I'll fully own that I haven't been particularly constructive with some of my replies to some of the more strongly opiononated posters... There's really no excuse to sink to that & I should do better.
I think this situation is a fascinating case of athlete development. The approach being taken, imo, aligns with the best thinking I've had the privilege of being exposed to directly (top coaching & program leaders on several continents)...
This thread and the general concencus among many pseudo-experts highlights why it's a much harder approach for both the leadership & the player to take... Which I appreciate. Sticking to the hard thing one believes to be right is not easy in the spotlight of pro sports entertainment... Comes with serious job insecurity generally.
It would be probably surprising to most fans just how wide the spectrum of opinions are at the highest levels of sport when it comes to training & development. IMO, there are tangible similarities across sports among the very best, and they sit as outliers in their respective sports. The bell curve distribution finds most sitting in the comfortable middle, doing enough to stay in the arena/keep their job, but either too cautious, too proud or too oblivious to adapt their approach to chase real excellence.
The best do subtle, nuanced (don't tell BTT
) things with a level of rigour & discipline that withstands the inevitable ups & downs of short term performance outcome that fans & media are so quick to get emotional about.
There's a fine line btw ego driven stubborness and unwavering commitment. One is useless, the other is necessary. Very few get the distinction right, but it's that distinction that separates the best from the rest of the pack imo.