Monkey See, Monkey Do

I continue to be amazed, befuddled and baffled by people’s infatuation with training programs. It is almost comical to get emails and phone calls asking me about the latest rope thing or the plate swing. The one’s I always like are questions about the Jamaican Sprint program or the Russian Speed program. I want to say SO WHAT! It doesn’t matter unless you are coaching Jamaican sprinters in the same environment with the same talent level. Let’s get real here; it is not about the recipe it is about the cook. I could give out every training program for every sport I have ever worked and those programs would not work the same for you as they did for me. The ones that were successful for me could be duds for you and the ones that were duds for me could be great for you.

Take the time, energy, yes money, and focus on learning the principles and the foundations of sound training. For those of you just starting in coaching get a mentor not a guru. Learn about all the great coaches and their ideas and principles, then apply the template of current research and sport science, now you have something. I still go back and periodically read my notes from clinics by Bill Bowerman. Look at principles that are scientifically based and proven in the cauldron of competition, avoid the monkey see, monkey do syndrome, be a leader not a follower, innovate don’t imitate.
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Vern Gambetta

Director at Gambetta Sports Training Systems

Vern is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He has been the a conditioning coach for several MLS teams as well as the conditioning consultant to the US Men's World Cup Soccer team. Vern is the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. He has lectured and conducted clinics in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe and has authored six books and over one hundred articles related to coaching and sport performance in a variety of sports. He has a BA in teaching with a coaching minor and an MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education from Stanford University.