Training Prescription and Monitoring in Rowing: Perspectives From Elite Australian Coaches

Elite coach experiential knowledge may provide valuable insights into athlete preparation and monitoring practices that are otherwise difficult to establish objectively. Accordingly, we explored the perspectives of elite Australian rowing coaches in relation to (1) training philosophy, (2) training prescription methods, and (3) training monitoring and performance assessment. Ten experienced rowing coaches (experience range 15–51 years) were interviewed in a semi-structured format on the three topics established above. Data were analysed using hierarchical content analysis to develop higher and lower order themes. Under training philosophy, three higher order themes were established: (1) building the engine, (2) intensity is periodised and polarised, and (3) progression of on-water speed is key. Two higher order themes were established for training prescription methods: (1) prescription is modality dependent and (2) athlete characteristics are important. Under training monitoring and performance assessment, two higher order themes were identified: (1) assessing on-water performance is difficult and (2) short versus long term monitoring. Coaches acknowledged the complexity of training prescription and quantification in rowing and offered practical methods to overcome challenges with these processes. These findings help to inform coaches and support staff in the training environment as well as inform future research.