficult and different movement problems to solve. To do
that we must give them the tools to be able to solve those problems by
providing a good foundation of basic movement skill, strength to control their
bodies and some knowledge of the end goal. We know based on volumes of current
neuroscience research that the brain and the nervous is very plastic, self-organizing
and highly adaptable. It is not a computer that analogy does not give the
nervous system the credit it deserves. 10,000 hours is a number tossed around
now, but it is not just putting in mindless repetition for 10,000 hours it is
an accumulation of experiences through mindful, meaningful deep practice. There
is success and failure and you learn from both and self correct. Look closely
at what you are doing. Create a rich and varied learning environment. You must encourage
experimentation and risk taking to keep expanding the performance envelope. I encourage
you to think beyond programmed drills and get creative to help your athletes
ability to solve complex movement problems.