The most common default when making the choice between more work or less work in training is to do more. After all it is easier to quantify more jumps, more throws, more runs. Also, when working with developmental athletes they respond quickly to volume, so the temptation is to continue going down that path. What happens when the point of diminishing returns is reached? Now what?

I was first introduced to the concept of “hard/easy” at the first clinic I attended in January 1968 by Bill Bowerman, the coach at University of Oregon. The hard/easy concept was a cornerstone of his program. It essentially consisted of a hard training day followed by an easy training day. He was very strict in its application. It made sense so when I started coaching the next year, I began to apply the concept. However, I quickly found out that some athletes needed a hard day, followed by a medium day and then easy and others needed two easy days after a hard day. Regardless the concept was applicable, and it is something I try to observe to this day regardless of the level of athlete and the sport.

Ever since I started this blog in the summer of 2005 an ongoing theme has been exploring myths, misconceptions, half-truths and lies. I doubt that will change. I think because I am informed skeptic who keeps exploring those ideas, people and things that lead us astray from our goal of preparing robust athlete to thrive in the competitive cauldron.