Stick To The Basics

Any on-ramp program associated with CrossFit talks about it.  The basics, the fundamental movements that will allow an athlete to excel.  We want to start with Technique, work with the athlete to perform with Consistency, and provide the motivation and support to perform with Intensity. 



It starts with technique.  The ability to perform the foundation of our program.  There are nine foundational movements to CrossFit.  They are never perfect.  There is a risk associated with moving outside of the basics; movie time:

If you recall the movie, Varsity Blues, in which Jonathan Moxon (aka the Mox) played James Van Der Beek, has taken over the Quarterback Position after Lance Harbor, played by Paul Walker,  gets hurt and all the players are at practice.  The Mox takes all the guys into a huddle, they are tired and sweaty, but Mox wants to have a little fun, so he calls the play in which Billy Bob, played by Ron Lester,  runs down the field acting all dumb and plays receiver because Charlie Tweeder, played by Scott Caan, is gonna pitch him the ball. 

Long story short, Billy Bob drops the ball and Coach Bud Kilmer (Jon Voight) is livid!  He pulls Mox over and grabs onto his facemask and twirls his whistle around, banging it against Mox's helmet as he yells;

Bud Kilmer: “When did the circus come to town? I didn't see no trucks.”
Mox: “It would've been six if he caught it.
Bud Kilmer: “For which team? You listen hard. Stick to the basics! Stick to the basics! Stick to the basics! We're a running team. You only call what I tell you to call. You hear me? You are the damn dumbest smart kid I know.”
  
That line always sticks in my head as an athlete attempts to learn the movement on their own, or when they second guess a movement and attempt to do what they think they have to do.  There is nothing wrong with consulting the Coach if you second guess yourself. 

Remember the Karate Kid:

Miyagi: We make sacred pact. I promise teach karate to you, you promise learn. I say, you do, no questions.

Except in this Karate Kid, I will let you ask all the questions you want. Provided you learn the basics first.

-Coach Tony