WHAT IS POTENTIAL

POTENTIAL – ( Capable of coming into being or action, latent )

Thus stated by the Concise Oxford Dictionary the most abused word in the sporting vocabulary is exposed as a knife with two cutting edges. In sporting or gymnastics term we understand that coming into being or action means the realization of sporting excellence, the performance of human activity at its most perfect level.
Andrianov, Deltchev, Gienger, Korolev, Comaneci, Boginskaya, represent just a few of the world class gymnasts we all try to emulate. But those two knife edges LATENT and CAPABLE cythe through our intentions and dreams as easily as bent leg through a medal opportunity.

LATENT

This suggests that something is within, dormant, awaiting some action that will release and ability. With some slight juggling we turn LATENT into TALENT, a theory into object of practical use. The search for TALENT, can be the most crucial activity in the schools, sports club or gym centers . Many sports use TALENT SCOUTS who go to endless number of minor games events, matches, competitions, tournaments etc. with an experienced eye ever watchful for the youngster with something special. The Malaysian system runs this way. A successful coach funded by the NSC will train the best sportsmen and women after going through TID or being selected.

In sports such as gymnastics the search starts much earlier, In schools, clubs, gym centers children are TESTED and progress MONITERED with the infamous PYRAMID reaching up to elevate the TALENTED few. These tests can be very specific in physical terms. The results of a series of tests and measurements can identify TALENT for specific sports. It is more subtle test that can qualifies intelligence, courage, determination, and will power. Many centers and clubs are experts in physical testing but rank beginners in identifying those qualities which the champions must have.

CAPABLE

Of course we are capable of unleashing that LATENT ability. Well, given the time, and the facility and the money, and of course there is the question of medical support, and then we must have the new type of spring board, and remember the exams are very important and the………

The TALENT is only of POTENTIAL if someone is CAPABLE of realizing it. Some of the best gymnasts come from the smallest, hottest, overcrowded halls in the country. The trick is solving problems not creating them. If all the TALENTED gymnasts in this country for instance could be placed in an identical situation with and identical coach, we would still have the same success rate in performance.

COACHING means CAPABLE

We can spend whole evenings bleating about problems but in the end it is the coaching that counts.

Are you a CAPABLE coach ?