Interesting article on the different approaches to training within the RNZ set-up.
nzherald rowing article
The comments made apply at club level too- trunk strength and over-reaching are universal problems within developing squads. There's also the consideration that a training programme only has a certain number of hours available in the week. The head coach must decide how that time can be most effectively used. Some observations I have made over the last few years are:
1. Mileage on the water is only useful if the athletes can already row. Repeating bad rowing strokes is a bad idea. If the technical ability of the athlete is limited then they should cross train while the water work focus's on improving technique. The mileage on the water should only be as far as the ability of the athlete can manage (may in fact be just a touch too far, to challenge them).
2. A good weights programme teaches athletes how to move. Well coached weights work with an athlete improves their awareness of how and what they are moving. This makes for far more coachable athletes later in the year because they can do what you are asking them to do.
3.It is possible to get too worried about allowing athletes to lose form- they must be put under pressure and challenged. Some big strong athletes can be over-protected, in training and this leads to over-protection during selection and racing. I have seen this done at a high level, right up to an athlete not being seat raced for a top club crew and even a national boat. I can only assume the coach was worried that the athlete would lose. Curious logic.
4. Identifying the needs of the athlete or squad and constructing the right sessions for those needs is essential. To do this effectively you need to be confident about working on components (eg: movement pattern, trunk strength, fitness), not stressing too much about results and erg numbers while this component work is being done and finally know how to put it all together when it matters.
nzherald rowing article
The comments made apply at club level too- trunk strength and over-reaching are universal problems within developing squads. There's also the consideration that a training programme only has a certain number of hours available in the week. The head coach must decide how that time can be most effectively used. Some observations I have made over the last few years are:
1. Mileage on the water is only useful if the athletes can already row. Repeating bad rowing strokes is a bad idea. If the technical ability of the athlete is limited then they should cross train while the water work focus's on improving technique. The mileage on the water should only be as far as the ability of the athlete can manage (may in fact be just a touch too far, to challenge them).
2. A good weights programme teaches athletes how to move. Well coached weights work with an athlete improves their awareness of how and what they are moving. This makes for far more coachable athletes later in the year because they can do what you are asking them to do.
3.It is possible to get too worried about allowing athletes to lose form- they must be put under pressure and challenged. Some big strong athletes can be over-protected, in training and this leads to over-protection during selection and racing. I have seen this done at a high level, right up to an athlete not being seat raced for a top club crew and even a national boat. I can only assume the coach was worried that the athlete would lose. Curious logic.
4. Identifying the needs of the athlete or squad and constructing the right sessions for those needs is essential. To do this effectively you need to be confident about working on components (eg: movement pattern, trunk strength, fitness), not stressing too much about results and erg numbers while this component work is being done and finally know how to put it all together when it matters.
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