In the world of performance, we must always value results over tradition.
“Tradition is convenient, but it is often a thief.
There are a lot of people out there doing it ‘that way’ because that how they’ve always done it.
Even with inarguable evidence disproving that ‘their way’ works.
It is not the adults who lose in this situation, but the kids.’”
-Ray Zingler on X
I’m not talking about the pound the sign before heading out onto the field type of tradition, I am talking about the way people traditionally do things. Specifically related to athletic performance.
Many coaches, especially those with tenure, and many even without it will do things a certain way because “that’s how they’ve always done it.”
I find it funny that we are looking to evolve in every single area of our lives from advancements in modern medicine to doorbell cameras, but coaches will still prescribe power cleans and “ass to grass” squats because that’s what they’ve been doing since ’86.
Now I’m not attacking the power cleans and ass to grass squats, per se, but I do beg the question, is there proof that these modalities people are choosing to continually implement are actually working? Are the “results” translating to where it matters most, the mental and physical well-being of the athlete, so that they can maximize their performance on the field and in life?
Or do we simply justify the use of the above because, “well they make kids stronger..”
I’ll just put it to you straight, kids are some of the most adaptable creatures on earth. ATG Squats, Hang Cleans, KB’s, high box squats, lifting bags of dog food, or bales of hay, our kids are going to get stronger because they are beginners.
So, justifying the use of ‘x’ because it makes them “stronger” is a poor justification, especially if that “strength” doesn’t translate to where it matters most (1. Life 2. Sports).
Now hey if you’re accomplishing 90% of your objectives year after year and your kids are staying strong, fast, healthy, and engaged, I’m not telling you to mess with the recipe, but if this isn’t the case, maybe it’s best to practice some self-awareness and evolve as a coach? Not for coaches’ sake, but for the sake of the kids?
The problem is there is little incentive to do so because coaches know they are dealing with a demographic of people (youth athletes & parents) who don’t know right from wrong, making the convenience of tradition the choice that requires the least amount of work.
If we want to maximize our kids’ experiences, we must begin to value results over tradition.