Author: Vernon Gambetta
Routine – The Cornerstone
The cornerstone of effective practice is routine. A set routine is the basis for consistent practice. Great athletes and great teams have set routines for training that do not vary. In fact, with individual athletes training routines sometimes border on ritual. Routine allows the athlete to focus on the task at hand. There is security in having a routine. It gives an anchor point to build the training session upon. Start on time, have specific objectives, and stay on task, then practice will be meaningful. As coaches we need to set routines for our athletes, we need to teach young developing athletes the necessity of routine as part of their daily preparation. When I change training cycles my first objective is always routine.
Where are you looking?
A drunken man was intently searching the ground near a lamp post. My friend asked him what he was looking for. The drunk replied that he was looking for his car keys, so my friend helped him look without success. Then he asked whether the man was certain that he dropped the keys near the lamppost. “No,” replied, “I lost the keys somewhere across the street.” My friend asked him “So why are you looking here?” The drunk quickly answered, “The light is much better here.” (I took liberty to paraphrase this old story that has many versions) Are you afraid to look in the dark? Where are you looking? Are you staying in the light where it is easy to see or are looking outside the light? Think about this today as you are coaching your athletes. See the world with new eyes, you will be surprised what you find.
Some Thinking about Thinking
I have been thinking about thinking lately. There is a time to think and time to do. I learned this lesson from my high School basketball coach almost 60 years ago. I wanted to be good, so I internalized every bit of instruction and would process and analyze it to the point where sometimes I was so into my head that I was not executing. One day is practice stopped me and emphatically implored me to STOP thinking. He stood me outside the baseline and said you can think here. Then he had me step onto the court and said this is where you do – no thinking just execute! Nothing more needed to be said.
Step by Step
Adaptation to various training stimuli take time. You can’t force adaptation to happen faster than the athlete’s current level of trainability and physical capacity. You must be willing to go step by step Sometimes it is small baby steps forward, sometimes there are steps back and sometimes there are giant leaps forward. Have a system that defines the process, then trust the process and take it step by step.
GAIN 2022
GAIN is back in person in 2022! Applications open today for GAIN 2022, taking place from June 14 to June 18 at Rice University in Houston Texas. Space is limited, so apply soon to secure your space. Some key details are below and you can learn more and register at: https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2022/ When is GAIN? June 14 to June 18, 2022 Where is GAIN? Rice University in Houston Texas. How do I apply? Submit your application at: https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2022/ Please be aware enrollment is limited. We will let you know within ten days if you are accepted. What is GAIN? GAIN is a community of professional’s eager to learn and willing to share ideas and information. GAIN is not about more exercises, sets, reps and training methods it is about passionate people who pursue excellence with honesty, integrity and respect to make a difference in the lives of the people we coach and teach. It is open to Strength & Conditioning/Athletic Development coaches, Sport Coaches, Physical Therapists, ATC’s, Chiropractors, Doctors and Physical Education teachers. You can learn more about GAIN our this week’s GAINcast (https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/01/gaincast-episode-235-its-gain-time/) as well as the 2019 State of GAIN presentation (https://thegainnetwork.com/video/state-of-gain-2019-gambetta/). GAIN Mission - To focus on the possibilities for enhancing human movement with no limits or limitations and emphasize connections and links between all disciplines in the same manner we emphasize connections and linkages in the body. How much does GAIN cost? Tuition is $2299 for new attendees and $1299 for returning attendees. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, and lodging at Rice University, as well as access to the GAIN Library, GAIN Master Class Series archives, and HMMR Plus membership. Why do I have to apply? Can’t I just sign up? Having people apply is part of what makes GAIN special. It would be easier to make it open for anyone to enroll, but that is not what GAIN is about. We are looking for people willing to share and challenge themselves and others to grow professionally. The people in the network with you are as important (maybe even more important) than the faculty experts. The connections and inspiration you get from those around you have a significant impact on the experience. Who are the faculty? Our full faculty is listed on the GAIN website. We’ve chosen a faculty that has a tremendous breadth of experiences and a record of excellence in across all fields of sports performance from skills coaching to athletic development, to sports medicine and physical education. Where can I learn more about GAIN? Visit our website (https://thegainnetwork.com/events/gain2022/). You can also call us at 941-378-1778 or email Vern Gambetta at gstscoach@gmail.com
What is Sports Science?
What I see today with the use of this generic term “sports science” being thrown around alarms me. I see so called "sports scientists" directing programs, making crucial decisions on athlete’s trainability based on algorithm derived numbers telling coaches that athletes cannot practice because they are too tired or too sore. Many so-called sports scientists have little or no practical experience outside of academia or some sterile training center environment where they have no real athletes to work so they can sit around theorize all day. Sports science must be clearly defined, the so-called sports scientist needs to understand that they do not drive the bus. They must be at training sessions and actively involved with the coaches. They need to understand the culture of the sport and get to know the sport they are working with. They must help the coach to use the data they derive (Assuming it is valid data) by giving the data context. Applied sports science can be a valuable resource, let’s get back to where it needs to be – a resource that is on tap not on top.
Some Thoughts/Reflections on Turning 75
Don’t fool yourself, age is more than a number. Now at 75 everything clearer and simpler than it seemed to be in my 20’s and 30’s. Not sure why it took so long. Once an athlete, always an athlete. It’s just that now I am training for life not a track meet. As you age sensible strength is essential for health. Family and lifelong friends are more important than ever. It’s so important to stay curious. No tolerance for complexifiers. “The answer is there is no answers” Gertrude Stein. This is truer as I get older in my younger days, when I thought I had all the answers. Now I have more questions than answers.
More or Less?
More or less? Does it have to be a binary choice? Ultimately the goal is to get progressively better. I seldom see the option of doing it better. In my experience it is about better. I implore you to think about what can be done better. Emphasize quality and recognize that quality is a measure of perfect. Look carefully at your training programs and look for the areas that can be done better. If you are training for 90 minutes are your athletes getting 90 minutes better or are, they just getting tired?