![Lessons from Eddie](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/10190/410946/5e3d177b84902/Lessons-from-Eddie.jpg)
I AM an avid rugby fan. This caused problems when both the Rugby World Cup and the World Athletics Championships were running side-by-side for a while last autumn. Some of the matches in Japan were scintillating, especially those up to the quarter-finals featuring the host nation – and of course England’s dismissal of the All Blacks in the semi-final (we won’t talk about the final!).
Eddie Jones has always been known as a coach who thinks out of the box. Although on reading his accounts – some of his coaching suggestions/ideas and comments, perhaps need to be taken a little more lightly.
Indeed, the Australian even admitted to only not saying what he had calculated to say in press conferences a couple of times (in itself an indicator of a coach who is thinking about every performance influencer).
In distilling what I learnt from Jones from a coach’s standpoint I realised that there were some lessons that I – and therefore hopefully other athletics coaches could learn from.
Force athletes to be more self-reliant
Jones realises there is only so much you can do as a coach to get players to win and play tactically astutely. He therefore aims to empower them to make their own “right” decisions within a leadership framework. One that enables them to best control the outcome of their efforts within the framework of the team’s prior learning.
Okay, you may argue this is more of a rugby necessity, but I’d argue that creating strong, autonomous functioning runners, jumpers and throwers is equally important. I want an athlete to be able to adapt, motivate and control their performance each time. I don’t want them running to the sidelines unsure of what to do.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Carbon Footprint](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e9879946ea05/crp_Carbon-Footprint.jpg)
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
![Stay neutral](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e987de3ac26f/crp_Stay-neutral.jpg)
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
![Support network](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e988047bef5f/crp_Support-network.jpg)
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
![Need for speed](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e98817863f44/crp_Need-for-speed.jpg)
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
![What's in a shoe?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e986f5b007e4/crp_Whats-in-ashoe.jpg)
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
![How To Prime Your Immunity](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/431194/5e7cbb7cbbe9c/crp_How-to-prime-your-immunity.jpg)
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
![English Schools Survival At Stake](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/428266/5e734ea4c0928/crp_English-Schools-survival-at-stake.jpg)
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
![Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/10190/428266/5e734d7d28518/crp_Athletics-events-are-wiped-out.jpg)
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19