The Journey to Developing Differential Learning Theory

The Soviet Lev P. Matveyev was considered by many an eminence in the global approach to training and periodization theory. The story goes that Stalin asked him what where the most important training principles to beat the Americans in the next Olympics. Matveyev, after investigating, replied that the key was the principle of individuality. This clashed with communism and was not applied as the sport scientist suggested.

Wolfgang Schöllhorn trained different German athletes and led them to success with training methods that respected the individuality of each one. Then, with enough evidence, he published his Differential Learning Theory. A learning theory that opposes the repetition of an “ideal” movement based on what the traditional textbooks say. It is about finding performance patterns according to each person’s individuality. Differential Learning Theory is about empowerment. It does not force to produce any movement pattern. It forces to discover yours, it teaches you to constantly adapt.

Martí Cañellas | Fosbury Flop

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