Is it the teacher or is it the student??

A question I have often found myself asking since becoming a coach, is whether a rowers inability to row properly is the fault of the rower themselves for not listening to their coach, or the coach for not conveying the art of rowing in a way the rower would understand.

Some rowers are defiantly more responsive and "tuned in" than others (girls more so than boys) but in most cases they will listen if the coach provides the right environment and can find what drives and motivates the rower. As each rower is different in their approach to things different methods must be used to get the most out of them. A good coach, can convey the proper technique and convince his athletes that his methods should be trusted, as can a good teacher inspire and captivate in any subject outside of rowing.

 In most cases I think the fault of a bad rower should not be laid solely at the feel of the coach or athlete but also the system they are a part of. In some clubs there are a disproportionate amount of rowers to coaches.
This in turn means the coach has less time to spend teaching each athlete, so if the athlete has a problem with listening attentively then they are often left behind.

In my opinion I find it hard to coach more than 1 boat at a time on the water (1 eight). Well actually I don't find it hard I just don't think I can spend enough time with each person so that they understand exactly what I'm trying to teach them. This of course changes as the athletes become older, more experienced, and willing to do anything to win.