Introduction:
In the realm of strength and conditioning, effective communication is vital for guiding athletes toward their goals. However, one of the most pervasive pitfalls in coaching is the tendency to speak in absolutes. Using definitive language—terms like “always,” “never,” and “every”—can lead to misunderstandings and hinder progress. Just as life is filled with complexities and nuances, so too is the journey from point A to point B in athletic development. Recognizing this complexity can enhance training efficacy and foster a more inclusive and adaptive coaching environment. This is why education and experience in the field are essential.
Misrepresentation of Reality in Training
The first danger of speaking in absolutes is the misrepresentation of reality, particularly in the context of biomechanical and physiological differences among athletes. Each individual possesses a unique set of characteristics that influence their movement patterns and responses to training stimuli. For example, a coach might say, “You should always squat with a narrow stance.” Such a directive overlooks the diversity of anatomical variations among athletes. A lifter with long femurs may need to adopt a wider stance to achieve depth without compromising form, while someone with shorter femurs might excel with a narrower stance.
Another example can be seen in the training of swimmers and baseball players. The notion that these athletes shouldn’t perform Olympic lifts or engage in overhead work is a significant misunderstanding and reflects absolute thinking. Instead, the relevant questions should be whether they possess the necessary mobility to execute these lifts correctly and whether they can achieve the proper catch and receiving position. The benefits of mastering the catch alone, especially regarding tendon integrity, cannot be understated. Furthermore, considering the overall volume of practice is essential; for instance, if a pitcher has a high pitch count the day before, stressing the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) through heavy lifting might not be ideal. In such cases, it would be prudent to ease up on overhead work temporarily.
Traditional lifts like the bench press and back squat also have their place in building a foundational base of strength. However, it’s important to recognize that there is more than one way to perform these exercises. First and foremost, technique and individual differences must be understood and communicated effectively to the athlete. Once this foundation is established, variations of these lifts can be manipulated and targeted to address specific deficiencies based on the principles outlined in the Prilepin chart. Employing different tempos, accommodating resistance, and utilizing linear transducer models can provide tailored training stimuli. Yet, these advanced techniques will only benefit the athlete if the basics are mastered first.
Regarding Olympic lifts, some studies suggest that they may pose a higher risk of injury if performed incorrectly compared to variations like hex bar trap jumps. However, it’s essential to note that performing a hex bar trap jump incorrectly can also lead to injury. We teach Olympic lifts not only for their power output improvements but also for the coordination and recruitment patterns of the posterior chain that accompany them. To perform the Olympic lifts correctly, it is crucial to brace your core, activating the transverse abdominus. Research indicates that if the transverse abdominus is not activated, the erector spinae may fire as a compensatory mechanism. While isolation training can be necessary for rehabilitation and getting someone back to square one, it should not be viewed as the sole approach for establishing proper firing patterns on the field. This is why bodybuilding alone is not considered the optimal way to train athletes. Over the years, I have much respect for coaches who have seen athletes all the way through rather than simply getting an athlete their junior year that is gifted.
When you train functional movement patterns accompanied by acceleration, two-point starts, lateral bounds, medicine ball work, and response and deceleration training, the transfer of power on the field increases significantly. These training modalities teach athletes how to utilize their bodies in space more efficiently while responding to external stimuli, ultimately enhancing their overall athletic performance, thus reducing the likelihood of injury.
Coaches with a solid educational background understand these nuances and can tailor training programs to meet the individual needs of their athletes. This link goes over what qualifications are most sought after in our field: https://impactfitnessandsportsperformance.com/the-importance-of-qualifications-in-strength-and-conditioning/
Creating Division and Conflict in Coaching
Absolutes can also create division and conflict within the coaching dynamic. When coaches use language like “You never execute this movement correctly,” it can foster defensiveness in athletes rather than encouraging improvement. An athlete might feel judged or discouraged, leading to a breakdown in communication and trust. Coaches with experience know how to navigate these conversations effectively. Instead of using absolute statements, they provide constructive feedback, such as “Let’s work on your hip hinge to improve your squat depth.” This approach invites collaboration and encourages athletes to engage with their development rather than feel alienated by rigid expectations.
Stifling Growth and Understanding
Moreover, using absolute language can stifle the growth of both athletes and coaches. In strength and conditioning, adaptability is key. The way one teaches an Olympic lift or a squat may vary significantly based on an athlete’s psychological disposition, learning style, and physical attributes. Coaches who have undergone comprehensive education are equipped with a diverse toolkit of strategies to address these variations.
For instance, some athletes may believe that lifting will make them too bulky, another absolute assumption. However, anyone who is moderately educated in strength training knows that hypertrophy is a natural response to resistance training, regardless of the specific training modalities employed. Properly structured training—regardless of whether weights are involved—will elicit some form of muscle adaptation. Moreover, when movements are performed correctly, training enhances proper intramuscular coordination, thereby increasing power output. This perspective highlights the importance of employing logic and reason rather than adhering to absolute beliefs.
The Importance of Individualized Cues
When teaching technical movements, the need for individualized cues becomes evident. For instance, firing out of a two-point stance correctly may require different cues based on an athlete’s biomechanical and psychological profile. An athlete with a background in gymnastics might need a different approach than one with a background in football, as their body awareness and movement patterns will vary. Coaches with both education and experience understand these differences, allowing them to provide tailored guidance that resonates with each athlete’s unique strengths and challenges.
Encouraging Critical Discourse in Training
To cultivate a more effective training environment, coaches should encourage critical discourse that embraces the nuances of strength and conditioning. This means moving away from absolutes and fostering an atmosphere where athletes feel empowered to ask questions and explore their biomechanics and techniques. Coaches who are well-educated in their field often model this behavior, demonstrating the importance of inquiry and adaptability. By using phrases like “In my experience” or “Many athletes find that,” they acknowledge the complexity of human movement and the variety of training approaches available. This not only enhances learning but also fosters a sense of ownership among athletes in their training journeys.
Conclusion
Speaking in absolutes can be a detrimental habit in strength and conditioning, misrepresenting the complexities of human performance and hindering effective communication. Just as life’s experiences are rarely black and white, so too is the journey of athletic development. By embracing the individual differences among athletes—biomechanical, physiological, and psychological—coaches can create a more inclusive and adaptive training environment. This shift toward nuance and personalization not only enhances the effectiveness of training but also builds stronger relationships based on trust and collaboration.
Ultimately, education and experience in strength and conditioning are essential for navigating these complexities. Coaches equipped with knowledge and practical experience are better prepared to understand the intricacies of human movement, tailor their coaching strategies, and foster an environment where athletes can thrive. In a world where athletic performance is often viewed through a simplistic lens, recognizing and celebrating complexity can lead to richer, more successful training experiences..