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The following is the second post in a series on the Wake Forest Bridge Seminar, which was put on by Wake Forest Dec 17th and 18th 2022.
While nothing matches being there, I wanted to share what I learned for those who missed it, and to set the stage for an ever bigger turnout in 2023.
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Data is not king. Data quality is not king. Data accessibility is not king. The capacity of the player to turn data into action….that’s king.
Robin Lund, the former University of Iowa pitching coach and recent addition to the Detroit Tigers pitching staff gave a detailed outline for how he helps players build and optimize their own development plans…and why that is superior to building a plan on their behalf.
During his time at Iowa, Lund was restricted by the amount of time available for training. Given that the most important period for learning is during the off-season, he knew he couldn’t focus on specific skills, but rather was better off growing the capacity of the player to process information, make it actionable, and build skills on their own.
Below is Lund’s step by step system for optimizing the learning process for athletes- allowing them to take control of their own development.
Start at the Start
Lund suggests that when trying to improve something, it is best to start with the earliest point of intervention or "start at the start." He argues that making small changes early on can lead to larger improvements later on, and that issues that occur early are typically the easiest to change.
Singular Focus
Lund then details the importance of a “singular focus"- which involves giving an athlete one thing at a time to focus on. By reducing what a player is thinking about, they will improve their focus and make changes faster.
Educate
Throughout his talk, Lund emphasizes the importance of education in teaching pitchers to become their own coaches. He believes that providing context and information is necessary for analysis and self-improvement.
Specifically, Lund uses a variety of methods such as videos, PowerPoints, and live demonstrations to educate his pitchers. He also advocates for controlling the narrative and empowering and inspiring his players to imagine a better version of themselves. Finally, he mentions that allowing players to connect the dots on their own can unlock autonomy later on.
Variability
While the first three steps set the table, the next three are about execution.
First, Lund emphasizes the importance of variability, specifically in regards to drill selection. Lund constantly changes the training environment by using different constraints, such as assistive and resistive modalities, varying speed and intensity, and changing surfaces. Lund also uses different tools such as PVC pipes and med balls to aid in the variability of the environment.
The goal is to make the environment different enough to challenge the body in new ways.
Feedback and Autonomy
The next two steps of Lund’s outline work best in tandem.
Lund argues the combination of 1) feedback and 2) autonomy encourages athletes to make drills their own and take ownership of their learning process. The goal is to create autonomous learners who continue to improve even when not under direct coaching.
For feedback specifically, Lund is constantly looking for methods to tighten feedback loops. In his talk, he mentioned the use of tools such as a core velocity belt, which provides pressure around the pelvis to increase awareness and boost learning.
And on autonomy, he notes that athletes do not improve on empty praise and external rewards, but rather perform best when they feel a sense of accomplishment…and then chase that feeling.
By allowing athletes to take ownership of their training, and by giving them the tools to do so effectively, coaches can have a greater effect- even from afar.
Implicit Mindset
Lund ends by discussing the difference between an explicit and implicit mindset and how to switch between the two. He states that an explicit mindset is a deliberate, conscious, and aware mindset- which is key for training.
However, when executing, it is important to flip the switch and enter an implicit mindset, which is subconscious, unstructured, and unaware.
Additionally, Lund emphasizes the importance of play and how it should not be considered work. He notes that the work is done beforehand. Once it's time to compete, the focus should be on having fun and letting go of conscious control.