A further look into training concepts

Jan 21, 2009 Sports

Dear Editor,

The concept that an athlete has to be trained not only practically but also theoretically is not yet widely agreed to, let alone used. Although they are rarely found today, there are still coaches who believe that they should think for their athlete. The athlete is there just to train and complete, the coach does the rest of it.

Obviously, such a concept is not only ancient, but may also affect the athlete’s rate of skill and performance improvement. The acquisition and application of current theoretical knowledge in practice is not only an important means to accelerate the development of the athlete’s skills and abilities, but also an important incentive for his/her motivation in training.

Therefore, concurrent with skill and abilities development, a young athlete must be introduced progressively into the theory of training; to be exposed to everything that the coach knows about the selected sport. Certainly, the coach must be a knowledgeable individual who is concerned with his/her own education in the science of sports and thus be one step ahead of his/her athlete.

All the scientific gains made by the coach should not represent a taboo or prohibited area for the athlete. On the contrary, the athlete should have access to the coach’s expertise since the coach is the closest resource person for the athlete. This implies that the coach’s responsibility is not restricted to training only, but extends to the athlete’s general and sport specific education. Sharing knowledge with the athlete from the following areas may represent an adequate guideline for a coach;

(1) Rules and regulations governing the selected sport.

The scientific basis for understanding and analyzing the technique of the sport involved. Biomechanics should be viewed as the science with the highest implications in both technical comprehensions of a skill as well as in skill analysis. Sport such as gymnastics, throwing and jumping events in athletics, diving and skiing have the most to gain from such knowledge. In addition, a correct understanding of the biomechanical bases of skill performance may aid in the elimination of injuries.

(2) The scientific and methodical basis of the biomotor abilities development.

(3) The planning concept in training. Reference should be made in the area of per iodization of training, preparation for competition, and peaking.

(4) Anatomical and physiological adaptation following training.

(5) Causes, prevention and cure of injuries.

(6) Sociology of sport (inter-group conflicts).

(7) Sport psychology with emphasis on communication skills, behaviour modification, stressors and how to cope with them, and relaxation techniques.

(8) Nutrition and athletics, how it affects performance and the diet to follow in accordance with the phase and type of training, as well as pre, during and post competition diets.

Among the means to be considered for the athlete’s theoretical preparation are the following; discussion between the coach and athletes, film analysis, discussions with other athletes and coaches, clinics, relevant periodicals and other pertinent publications.

However, of great importance in an athlete’s theoretical preparation is the coach’s explanation and knowledge sharing process during each training session, pre and post-training discussions, and conversations while traveling or during camps.

Throughout his/her activities and involvements, the coach should strive to develop correct moral behavior, respect for other athletes, referees and the audience, as well as build a strong patriotic sentiment.

As a prime component of sport, coaching philosophy in Guyana is not properly understood by the majority of coaches practicing here.

This is reflective of our poor standard of coaching, which most times could be recognized by our coaches making excuses for not getting the job done properly and blaming athlete/team.

Wayne Walcott

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