Observation/Ideas Stimulated by the Coaches Platform Conference in Holland

These are not necessarily original ideas, but the experience in Holland stimulated me to reflect on these. I certainly will post more detail on many of these in the next few weeks.

Ø It is what you do with what you have. Holland is a nation of around of 14 million people. They do more with what they have than many other much larger countries. It is really about optimizing and directing your resources.

Ø Coaching is the key. Facilities are nice, but human resources trump facilities.

Ø Good coaching demands a blend of art and science. Coaches must have an eye and a feel for movement. You do not learn that in the lab or the classroom, you learn it through practice. To a certain extend you have it or you don’t, but it can be improved.

Ø Innovation and change is not always comfortable or popular. Innovators can be even less popular.

Ø The ability to see the same problem with different eyes is essential for progress.

Ø Monitoring training is essential. Now the challenge is to agree on what is meaningful to monitor.

Ø Inactivity and decline of fitness is not just a US problem.

Ø Good coaches are generalists who have a broad base of preparation that allows them to see the big picture.

Ø Early specialization causes more problems than it solves.

Ø Management of the extended competitive season is one of the biggest problems in sports today.