262: Do drills work? The case for and against
The Nuance of Drills: Do They Really Work?
In this episode of the On Coaching Podcast, hosts Steve Magness and Jonathan Marcus delve into the controversial topic of whether drills are effective in enhancing running mechanics and athletic performance. They discuss the history, purpose, and context of various drills, offering insights into how they can be used intentionally for priming, coordination, and special strength. The hosts also provide practical advice on sequencing drills for maximum benefit and stress the importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind each drill to evaluate its effectiveness. They conclude by emphasizing the multifaceted value of drills beyond direct mechanical improvements.
Check out the Scholar Program
The Scholar Program is our one-stop-shop for all things coaches education. It has 20+ courses plus an online interaction system with 500+ other coaches! And we’ve added a new course! The Igloi course. Sign up now for a free month off!
We also just added a brand new course with 80+ lectures on the training of Mihaly Igloi! We also added the Mike Smith tapes! An exclusive interview with the illustrious NAU coach.
Join the Scholar Program!
From the science of running to history to the latest training programs, it has everything you need to coach better! We just added a new instant conversation service, that will allow all scholars to interact with Jon, Steve, and hundreds of other coaches instantly to help you solve your coaching issues!
Share your thoughts with us on social media:
Steve: Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube
Ways to Listen and Subscribe to the Podcast:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:29 Today’s Controversial Topic: Do Drills Work?
02:04 The Case For and Against Drills
03:29 Historical Perspectives on Drills
06:25 The Nuances of Mechanics and Drills
08:29 The Role of Drills in Athletic Development
25:17 Drills in Rehabilitation and Recovery
31:10 Understanding Physical Literacy in Athletes
31:51 Compensation Patterns in Aging Athletes
32:56 The Role of Drills in Physical Literacy
34:03 Debate on Ladder Drills and Speed
38:36 Structuring Effective Drills
42:04 Warm-Up Routines for Athletes
48:12 The Importance of Consistency and Context in Training
53:57 Final Thoughts on Drills and Training