Tag Archive for: Drills

Dean Benton

Revisiting running drills

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As much as coaches love drills, it is important to remember that drills do not equal skills. If the intention is to enhance running skill, then this must be coached directly via running per se. Moreover, if you want to get faster you must run fast. This is simply adhering to the principle of specificity. The primary benefit of drills is to challenge posture and positions that are similar to those that occur during the sprint action. Drills should be considered as specific strength and functional flexibility development – the technical benefit is ancillary.

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Vern Gambetta

Running mechanics: part 3

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To correct running mechanics, use the fault/reason/correction paradigm. First identify the fault in the mechanics. Then find the reason for the flaw and then correct the flaw.

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Martin Bingisser

GAINcast Episode 272: Beyond dichotomies (with Kevin Becker)

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We live in the age of polarization. We get into long debates about whether things are black or white, but when it comes to topics like training and motor learning, the reality is often a shade of grey. Professor Kevin Becker is looking to create a conversation beyond dichotomies. On this week’s GAINcast he shares some ideas around motor learning and attentional focus that attempt to color in the areas in between.

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Martin Bingisser

Rethinking drills for the hammer throw

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Back in December, I invited Sergej Litinov to Zurich to present a workshop and work with some of the Swiss hammer throwers. Since I first got to train with Litvinov in 2004, I have been impressed by the different perspective he brings to the event. He conceptualizes the hammer throw different than any other thrower I know. Back in August 2017 and September 2018 he joined member hangouts to try and explain his approach, but only seeing him with with athletes in person do you really get to understand how to put the concepts into practice. Read more

Vern Gambetta

Training mistakes

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The following is a list of some mistakes that I have made in coaching and teaching. If you learn from your mistakes I should be a genius, but unfortunately some of the lessons were only learned after I repeated of these mistakes several times. I hope that by sharing these with you, it will help you to avoid making the same mistakes I have made. Read more

Martin Bingisser

GAINcast Episode 109: Drills

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Drills have been the go-to technical tool for coaches for decades, but more and more research is showing that drills are not always the most effective tool for coaches. On this episode of the GAINcast we break down the shortcomings of drills, and discuss alternatives that can help get results that transfer back to your sport. Read more

Vern Gambetta

Some more on drills

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It is important to be clear on one thing regarding drills. If you use a drill or drills know why you are using the drill. In my experience drills are most effective in closed skill activities where they can be used to correct a part of the movement or reinforce a concept. But always go back to the whole movement, remember Whole – Part – Whole. Read more

Vern Gambetta

The seduction of drills

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Ask yourself we do we spend so much time teaching and perfecting drills? Wouldn’t the time be better spent coaching skills? No doubt drills are seductive, some even look like the skill, we can repeat them until they are flawless and then what? 95% of drills have no transfer to skill so what is the attraction. Read more

Sergej Litvinov

Hammer Throw Target Practice

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Today I want to tell you about a game that can teach you working with the hammer differently. We all struggle with the monotony of winter training and sometimes it is hard to find the motivation for the fine technical work required to throw far. This game will teach you to find your “fine feeling” of the throw. Read more

Martin Bingisser

GAINcast Episode 34: Live from Glasgow

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Two weeks ago Vern and I got the opportunity to present at the Scottish Athletics annual coaching conference. At the end of the seminar we got that chance to pose some questions to all the presenters at a roundtable session. We recorded that discussion and present it as this week’s episode. Read more