I’m not holding back today.
Any gap between the way children learn and the way we train them is human potential wasted.
So often we allow training policies to be at the full discretion of the individual coach.
Imagine a surgeon not following the most proficient protocols to save lives.
Imagine a pilot flying at any altitude he chooses.
Imagine a judge making up the laws as she goes.
There is indeed something unsafe, unwise, and unjust about liberty in this regard.
We do not have the freedom to violate safe protocols, best practices, and just processes. We are working with children. We cannot wing it and hope for the best. We cannot cling to ineffective methods because we are too stubborn to embrace sound pedagogical practices. We do not have that right. We are attempting to maximize human potential.
I am not holding back today.
If we would not accept this in our surgeons, pilots, or judges then why do we accept it in our ourselves as coaches. Need we be reminded that we work with the most precious of our society.
We have a responsibility to know more and know better.
So what to do?
First, we stop coddling curmudgeons: those in our craft that are not willing to hone their craft. Those in our profession that burden our children rather them bless them with productive and purposeful instruction.
Winning must not rationalize the ridiculous.
Second, we build upon best practices. We listen to those beyond the immediacy of our sport as to how best raise intelligent, resilient, and capable children. We research what that looks like and we share the answers. We find out how the brain and body work as we care for the heart. We ask tough questions. When what we do does not line up with what should be done, we change. Period. No tenured incompetence. No flying by the seat of our apathy.
Learning must lead.
I’m not holding back today.
I am minding the gap between the way children learn and the way I train them.
I have to be better.
We have to do better.
Reprinted with kind permission from Todd Beane
Founder of TOVO Training and TOVO Academy Barcelona. In TOVO Training, Beane has combined proven pedagogical practices of experts in the field of education with the visionary components of a total football legend into a dynamic and practical training methodology.
Christchurch United FC is rethinking Talent Development with TOVO Academy Barcelona which is regarded the best holistic program in Europe for players aiming to excel in football and beyond.
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