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Now’s the time to plan your shift to normal. State and local officials are ending COVID-19 restrictions in many areas across the country. Hard hit states in the Northeast, for example, are announcing a full reopening starting Memorial Day and sooner. Several athletic programs currently have to navigate shortened seasons. Fewer competitions are taking place. In many instances, tough restrictions […]

A rowing coach told us that he does whatever he can to remove ambiguity. That got our attention. More than 50 years of experience shaped his viewpoint. He had worked with several of the sport’s best athletes, including many Olympians. Ambiguity, he warned, tears teams apart. At different points in a season, he would seat race rowers over an entire […]

Coming Up With A Plan That Works Everyone eventually asks, “What’s the plan, coach?” Sometimes it’s the athlete at a team meeting. Other times it might be the supervisor behind closed doors. Usually it’s the coach reflecting in moments of uncertainty. Imagine the athletic season as a journey. A lot can happen as you make your way—all sorts of surprises. […]

Appreciating The Athlete’s Voice Picture yourself at the practice field, coaching. You’re leading an intensive cardio workout. Athletes sprint back and forth; quick bursts followed by longer ones. Faces show pain, determination, even fear. Others (most) are impassive. Some athletes shout, grunt, or urge each other on. After practice you catch a few people and ask how it went. You […]