Training With a Hangover

Happy Saturday, Today, let’s dive into a coaching legend, Bill Starr, and one of my favorite articles of all time; Training With a Hangover. Not only will we learn the secrets to training after a few too many, but I think there’s some lessons we can al...

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Leech Letters Issue 3

Happy Saturday,

Today, let’s dive into a coaching legend, Bill Starr, and one of my favorite articles of all time; Training With a Hangover . Not only will we learn the secrets to training after a few too many, but I think there’s some lessons we can all pull from this article as coaches.

Dealing with the Unavoidable: Party Culture in Athletics

In the 70s, Bill Starr found himself amid a vibrant party scene at the University of Hawaii. Athletes, particularly football players, were more inclined towards the beaches and partying than the classroom. The typical day involved getting high on local weed, hitting the beaches, and then showing up in the weight room, not in the best shape for training.

Starr’s Approach: Realism Over Idealism

Starr knew he couldn’t change this entrenched behavior. Instead of clamping down with strict rules, he chose to work with it. He demanded consistency in attendance and effort in workouts, regardless of their state. This wasn’t about ratting them out or shaming them – tactics that would have backfired. It was about setting expectations and guiding them on how to meet these despite their indulgences.

What set Starr apart was his ability to build trust. He understood the importance of not embarrassing or shaming his athletes, especially considering their cultural backgrounds. This understanding and his method of direct yet respectful confrontation led the athletes to respect and listen to him.

Training Through the Fog

Starr’s method involved strong coffee, a bit of pre-workout nutrition, and a no-nonsense approach to training sessions. He pushed the athletes to break records even on their worst days, proving to them and to himself that their physical capabilities could override their mental and physical hangovers.

The Result: Discipline and Self-Confidence

Starr’s approach led to a significant boost in the athletes’ self-confidence. They learned that their bodies could still perform at high levels despite not feeling their best. This didn’t just apply to training; it was a life lesson in resilience and mental strength.

Takeaway for Us

Starr’s story isn’t just about how to handle athletes with hangovers; it’s about building trust and pushing through barriers, whether self-imposed or circumstantial. As coaches and mentors, we can take a page from Starr’s book on understanding, adaptability, and resilience. We owe it to our athletes to work WITH them, guide them, and hold them accountable on the path to success. Yelling, belittling, and intimidating athletes with fear of punishment will never be as successful as working alongside our athletes to have them their goals.

Stay strong and keep coaching hard,

- Leech

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