Optimizing human movement is about enhancing connections. Connections within the body, connections to the environment and to the sport.
It is mentally convenient to isolate out parts of the body or positions in movement. Mental convenience – looking at segments and parts – does not optimize performance; it has the opposite effect. Breaking movement into parts and ignoring connections leads to robotic mechanical movements that do not allow the body to adapt and optimally solve movement problems.
The body is smart. As coaches, we must learn how to better tap into that intelligence. When we connect movements, it all becomes a big dance characterized by rhythm and flow. Enhancing connections will result in a more robust adaptable athlete.