I was rereading some parts of the book Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath last night and it made me think about applying those concepts to training athletes. So often in evaluating our athletes and subsequently designing the training programs we focus on the weakness, what they can’t do and ignore the strengths, what they can do. We work so hard on the weaknesses that the strengths erode, in essence creating a leveling effect, a regression toward the mean. Instead maybe we should find what the athlete’s strengths are and build on those areas. Find a way to take advantage of the strengths and minimize the weaknesses, this may be a consummate example of the art of coaching. I don’t have an answer although I do know it is a delicate balance, in many ways constant compromise. I also know that it changes as the athlete progresses in their career and advances in training age. I would be interested in your comments and how you approach it.
4 Comments
Bruce Kelly
Coach,
You hit the nail on the head. Constant struggle to balance the two as you don’t want strengths to erode but need to improve the weak link with the constraints always being overall training load/stress and time.
Paul A. Davis
Vern-
I have used Strenghtsfinder to consult with teams from mental/emotional side, but you are correct in inferring approach can be used from physical standpoint as well.
I will use baseball analogy: I see so many coaches who believe that a pitcher MUST develop a great curve/slider and throw breaking ball X% of time successful that they forget about developing the talent – fastball – into strength. Guys like Halladay, Lee, Kershaw, Verlander (if not most top MLB pitchers) have honed FB into a strength. It may be velocity, movement, or command, or combo, but they will use that pitch 75-90% of time.
The point you make is valid – have one skill or talent you are exceptional at, a strength, and you can be elite performer. Have two mediocre talents and you will be mediocre.
James Marshall
I find this with rugby players: everyone has to be MASSIVE, rather than fast players getting faster. This means the game itself becomes more one dimensional, and loses some value.
It also means good, skillful players are left aside,or lose what made them good in the first place.
mike Druce
You make a great point Vern. Athletes will always win with their strengths . Weaknesses can represent barriers to success to be overcome, however Athletes will always need to develop their individual strengths to there utmost to be World Class.