The Constraints Collective #29 Craig Morris (Olympic paddlesport coach) returns for the second time
Dec 21, 2024
Craig Morris, a seasoned British Canoe Slalom performance coach, discusses his 20-year journey coaching Olympic medalists. He shares insights on evolving coaching philosophies, emphasizing personalized approaches and humility. The conversation dives into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies in training. Morris highlights adapting to dynamic environments, particularly with the introduction of Kayak Cross. He advocates for embracing uncertainty in coaching, fostering autonomy, and the value of reflection and knowledge sharing within the coaching community.
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Craig's Coaching Journey
- Craig Morris shares how coaching found him at 23 after a reluctant start as a paddler.
- Over years, he coached Olympic medalists but realized his early coaching was uninformed and rigid.
Soft Skills Are Hard Skills
- Coaching 'soft skills' like language are actually some of the hardest skills.
- Team and individual sports differ; team sports focus more on tactics, while paddle sports emphasize coach-athlete interaction.
Periodize Skill Training Intentionally
- Use Fabianotti's periodization of skill training to align practice with competition demands.
- Be deliberate in leaning into adaptable skill training rather than leaving it to chance.