“Music is the space between the notes,” is a quote attributed to French composer Claude Debussy, with jazz trumpeter Miles Davis famously expressing similar ideas several decades later.
In gymnastics it is easy to find a website, video or book with progressions. The USAG system is based on fundamentals and progressions. These all serve as a great map to get you from point A to point B. These are the musical notes of a great composition.
When two musicians play independently they may both sound good. Yet, one is better. It is the same with coaching. Through out the USA we almost all have the same map. But there are few coaches who actually make it to that elite level. What is the difference between the two?
One pays more attention to the space between the notes or the places between point A and B. It is what happens there that makes the difference between good and great.
Continuing with the musical analogy- there must be a conductor. If you were to hand 5 people a set of sheet music and they each worked independently they may each master the composition- but together- they sound terrible. One is too loud, the other too soft, one may pause a bit longer as the other carries on. There must be one person in charge directing and orchestrating. That person must have vision of the destination as well as the pauses and rests along the way.
It is possible to be good without coordination. But nearly impossible to be great.
It takes a team effort. The Head Coach working in coordination with the rest of the coaching staff. Listening and acting upon the input from the gymnasts.
Being that Head Coach is a thankless job. You receive very little of the praise and nearly all of the criticism.
I remember calling Muriel Grossfeld after an especially difficult training session. I was frustrated and just needed to vent. I had walked into the gym with the objective to make sure I said 10 positive things to every gymnast I was working with. I knew everyone was tired and a bit beat up. We had just finished a few invitationals and were beginning to ramp up towards Classics. During conditioning I made sure I asked every kid how they were feeling today. Taking their answers and adjusting their workout. We started on bars and I consciously complimented parts of each routine. (I’d like to believe I am a pretty positive guy so this was not totally out of the ordinary. I just wanted to try to take some of the pressure off). I thought we finished on a pretty good note. Then went off to Beam and I worked with the next group, repeating my compliments.
We had planned on going easy on their legs- letting them Vault OR Tumble but not both. I stayed positive. I gave compliments and corrections. I tried to keep things light.
We had a break and the girls went to the locker room to get a snack. I went into my office and grabbed a coffee. Sitting at my desk I could hear the girls in the locker room.
“What is wrong with Tony? Why is he being so mean?”
“He was being nice to YOU but so mean to me”
“He is always nice to YOU on bars but ignores me”
I was broken hearted. I try very hard to give equal attention (I was often ignored by my coach so I do get it). I was making such an effort at keeping things light and giving them each compliments.
I stayed positive and finished practice. Afterwards just sitting in my office trying to come up with the plan for the rest of the week. I had to call Muriel about an up coming visit and ended up talking (whining) about my practice. I remember the advice, “Tony- this is the job you signed up for. Can you imagine what they would be saying if you weren’t this nice and positive?”
Muriel passed away yesterday. She was a controversial person for sure. But she was always available to share hew knowledge and to show you the music between the notes.
Thanks for all the lessons.
