Everywhere I turn I see programs labeled high performance. Most of what I have seen of these programs is far from high performance. High performance is more than a name or label it implies working at the tip of the development pyramid, the best of the best and figuring out what you have to do to make them better. Some of it is quest for marginal gains, but it is also taking care of the first 98% – the basics -and reinforcing them daily. Sport science is part of the high performance picture but it is not the driver. True high performance programs are strongly athlete centered, coach driven and administratively supported. It is not fancy facilities and high tech bells and whistles. It is minute attention to detail to meet the athlete’s needs. Essentially it is coaching the best to be better.
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Paul Ford
Vern, does it “imply working at the tip of the development pyramid”? Or, at the “top” of the pyramid? A pyramid exists in three dimensions and, if considered in light of a process (as you see), is built over time – the 4th dimension. A “tip” of the pyramid can be any of the corners, not necessarily the “top” (as you imply). I agree with “high” performance being about “gettING better” (process) and isn’t about labels, facilities, and ego. That said, often though. “high performance” as the “top” is spruiked by many who have stroked their egos there. Thirdly, “height” is a matter of perspective and experience. For a young child, “high” performance may be wanting to be like his older sister, or mum and dad; for the elementary/primary school student, like her peers and competitors; and for the high/secondary student, like the athletes in his favourite sport(s) or events; and, for the university (USA) student, her pathway to national and international competition. In this scenario, the development “tip” isn’t the top, yet a layered and, at times, cascading perspective of “faster, higher, stronger” read as “getting better”. High performers are those who continually desire and work towards improvements. Performance is a process, not a product; it is fine-tipped pen that can design and create much – even if only labels, and debate