Decision-making, that's the real business here

The previous post, and first of this blog, brought up a little of polemics. As it's not my intention, here it comes the second, which I think will clear things up and also put all that theory in action. It was about technique, tactics and strategy in slalom, but specifically about how to structure what we usually call 'technique workout'. Let's see how it applies in a real workout like the one we did a few days ago.



Say we want to work the spin gate, we set up a course and tell the athletes that a certain gate is a mandatory spin. That's sometimes the way to go, because it's not that easy to find a good spot to place a spin in certain courses (read Parc del Segre, la Seu d'Urgell), but there is some issues with regards to making that spin mandatory, and this relates to this blog's first post.

Our ulterior goal when training is not doing a technically perfect spin gate but to do it on a perfect timing. Paddlers' decision-making process (whether should it be spin or direct) must give'em the maximum benefit, specially compared with the other choice, in terms of speed and risk management, and that's more a matter of tactics and strategics.

So, if we do a mandatory spin, we are skipping the decision-making component of the process. The paddler is just doing it because he was told so. He won't improve his tactics, neither his course analysis. Just his spin technique, but not as much as he could, because he probably feels he is not doing the best option, so he won't feel the motivation to search for the best efficiency.

Como adapto mi técnica: How I adapt my technique

Adaptación a la situación: How I adapt to the real-time action

The distribution on the proposed training, which I reckon helps in both areas (technique and decision-making), was as follows:

• Set a course (about 30") with gates you foresee spin as being the best option. However, don't make that spin mandatory, at most just recommend it. But let them choose. If they feel like going direct, let them try. And later, ask them to give a try at the spin. Anyway, they should have the last word about it.
• Set two gates right above the course (where possible), where they can practice the spin technique (mandatory here). The more simple the conditions, the better. While they are waiting to run the course, they should be practicing spins on both sides.

On the first part, while waiting, we are working on the technique component. Without the rush of a normal course, the paddler can focus on the theoretical ideal model for the spin, and try to emulate it. That model must have been taught before at conceptual level, by the way. On the second part we are working on the strategical component (course analysis, decisions about what is the best option for the athlete), and the tactical component (adapt my technique and strategy to the real-time action).