Vancouver 2004 DVD Review
Introduction:
This DVD was shot during Charlie’s training seminar in Vancouver in 2004. Like Vancouver 2002 it covers the theory related to speed training from the perspective of both track and team sports. However, this volume has a greater track bias than the 2002 edition. A full training plan of SPP1 is provided for athletes going both Short to Long and Long to short.
Content:
The film starts with an interesting “proverb”, the theme of which is reiterated throughout the film. It then progresses to quickly recapping on some of the material covered in Vancouver 2002 DVD, specifically how each training component affects performance and training progression in the long term. While the material is similar you get a different perspective and some additional information. We then get some more of Charlie’s stories this time regarding what not to do in the run up to competition and sports psychology in general!
We then get a discussion of periodization for 100/200m sprint training, lasting around an hour. The idea that you can approach yearly planning from either a Short-to-Long (S-L) and Long-to-Short (L-S) perspective is presented and a full programme for SPP1 is provided for both systems and that the differences are explicitly analysed.
The merits of each system are highlighted and Charlie provides help to evaluate which system would be most suitable for individual athletes. The impact of acceleration on performance is also discussed and throughout the discussion Charlie provides more stories to illustrate his points. There is also information regarding double and triple periodization and how training components need to be altered depending on which approach is taken. Towards the end of this section the action moves to the blackboard and Charlie sketches out a block diagram of the entire training year and provides examples of key workouts throughout the season.
The DVD closes by discussing the run up to competition and how training should be altered while athletes are competing. The importance of massage and therapy is discussed and Charlie finishes up with some important coaching tips regarding the role of a coach and how you should plan for success and expect it.
This last section really brings home Charlie’s philosophy that if you plan correctly you will get the right result and if something goes wrong then more likely than not it is a result of inadequate planning. While some people in the audience find this idea hard to swallow as a viewer you can see the logic behind Charlie’s argument and at the same time the importance good coaching plays in the success of world class athletes.
Conclusion:
Like the Vancouver 2002 DVD this is essential material for coaches and athletes alike. My only criticism is that the questions from the audience are too quiet and unlike the Vancouver 2002 DVD are not subtitled. Having said that, the content is excellent and the quality of the video footage is generally better than Vancouver 2002. In closing this DVD builds on the fantastic Vancouver 2002 and provides essential information for anyone interested in annual planning of sprint training.