Tips, Strategies, and Myths Debunked
In this blog, I’ll be sharing some valuable tips and tricks to enhance your game day strategy. I’ll also dive into common myths and misconceptions to help you avoid potential pitfalls during game day coaching.
TIPS
1. Read the rulebook
Ever realised your athlete was about to attempt a record, just for the next person to chip it because they had a higher lot number? Or you realise you couldn’t lower your athlete’s third deadlift because someone with a lower lot number already went first?
Reading the rules might seem daunting at first, but it will help you gain a better understanding of what should be done. Blunders will happen, but learn from them.
2. Know your athlete
Understand what your athlete needs from you. Assurance, space, energy, everyone needs something different. Discussing their needs will them will not only make them feel reassured, but it will also instill confidence for the both of you.
There’s nothing worse than an athlete being coached by someone who doesn’t feel like they’re on the same page as them.
3. Understand your targets/win conditions
You can’t have everything, not all at once. Going through the point above, discussing what they want and hope to achieve from the meet goes a long way. But if they ask to hit 4 records, and win their category and best lifter, it can get a little messy especially if those targets are a reach.
Pick 1 to 2 targets, and focus on them. This streamlines the decision-making process and clears up clutter in your head.
MYTHS
1. You need to PR your total
If your goal is to win, more often than not, you would prioritise winning your competition over your best performance. At the top level, 2.5kg or body weight separates a world champion from a runner up.
Examples include 2022 Worlds where Meghan Scanlon, Chiara Bernardi, and Iris Scholten all totalled 505kg, and 2024 Worlds where Kasemsand Senumong, Jonathan Garcia, and Panagiotis Tarinidis all totalled 707.5kg with the former being declared World Champions on body weight.
2. Gameday coaching only starts during deadlifts
Records, chips, lot number, and body weight, all of the information is provided before the meet or after the weigh in.
If you don’t pay attention to your athlete and competition during squat and bench press, it might be too late if you happen to miss out on a chip or an opportunity to pressure your competition into missing.
3. It’s over if you miss an attempt
Missing attempts can open up opportunities for your competition, and also get in your head. However, it isn’t impossible to come back from a missed lift.
Focusing on what comes next instead of fixating on what happened can change a bad meet to just a bad attempt. Learn and move forward.
In powerlifting, gameday success is the culmination of preparation, strategy, and adaptability. Whether you’re an athlete or a powerlifting coach, understanding the nuances of the sport and maintaining a clear focus can make all the difference.
By staying informed, communicating effectively, and learning from each experience, you can approach each competition with confidence and set yourself up for long-term growth and success.
