Robin Williams is best known for coaching the British womens pair to Olympic Gold medals in London 2012 and Rio 2016; and 11 years coaching Cambridge University for the Boat Race. A master technical coach, he talks about his new coaching business, technique videos and what it was like coaching Mahe Drysdale.

He was previously on RowingChat in 2013

https://rowing.chat/robin-williams/

Timestamps

03:20 Introduction and background in rowing - as a lightweight for University of London.

11:00 Athletes want consistency, fairness and transparency in the selection process.

14:00 Coaching with Harry Mahon at CUBC. Our technical model. He was enigmatic and didn't coach the obvious stuff.

21:00 Robin's coaching style. Length and strong leg push, synchronisation, relaxation, creating rhythm and efficiency in the stroke.

24:00 The margins are made in a race by technique, mentality and efficiency. I have an affinity with people who are good but not yet brilliant.

27:00 Changes to the Olympic programmes - centralised venues. The quality of rest is crucial and recovery time is a limiting factor. Athlete care is now better understood.

31:00 Individualisation of the programme for erg and land training.

33:00 What did GB W2- change between London and Rio?

39:00 Coaching Mahe Drysdale - there's a risk that you cannot change as you age. What is his motivation?

44:30 I try to look at the boat first, not the athlete. Then the oars and lastly the athlete. Consider the observable mechanics and angles. Then find how the athlete thinks about moving the boat.

49:00 Be looking for what you don't know.

53:00 Williams Rowing Coaching - technique videos for coaches and athletes.

https://www.facebook.com/williamsrowingcoaching

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