Lessons from 2012 – Part Two
Part 1 can be viewed here.
We may think we are training the body but we are really training the brain – To borrow Tim Noakes terminology the brain is the “Central governor” it controls everything we do.
Talent development is not survival of the fittest – It is not about ten years or 10,000 hours it is a process that involves deliberate practice. It is understanding growth and development, individual rates of maturation.
You cannot separate excellence in sport from excellence in life – You can’t be a chump outside of training and a champ in the game. You may get away with for a little while but eventually it will catch up with you.
When working on skill or acquiring a new technique – Once someone gets it right – STOP (Allow the brain to retain what it learned) Vin Walsh
Important to learn how to ask the right questions – This is the key to learning. Asking questions that are insightful and on point.
You must train the way you want to compete– Yes it is about specificity, but it is more than that. All aspects of training must line up with the demands of the gymnastics. I had a visiting coach in my gym yesterday who asked, “why are the girls wearing long sleeve leos for training?” Simple, they must compete in a long sleeve leo, they must be comfortable with their body without shorts, tights, etc. So, one day per week during competition season we have long sleeve leo day.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained – No gain without risk. Mistakes are learning opportunities.
Coach the athlete you have not some mythical hypothetical model – Know your athletes, their strength & weaknesses, individualize to the greatest extent possible.
Know the basic technical models of your sport – Master them and build on these.
You must train the female differently – There is a whole different endocrine hormonal environment. Strength training is much more important during all phases of the training year.
Those who achieve at the highest levels are seldom if ever concerned what other have to say about them or judge them to be – High achievers are confident and will stand out from the crowd regardless of criticism.
