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

## TL;DR

This paper explores how elite Australian rowing coaches approach training and monitoring, revealing their philosophies and practical methods.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into training philosophies and monitoring practices from experienced rowing coaches.

## Key findings

- Training philosophy includes building the engine, periodised intensity, and progression of on-water speed.
- Training prescription depends on modality and athlete characteristics.
- Monitoring on-water performance is challenging, with a focus on short versus long-term assessments.

## Abstract

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.