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Hi Mario,

This week, we’ll be exploring the core methodological principles that separate good coaches from great coaches. In doing so, we’ll take a look at the essential frameworks and methodologies that successful coaches use to achieve consistently excellent results.

What is Methodology?

Methodology is the means by which you create your program, and how loads are applied. The success of any program relies upon a sound grasp of the key methodological principles we use to make planning and coaching decisions, namely:

Adaptation
Loading
Accommodation
Specificity
Intensification
Variation
Individualization

What are the Hallmarks of Effective Methodologies?

While there are many nuanced shades used by coaches to achieve desired outcomes, the coaches with the most effective methodologies can be easily identified – for their work shares particular commonalities:

Consistency: Successful methods yield consistent results, not just sporadic ‘one hit wonders’.

Assimilation: Integration of all training elements ensures that each enhances the others, avoiding imbalances in physical capabilities. This means the program as a whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and all relevant biomotor abilities for a sport are developed congruently.

Health: Effective programs consistently produce healthy athletes, prioritizing longevity and competition health and readiness over temporary gains: It is better to be ‘one mile under’ than ‘one inch over’ in terms of athlete preparedness.

Simplicity: The core of a great coaching methodology can be explained simply, and expanded upon with detailed understanding.

Repeatability: Sound methodologies aren't just about luck; they're about replicable success across different athlete groups.

Long-Term Development: Programs with sound methodologies enhance the development of athletes, and produce coachable athletes. Athletes who have been taught their craft, and also understand how to listen and communicate, are a step ahead of those with tapped out biomotor abilities, surfing on the edge of injury.

Global Insights and Individual Nuances

Any time spent researching successful sprint programs around the globe will reveal subtle differences in philosophies and methodologies.

There is no one ‘holy grail’ in terms of methodology (although the more successful methods obviously share commonalities).

Visiting coaches attending the ALTIS ACP, for example, may expect to see the exact same methods used between each of our coaching staff to produce the outcomes they recognize. Instead, coaches soon realize that each of us have individual instructional nuances which are implemented to achieve the desired result.

This nuanced use of variation in personal methodologies is possible through having first attained a deep understanding of technical necessities, biomotor requisites, and a clear vision of the desired outcome.

However, crucially, they also share some key commonalities: It is our experience, for example, that very broadly speaking, leading sprint groups utilize density patterns ranging as follows:

Acceleration sessions: 1-3 times weekly
Speed sessions: 1-2 times weekly
Speed endurance / Special endurance sessions: 1-2 times weekly.

As with most menu items, time of year, purpose of session, methodology nuances, athlete health, environmental factors, stimulation-adaptation readiness etc., are all are in play for determination of said density patterns within the micro, meso, and macro-cycle.

Your Take Home

Sound methodologies leave clues - whatever the sport, and extend beyond training athletes — they are about developing a foundation of knowledge, fostering innovation, and building effective practices for the future.

If you’re curious to learn more on how you can upgrade your own coaching methodologies, I recommend you explore Derek Eveley’s excellent Modules on Planning, Periodization, Methodology, Loading, and related fields in the Foundation Course. You won’t find a better resource on these topics.

Until next week,

P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are three ways we can help you:

1. Derek Evely does an excellent job of outlining the keys to good methodology in this Video. If you're not yet a member of ALTIS Connect, watch today with your free trial and explore the full video catalog. You won't find a more informative and game-changing collection of video content anywhere else.

2. Unlock "Built for Speed" - FREE! This 3-part video series presented by Stu McMillan equips Team Sports coaches with proven strategies to develop lightning fast speed in the game. Get your video series here.

3. Learn the single-most important thing to successful hurdling, and how you can use this knowledge to carve 1/10ths of your hurdlers’ times — taught to you by the coach of the 100m hurdles World Record Holder, for FREE. Click Here.

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