The Chinese have a saying that “Only elite coaches can produce elite athletes.”
The demand on coaches is as great today as ever before. The coach is expected to know information and how to use physiology, nutrition, psychology, video technology (among others) in their day to day interaction and training with athletes. When you add in the number of competitions, the travel schedule and training, it’s a very difficult job.
Performance Services is an apt description of what we do. We provide services to coaches to help improve performance. Our four Team Leaders, meet with coaches to develop strategies about improving performance and offer suggestions on how we might help. The teams have been developed by the similarities in sport—Endurance (led by Jay T. Kearney), Team and Technical (April Heinrichs), Strength and Power (Wes Barnett) and Acrobat and Combat (Alan Ashley). The Team Leaders have developed a cadre of applied scientists and experts to provide services to USA coaches and teams based on their knowledge within the four groups. Each of the sports and coaches have different needs, but as much as they are different they are alike. The ability to have meaningful conversations regarding improving performance has been beneficial for all.
In this Issue
We have a number of quests that visit the USOC throughout the course of the year. Many come from other countries to see the facilities and what we do. The spirit of sharing among coaches is a special trait. Arild Jorgenson is a World-Renowned Cross-Country Ski Coach for Norway. His success at the international level is legendary. Arild sat down and talk to various team members about his program. For this issue, Arild and Rune Hoigaard have provided us with an article about the deliberate “conversations” style that Arild uses with his athletes. It is another great tool for coaches.
Nathalie Bartleson was a gold medalist in 1996 in Synchronized Swimming and made the transition from an athlete to a coach. She has shared her story and her thoughts about this transition.
Another great competitor and now National Team Coach, Cathy Hearn is our featured coach in the View for the Top. She coaches a unique sport with rhythm, power, strength and needs an agile mind. Check the article to see what sport.
Sport Drinks, supplements, energy drinks… feel confused about what to recommend to your athletes? Bob Seebohar gives some great advice about helping your athletes select the right stuff.
Adam Korzun comes up with some great recipes to try as the weather gets cooler. Turkey chili, anyone?
Also in this issue is the first of three articles discussing RPE, Blood lactates and Heart Rate. This is one you will want to include in your files.
Please enjoy and let us know your feedback on what we are providing to assist you with coaching your athletes.
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