Assume, for the moment, that media statements are true concerning Tim’s change in coaching disposition. If you were his new coach, what areas would you focus on for his WC preparations?
I’ll just say that Tim was well on his way to a great performance before the problems became unbearable in late Jan. I think those of you who know me know that I don’t make idle claims.
Originally posted by TMSSF
Assume, for the moment, that media statements are true concerning Tim’s change in coaching disposition. If you were his new coach, what areas would you focus on for his WC preparations?
- Would you begin by planning long term?
- Keep things status quo?
- Focus on strengths?
- Work on breakdowns?
- Call up “you know who” and get as much input and support as your pride will allow?
Apart from that TMSSF is your avatar Tommie The Jet? It’s a beautiful action.
I think Tim needs to focus on consistency w/ his start and working on his stride mechanics. I have been saying all along that his strides are too short and choppy.
Tim seems to be weaker this year.
Does anyone know his strength levels as of this early season?
Once Tim gets discipline he’ll do a lot better.
We all must remember Pfaff doesn’t put up w/ much crap. Tim must get his head right if he goes w/ Pfaff. This should be an interesting relationship.
Pfaff is into MAD :mad: science when it comes to sprinting. Tim will run very fast w/ his guidance.
Kenny Mac~~
Kenny
I don’t know much about Tim’s history, but I found him to be great to work with. He always did the work, never complained, and (unusual for top sprinters) he and Marion were always on time for practice. His strength levels were not down when I saw him last- basically on a par with his lifts of the last two years, which is tough to do when the sprint training intensity is going up.
On time for practice? That my friend is a rare quality…
If you decide to get extra help from master coaches…remember to do what is comfortable for you. Simply being a puppet of another coach will not work.
Originally posted by kitkat1
… Apart from that TMSSF is your avatar Tommie The Jet? It’s a beautiful action.
After 30+ years, I guess his movements remain distinguishable to this day! Even running on a long relay, he was fun to watch.
By the way, Tommie was the 1st sprinter I ever saw to wear sunglasses while competing.
Okay, time for me to jump in…
From what I’ve seen, the combination of Tim and Charlie was sensational. In after just a few training sessions, Charlie had Tim flying out of the blocks effortlessly (great form and reaction) and accelerating in a strong but smooth fashion.
Here are some electronic times to ponder (pulled off of my Digital Video camera with a frame calclulation - so very, very close to electronic timing).
Tim did a full workout with Charlie, starting with 10m starts from blocks (at least 4 of them). One after another, Charlie made some subtle adjustments, and Tim got faster and faster. Then they moved out to 30m from blocks (another 4 reps). Three of the 4 starts were under 3.80 seconds (3.78, 3.75, 3.78 respectively). The first start was slightly over 3.80, but he was just getting the feel for it.
(Note: I’m sure Tim’s starts in his recent races were all above 3.90 seconds).
Then, they moved to standing 60m runs. All of Tim’s standing 60m runs were consistently under 6.45 seconds, with the fourth one coming in at 6.36 seconds.
Again, all taken from my digital camera. So based on the evidence taken from my camera, Tim was well on his way to World Record performances back in December 2002.
Some may think I’m not an objective observer, but my DV cam has all the evidence. It’s too bad the press and all of the other negative individuals out there put the pressure on Tim and Marion to separate themselves from Charlie. The sprint performances would have spoken for themself.
As for MJ’s long jump, I’m a firm believer that Charlie’s modifications to her running technique alone would have contributed significantly to a new women’s LJ world record. Based on my video review, most of her problems were approach-run based (with some minor changes to take-off mechanics needed). But what do I know…!!!
Number Two
Also, regarding Tim’s work ethic. Tim appeared to be very easy to work with. He was constantly discussing technical issues, in a constructive manner, with Charlie and relaying good information back to Charlie to assist with any needed adjustments. The same goes for Marion.
In the weight room, Tim seemed plenty strong enough for an athlete his size.
Unfortunately, there seems to be plenty of people wanting Tim to fail and jumping all over him when he doesn’t run under 10 seconds. They also spread unfounded rumours about him that make no sense to me. Tim was very pleasant and seemed to be a genuine person.
Elite sprinting is a tough business…
Sounds interesting so in december he was using up to 60m. How long did Charlie work with him and what were his other practice times in events longer then 60m. Could you fill us in a little more. Thanks.
The data I have is for a series of workouts for up to 60m (as this is what I have recorded digitally - thus, can prove that these times were actually performed by Tim).
I’ll let Charlie answer your other questions.
My athletes actually saw Dan working with Tim & Obadele Thompson at Stanford. They didn’t make a big deal about it, until this article came out:
http://espn.go.com/oly/news/2003/0622/1571566.html
I’m sure others can confirm this… they weren’t the only ones there.
Thanks number 2! So kind to share your comments.
I find the comments about sprinters and being on time interesting. I think it is a matter of respecting the people one is working with. If I am working with you, and am always late, I have little or no respect for you and YOUR time. We live in a world that is governed by the clock, and need to act accordingly.
I know of an athlete who had achieved ALOT, and whined that he received little respect for his accomplishments. I saw him interviewed in Europe once on TV (he´s not European), and he was asked about his renowned tardiness. He replied that he saved his speed for the track.
I heard from his inner circle that he once had an appointment for a potential endorsement deal, and he showed up 2 hours late. Did he get the deal? No. Who cares. Maybe he did. He whined enough about his lack of coverage and respect. Who was the potential deal with?
Coca §&%§§in´ Cola.
No need to give the moral of the story.
I have had one athlete that failed to show up for a $25,000.00 deal…he was a silver medalist at the games and all he had to do was sign a paper and do nothing besides shake some hands at a corporate party. I spent 80 hours preparing that deal and he shrugged it off like it was nothing…later after his lights were turned off I figured karma went his way.
So Clemson -
I hear you. What do you do with athletes like that? Let them learn the hard way? I think sometimes one has to be a hard ass to help the athlete out in the long run. I hate being a hard ass, but I am slowly learning.
An athlete who has a GREAT work ethic and tons of respect for those he worked with started working with Dan Pfaff. Pfaff sent him home the first 2 days he came to the track because his body language said he wasn´t ready to work. The athlete learned, and today sits at home with 1 OG gold, and 2 WC golds.
The athlete told me this story himself.