5 minute evaluation! I'm with you. When I worked at Millfield School, the Director of Sport was an ex-exercise physiologist. He saw numbers instead of children. I refused to fitness test people applying for sports scholarships: 'It's easy to get someone fit,' I said, 'Do they want to be here (rather than a pushy parent) and can they learn?' Were more important questions for me.
When someone asked to join our fitness sessions, I could tell within a minute or two how big their bullshit factor was, I then put them through some simple moves (like yours) and gave them some feedback on what they needed to work on. Their response told me everything I needed to know.
Brian, I greatly enjoyed this article and agree with so much. Many of us fall victim to the rigid, early judgement and have a hard time moving past it. It pertains to more than just basketball. When I was in college, I did an internship and eventually got hired. For some at the place of employment, it was hard to not still see me as intern when I was an actual employee with responsibilities. Your entry serves as a good reminder to keep our brains neuroplastic, rather than settled cement.
As a parent of teenagers, I'd offer that I'm not a big fan of shooting machines. My belief is that they can reinforce bad habits. Sometimes, a coach/trainer's relationship with the player is really valuable. A great one can see the mechanics, sequencing and form. They can also convey messages that the parent can't. So, even if a workout may seem "mundane" there may be more going on than meets the eye.
This list was not meant to be exhaustive: "What’s the purpose? Exercise? Repetitions? Time on task? Confidence? Feeling good?" Nor was this: " (in most cases; some parents may just want their child to have fun or get some exercise, which is fine)". There are many reasons for a trainer and as long as the player, parent, and coach understand the purpose, great.
I never use shooting machines, nor encourage their use. But, if a player simply wants to get some reps, they facilitate this goal.
5 minute evaluation! I'm with you. When I worked at Millfield School, the Director of Sport was an ex-exercise physiologist. He saw numbers instead of children. I refused to fitness test people applying for sports scholarships: 'It's easy to get someone fit,' I said, 'Do they want to be here (rather than a pushy parent) and can they learn?' Were more important questions for me.
When someone asked to join our fitness sessions, I could tell within a minute or two how big their bullshit factor was, I then put them through some simple moves (like yours) and gave them some feedback on what they needed to work on. Their response told me everything I needed to know.
Give me the raw, hungry ones every time.
Brian, I greatly enjoyed this article and agree with so much. Many of us fall victim to the rigid, early judgement and have a hard time moving past it. It pertains to more than just basketball. When I was in college, I did an internship and eventually got hired. For some at the place of employment, it was hard to not still see me as intern when I was an actual employee with responsibilities. Your entry serves as a good reminder to keep our brains neuroplastic, rather than settled cement.
As a parent of teenagers, I'd offer that I'm not a big fan of shooting machines. My belief is that they can reinforce bad habits. Sometimes, a coach/trainer's relationship with the player is really valuable. A great one can see the mechanics, sequencing and form. They can also convey messages that the parent can't. So, even if a workout may seem "mundane" there may be more going on than meets the eye.
This list was not meant to be exhaustive: "What’s the purpose? Exercise? Repetitions? Time on task? Confidence? Feeling good?" Nor was this: " (in most cases; some parents may just want their child to have fun or get some exercise, which is fine)". There are many reasons for a trainer and as long as the player, parent, and coach understand the purpose, great.
I never use shooting machines, nor encourage their use. But, if a player simply wants to get some reps, they facilitate this goal.