Coaching
Think, Reflect, Excel: The Socratic Method in Coaching
Socratic questioning, a concept inspired by the ancient philosopher Socrates, is all about sparking deeper thought and reflection through probing questions. For coaches, this approach can be a game-changer. It moves beyond traditional instruction, inviting athletes to think critically about their actions, motivations, and the intricacies of their sport. John Wooden, the revered UCLA basketball coach, perfectly exemplified this approach....
The ALTIS Assessment Protocol
Assessing speed and movement We are often called in to work with professional teams who bring us in to consult on specific movement or speed-related issues. In the next 2-minutes we share our Assessment Protocol, which is our first port of call for triaging what matters, and what actions to take. Example assessment - Baseball Our assessment process follows four...
Three things I no Longer do in my Coaching…
Dive into the transformative coaching journey of Boo Schexnayder, a mastermind in track and field, as he unveils pivotal changes to his training regimen for horizontal jumpers. With a focus on precision over volume, targeted intensity, and a strategic return to foundational strength training, Schexnayder's approach is reshaping the landscape of athletic development. Discover how these insights can revolutionize your...
Beyond the Track: A 24-7 Approach to Sporting Excellence
Every pre-season, I have individual sit-downs with the athletes I work with, diving into the essence of commitment to their sport. I make it clear that being an athlete isn't just about those 15-20 hours a week spent training; it's a 24-7 pursuit. It's an all-encompassing, interconnected way of living. "We're aiming for an 8/10 across the board," I tell...
The Paradox of Performance: Power Meets Grace
The performance of an athlete, in its most exquisite form, is a dynamic interplay of power and grace. A spectacle that mesmerizes us as it seamlessly blends fluidity with ferocity, combines violence with peace, and merges aggression with elegance. It's an art form where strength and subtlety coexist, creating a harmonious symphony of human potential. There's a reason Ali's motto...
The Nested Dynamics of Speed: Lessons from Russian Dolls
Russian dolls, known as Matryoshka dolls, are hollow wooden figurines originating from Russia. They nest inside each other, with the smallest doll at the center. They are adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Matryoshka dolls symbolize family, generations, and Russian culture. They are collected and cherished worldwide as decorative items. But what the heck have they got to do...
Embracing the Unknown: The Island of Knowledge and Coaching
Recently, I reread Marcelo Gleiser's great book, ‘The Island of Knowledge: The Limits of Science and the Search for Meaning,’ and — as always with almost every book I read — reflected upon its implications in sport performance and coaching. One of the primary themes in the book is that of ‘embracing ignorance’. Gleiser argues that the acquisition of knowledge...
“Keep calm and carry on”
“Keep calm and carry on.” So the famous British WWII slogan goes. But what’s it got to do with us? Well, most track & field teams and groups are currently in the midst of their general fall training period. It’s an exciting time of rebirth, with fresh promise towards a new season. It is also the time for installation -...
The myth of work-life balance?
I come from a family tradition of storytellers. I love to hear and speak about stories. So when I’m guiding younger coaches through some of the pitfalls we encounter in our coaching lives, I tend to tell gut-level honest stories of failures, successes, trials, tribulations, etc. I also share biographies of coaches and other leaders who have fallen into some...
Is it worth it?
I have been consistently challenged in multiple environments. The two biggest challenges for me in scale and scope are constant battles with: Administration silos / scope of practice, etc. Support agencies around the athlete I have fought constant battles with NGBs, Olympic Committees, meet promoters, legislation issues, and world-politic. On the support side, endless and inane conflicts from agents, sponsors, parents,...