The Workout vs. Training

Developing an optimal training plan takes more than a desire to make an athlete work so hard that they throw up. It means knowing your athletes, understanding their goals, and taking the time to carefully evaluate how you can help get them where they want to be athletically.

I have witnessed over my many years of coaching, that one workout cannot make an athlete or a team but one workout can break an athlete or a team. Coaches need to get away from the idea that because a workout is hard and you end up barfing, it is a good workout. Believe me, it is easy to bury someone, much harder to train someone. Each workout should have specific objectives that are measurable and observable.

Anyone can work hard, but effective training is hard work with a specific goal. John Wooden used to spend up to two hours a day planning his practices. Roy Williams plans each of his practices to the minute. Training is a long term proposition. It is about continual adaptation leading to optimal performance in the competitive arena.....which can not be accomplished in one workout.