Cupertino High School Cross Country 2009

Home of the Pioneers
Head Coach Paul Armstrong

COACHING PHILOSPHY
or WHAT I BELIEVE IN

1. Every child deserves to be coached.
2. I coach more than just the sport when appropriate.
3. I try not to do things that will hurt the athlete. I think short term and long term.
4. I plan all of my workouts in advance and revise them as needed during the season.  
5. I demand respect and show respect.
6. Academics come first before athletics.
7. I use time management and goal setting for both athlete and coach.
8. Having fun is important.
9. I do not tolerate second rate effort easily.
10. Parents are part of the process.  Keep them informed and involved.
11. The goal is for everyone to improve from the beginning of the season to the end and/or
from the last season to the next season.
12. Retention of committed athletes is important.
13. Work on relaxation, focusing, and mental preparation.
14. Asset management is important.
15. I teach and coach to the success process model.  See explanation below.


I define the success process model as a construct that produces results by breaking down the end goal into milestone success points and simple segments that allow the goal(s) to be understood and reached.  That means every practice and meet must produce a result that will lead to the final meet.  The final meet is the last success measuring point. In cross country, milestones such as minimum mileage, the 5:30/6:15 first mile, the 24 200s, the 24 400s are established.  The fitness course, Saturday long runs, crunches, push-ups, rest days, course strategies, etc. are all segments that go toward meeting the goals. In track and field, much of the same milestones are used along with event specific drills and exercises.  Everything should come together by the end of the season.  It is similar to putting a puzzle together.  You decide where to start and complete parts based upon what's working or which pieces are available, adjusting the completion strategy along the way as needed.

last updated: 8/23/09
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