As a coach, and as an athlete too, I have always had an affiliation with the big boat. Most of my international career was in eights, and my coaching career has also been focused on the eight. When I watch a rowing event, I am drawn to the eight. “Building” an eight involves a careful balance of different psychological, physiological and technical elements. The eight is the largest boat type so therefore contains the greatest variance of these elements. I believe that coaching an eight is the most demanding job in rowing. Having sound coaching skills is a prerequisite, but being able to lead a diverse group of individuals requires considerable managerial skill. Therefore, this article will be about some of the lessons that I have picked up along the way, from my own failures, other coaches and observations throughout my entire time obsessed with the eight.
Positive Motivation