We have all heard the aphorism that if the onlytool you have is a hammer then everything becomes a nail. Truer words have never been spoken, so why do so many coaches use a hammer as their primary training tool? As a coach you are a skilled craftsman. You have an array of training tools at your disposal and you should know when and how to use tools that are appropriate for the task at hand. We constantly work to build the complete athlete and if injury occurs to rebuilt the complete athlete. The key here is complete athlete. To build or rebuild the complete athlete you need more tools than a hammer. You need a toolbox with tools appropriate for the task at hand. You need to know when to select what tool. You cannot fit the athlete to the tools you know how to use or are comfortable with; you must fit the tools to the athlete. To accomplish this you need a broad knowledge of training means and methods as they apply to the sport you are preparing the athlete for. You need a clear blueprint to guide you toward the finished product. In addition you need to know when to call upon other specialists to supplement your knowledge and skill set. To be effective as a coach be a generalist, a student of training and all it’s permutations and manifestations. As a generalist you will be able to make connections and links that enhance overall athleticism, not just one athletic quality like speed or strength. At the culmination of the process the generalist (skilled craftsman) will be able to use all the tools necessary to build the complete athlete including the hammer when needed.
Vern Gambetta
@coachgambetta
Latest posts by Vern Gambetta (see all)
- Track & Field Dual Meets – Some Thoughts - July 30, 2020
- More Lessons Learned - July 28, 2020
- Coaching Advice - July 26, 2020
- Minimum Effective Dose – Buyer Beware - July 2, 2020
- Landing - June 30, 2020
