When coaches blend lines and extend outside of core competencies, it’s the kids who end up losing.
“Knowing the rules & technical/tactical components of sport does not qualify one to coach physical preparation for sport.
Just as knowing where to get tasty food doesn’t make you a chef.
Understanding coverages & optimizing energy systems are 2 different cats.”
-Ray Zingler on X
I can find a mean steak.
And I can eat the hell out of it.
More efficiently than most people you’ve seen devour a steak, too.
But as much as I can find a good steak and crush it, what I can’t do is cook one like the world class chefs who have the culinary craftsmanship and skill to craft the experience that goes into enjoying a high caliber steak.
I have the cast iron skillets, I have the butter, garlic, thyme, all of it. I don’t even mind spending excessively on the highest quality piece of meat I can find. In fact, I regularly do.
But for whatever (good) reason, I still can’t make them like the pro’s who make them.
It’s because, wait for it…
I’m not a chef.
Cheffing is outside of my wheelhouse, much like MANY things in my life, despite having the tools other Pro’s have.
I have vehicles, but I’m not NASCAR driver.
I have rifles, but I’m not Chris Kyle.
I have computers, but I’m not a tech wizard, either.
I’m a business owner and strength coach. That’s who I am (professionally speaking) so I try to do my very best inside of my realms of competence.
It’s important to not only understand that there are lanes on the road for a reason, but to also be aware of your blind spots.
Where your competencies start and end.
And a major issue in our “sports” field is blended lines.
Many folks think that because they “know a little bit about x” they are qualified to “coach y”.
But, like in any field, there are nuances and specialties that go into creating optimal experiences.
A physical therapist and an academic can both be “doctors”, but are you going to Dr. Smith the English teacher to get your dry needling done?
While that’s a drastic example, we need to be even more mindful in realms where the lines are a bit blurred.
Just because Coach Joe coaches football doesn’t mean he’s qualified to coach preparation for football.
Knowing about blitz packages and coverages requires one set of skills.
Optimizing the ATP-PC Energy System to positively influence football performance requires another.
Stick to your lanes.
It works best for all involved.
