Paralysis by Analysis?

We recently watched a documentary on BBC 1; is professionalism killing sport? It made us reflect on how we think as coaches…

Professionalism – What is it? How do we define it? Does it contribute to success in sport?

Why do we play Sport?

- For it’s competiveness

- For Enjoyment?

In sports, a professional is someone who receives money for participating. The opposite is amateur, meaning a person who does not receive money. Professional sport is full-time work requiring dedication and commitment. Amateur sport tends to be used as a release to get away from the pressures of life.

Professional sport is a multi-million pound industry with huge sums of money involved and livelihoods at stake; this of course brings added pressure to the athlete or team. Does this restrict the individual when performing knowing the amount of effort and preparation put in behind the scenes to deliver success?

Do you perform best under pressure with your every move being scrutinised or when relaxed and free to express your ability?

Laura Davies (Former world number one golfer) commented on her amazement at how younger players in the game would spend 12-14 hours a day practicing, analysing shots, receiving technical feedback and coaching. Instead of keeping it simple, playing the game instinctively using their natural talent.

Timmy worked as a performance coach in motor sport for six years (picture below, taken in Hungary) travelling to countries including China, Indonesia, Philippines, and most well known F1 tracks. To help a driver prepare for a race there is the Team principle, Engineers, Mechanics, Sponsors, Team Doctor, Physical trainer, Nutritionist, Driver, etc. Everything was driver focused in the run up to a race to ensure every possible detail had been accounted for in order to be the fastest car on the track.

Clive Woodward won the Grand Slam and World Cup with England rugby, with this success attributed to the expertise and depth coaching staff, and the attention to detail in every aspect of the teams preparation. However, the England football team has tried to replicate this model spending millions on a ‘world-class’ coach and support staff and first class facilities, however failed at the recent World Cup. Was the weight of expectation too much? Were the players unable to play with freedom and play to their potential? Has too much emphasis been placed on sports science – trying to gain that extra 1% and forgetting the other 99%? Ulster rugby have recently utilized GPS during training and games to help them monitor players heart rates, distance covered, etc

In a recent interview with Usain Bolt – who says he trains for eleven months of the year for one race lasting less than ten seconds. His outlook is that he has done the work and prepared well. Anyone who watches him race can see the how relaxed and at ease he is before a race and enjoys what he does the same when he was a boy.

We believe there has to be a balance. When coaching teams or athletes there has to be discipline in both coaches and team/athlete. If you have prepared properly and worked hard for the event, you are in the correct mindset to perform to your best – having no doubts and a clear mind, focused on your goal.