The Worst Coaching Method in Rowing/Crew: Dramatic Ineffectiveness

Among the myriad methods in coaching rowing or crew, the worst can be defined as those that fail to inspire or motivate the athletes. A truly effective coaching method should foster an environment where athletes thrive and improve, rather than one that demoralizes and disheartens them.

Defining the Worst Coaching Method

The worst coaching method is one that does not produce enough success to satisfy the people who hired you or are in charge of you. Just as ineffective as outright abuse, a rigid adherence to a single technique without considering individual needs can lead to dissatisfaction and, ultimately, dropout among athletes. Coaches who rely solely on yelling, lack of feedback, or conflicting methods without adaptation will inadvertently alienate and demotivate their team.

Success Through Adaptation

In the world of rowing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each coach's method can differ, effectively in terms of what works best for their team. Successful coaches usually secure funding and have access to a large number of athletes, allowing them to tailor their methods to those who can implement their techniques successfully. As a rower, I have experienced different coaching styles and adapted to suit my teammates. For instance, with a partner who was a World Cup medalist, our rowing style had to adjust to complement his expertise.

My current partnership has us stroke the pair, a technique that has proven more efficient and faster. Successful coaches emphasize different aspects of technique to optimize performance, as demonstrated by our repeated success as US Masters National gold medalists. The ability to adapt and work together as a team, rather than just following a single coach's method, is what drives success in rowing.

Different Methods for Different Teams

Every rower and team reacts differently to various coaching methods. What works for one team or individual may not work for another. For instance, pure volume may be a suitable approach for some teams, while others may benefit more from power training with less volume. Coaches must consider these factors to find the most effective method for their team.

Going Beyond the ERG

Another aspect of ineffective coaching stems from a heavy reliance on ergometer times as the sole metric for performance. While ergometer times are crucial, they should not be the sole focus. Achieving a sense of poise and rhythm within a boat is far more important. Athletes need to learn subtle nuances, such as adjusting their posture in crosswinds or adapting blade work in rough water. These skills are not measurable solely by an ERG and are critical for overall performance.

For example, the coxswain in a bow-coxed boat plays a crucial role in coordinating the team's movements, which the cox in a stern-mounted position lacks. Therefore, coaches should focus on more than just ERG times and teach athletes the intricacies of teamwork, including communication and coordination on the water.

In conclusion, effective coaching in rowing or crew goes beyond a singular method. It involves fostering an environment of mutual respect, adaptability, and a holistic understanding of various techniques. Focusing on personal and team development, rather than rigid rules or metrics, will lead to better performance and long-term success.