sprinting
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....
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 Shuffle Start & Goodhart’s Law: when good enough is good enough
The so-called shuffle start has been making waves in the last few years, especially among elite circles [and most-especially in the United States]. It is characterized by a low projection angle from the blocks, an ultra-low heel recovery [often seen as a toe-drag], and a high step frequency. This may be a controversial take, but I’ve long believed that this...
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...
Meet the neighbors
How often do you speak to your neighbors? Do you even know them? Research shows that most Americans don’t trust their neighbors. Why not? And what has this to do with speed, you ask? Today we will discuss the relevance of an increasingly isolated world, and how that might affect your understanding of lots of things as they relate to...
Just a Dumb Coach
Jodie Williams is smarter than me. As hard as it is for me to admit that, it is true. Anaso Jobodwana is also smarter than me. So is Lolo Jones. And Kaillie Humphries. And Ameer Webb. Andre De Grasse. Steve Mesler. Christian Malcolm. Glenn Smith. And a few hundred other folk who have had the (dis?)pleasure of my...
The Delicate Balance: Skepticism vs. Cynicism in Sports Medicine
The Delicate Balance: Skepticism vs. Cynicism in Sports Medicine In sports medicine, the debate over therapeutic methodologies stretches between rigorously evidence-based practices and those rooted in tradition yet lacking empirical support. This ongoing discussion not only highlights the diversity of treatment approaches but also underscores the critical need to navigate thoughtfully between evidence, experience, and innovation. Understanding the Debate At...
Polarization Of Intensity
Taken from the ALTIS Foundation Course, this excerpt - written by Derek Evely and PJ Vazel - explores the increasingly popular topic of polarized training. In the next two minutes, you'll get a clear introduction to the concept, then delve into real-world application with comprehensive case studies showcasing how polarized training has benefited three different athletes. DETERMINING LOAD When...
The Hamstring Problem
In the sports performance industry we’ve become infatuated with technology. While there’s no doubt that technology can be a valuable resource, any tool is only as useful as its application. It was nearly a decade ago when we saw a large upswing in the use of technology in sport. At that time, it was all about getting the next new...
Life as a Competition
"How can we apply this understanding of the increased motivation and drive experienced through competition, and harness it into increased performance? And how do we do this specifically within an individual sport such as track & field? While lining athletes up next to each other for sprints and drills is an option, it is not always the best option from...