By Wayne Goldsmith
Every coach loves technique.
They love talking about it, studying it, recording it and coaching it.
But the technical model most of us have been using is overly focused on “perfection” - and is not focused enough on coaching the athlete to be able to effectively execute THEIR TECHNIQUE - i.e. their own unique, individual technique, when and where it matters.
Colleagues - forget the concept of technical perfection. Doing endless repeats trying to coach an athlete to hold their elbow or hand or leg at a specific angle that some biomechanics lab has identified as the optimal - i.e. “perfect” angle is largely a waste of time for you and your athletes.
Instead, coach each athlete to develop their own technique.
Stick to a handful of core technical principles that you know are important - which for most sports are the Hs - HEAD, HANDS, HIPS AND HEELS (feet) but then help each individual develop their own technique.
Then coach them to be able to effectively execute their technique:
* AT SPEED
* UNDER FATIGUE
* UNDER PRESSURE
* CONSISTENTLY……AND
* IN COMPETITION.
We spend way too much time chasing the myth of perfection when what we really need to do is help every individual we coach to effectively execute their technique when and where it matters - in competition.
Wayne Goldsmith
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