Coaching the Coach: Self-Awareness of Feedback Behaviors – By Will Ruth
Asymmetrical Foot Forces – By Blake Gourley
How Rowers Can Maintain Peak Performance as We Age – By Joe DeLeo
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Millar, S-K., Oldham, A., & Donovan, M. (2011). Coaches’ self-awareness of timing, nature, and intent of verbal instructions to athletes. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching.
Researchers observed four rowing coaches during one practice each. They coded all verbal instructions from the coach according to type, nature, and timing of the feedback, and then surveyed the coaches immediately following the practice to see how coach perception compared to researcher observation. The coaches were inaccurate in their self-assessment, revealing significant problems with how they were giving verbal feedback to the rowers. Coaches, rowers, and self-coached rowers can learn from the results of this study to improve feedback delivery and athlete learning.
Free Bonus Content! Interview with Dr. Sara Erdner
Mattes, K., & Wolff, S. (2019). Asymmetry of the leg stretcher force high-performance female and male juniors in sweep rowing. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport.
Sixteen male and 16 female U19 German Junior National Team rowers performed 2K and stroke rate tests on the water in competitive eights. Researchers measured handle force on the oar, stretcher force on the footplate, and rowing angle at the pin. They found that a foot force asymmetry exists in both junior male and female sweep rowers. The women demonstrated much higher amounts of asymmetry, but both men and women demonstrated increased asymmetry during fatigue, and decreased asymmetry at higher rates. Coaches and rowers can use this information to address asymmetry through movement screening, movement training, strength training, rigging, and other adjustments.
Nybo, L., Schmidt, J., Fritzdorf, S., & Nordsborg, N. (2014). Physiological characteristics of an aging olympic athlete. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 46(11).
Researchers analyzed 20 years of training data from a three-time Olympic Gold Medalist. Their goal was to examine changes in physiological capacity related to age. The researchers learned that it is possible to maintain peak physiological capacity and performance until the age of 40, and potentially beyond. Rowers and coaches can use this information to improve their performance, health, and longevity in the sport of rowing.
Free Bonus Content! Interview with 3x Olympic Gold Medallist Eskild Ebbesen
About Science of Rowing
“Science of Rowing” is a monthly publication created by three dual rowing-and-strength coaches: Will Ruth, Blake, Gourley, and Joe DeLeo. Our goal is to move research into practice for coaches and rowers of all ages, types, and levels. We are entirely member-funded and do not promote products or sell advertisements. Members receive one issue each month containing three reviews of recent and applicable research in rowing training, strength training for rowing, and other relevant performance areas like psychology, injury analysis, technology, and more.
Each issue includes video and graphic content to help move the knowledge into practice, as well as a podcast episode of the three of us discussing the takeaways and our experiences. Membership includes access to all prior issues, so join us for one month and get access to every issue. We also offer discounted annual and team memberships, as well as gift memberships for a special rower or coach in your life.