On Coaching with Magness & Marcus

262: Do drills work? The case for and against

Jan 6, 2025
Dive into the debate on the effectiveness of drills in athletic training. Explore how they may function more as warm-ups than skill enhancers, especially for sprinters. Discover the intricacies of muscle mechanics that challenge traditional views. Learn how context influences training success and the worrying decline in youth outdoor activities. Additionally, uncover modern rehabilitation methods that leverage drills for quicker recovery, emphasizing the importance of coordinated movements and intentional practice.
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ANECDOTE

Tellez on Drills

  • Steve Magness recalls Tom Tellez questioning his use of drills, saying they don't translate to improved mechanics.
  • Tellez believed drills were acceptable for warm-up and mobility, but not for directly improving technique.
INSIGHT

Nuance of Drill Effectiveness

  • The effectiveness of drills is debated because coaches have different goals and definitions of transferability.
  • Vern Gambetta viewed drills as primarily strengthening muscles in postures similar to sprinting, with technical benefits being secondary.
INSIGHT

Origin of Drills

  • Drills developed due to Poland's harsh weather conditions.
  • They served as a safe way to prepare before better weather arrived.
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