THE SPORT OF ROWING “Batschi published standard training programs as guides for coaches on the best methods to ensure that crews were properly trained in terms of endurance, strength, etc., and he also published, for the first time, rigging details based on research done at World Championships. Team Selection “Under Batschi, a selection [protocol] was set up with the aim of ensuring individuals were brought into focus and consistent performance over a number of races was the key, rather than ‘flash in the pan’ results.”6305 Poke: “Selection of Australian state and national crews had for some time been almost invariably based on the best club and state crews respectively. There was virtually no examination of individual and perhaps ‘hidden’ talent in other crews.”6306 McLaren: “Most coaches try to set up a system where the best people can get together at some point. The leading countries today are getting closer to full- time training with more professional support systems in areas such as biomechanics, physiology, psychology and nutrition. “Reinhold had come from a system that was black and white, and that was reflected in his approach to setting up a new system. “He set up a structured, methodical system of trial weekends where athletes would row two boats in every regatta, pairs and fours, or singles and doubles. “Compulsory regattas, compulsory attendance. “After the first regatta, those who had not done well were encouraged by selectors or coaches to try different combinations. So people would naturally rearrange themselves before the next selection weekend four weeks later. 6305 www.sahof.org.au 6306 Poke, p. 55 “Over a three month period, they would have three trials, and then the Nationals at the end would be the culmination. The best boats would stay together if they made a time standard, and everybody else would reorganize and try to work up to them in the following seasons.”6307 Batschi’s Technique Andrew Guerin: “Before Batschi’s arrival, the lack of finances, the lack of strong leadership and the distances within Australia made uniformity of rowing styles impossible. This made the selection of crews for national teams very difficult, and so most international crews had to be based on a local crew with minor changes to try and enhance it. Our poor results reflected this position.”6308 “[Batschi] developed a standard technique throughout the country after travelling to all states and spending time with top state coaches and crews while giving seminars to other coaches.”6309 McLaren: “Reinhold promoted a ‘legs, then back, then arms’ sequence with a pronounced ‘set-up’ and preparation of body and arms from the back of the stroke [beginning of the recovery].”6310 The 1984 composite Eight, which was coached by Batschi after selection, actually rowed with concurrent legs and backs. Force application was a very strong Kernschlag. Guerin: “Reinhold provided the ideas, and others such as John Coates, John Boultbee and the national selectors enforced the discipline, so in summary, any developed style within Australia throughout 6307 McLaren, op. cit. 6308 Guerin, personal correspondence, 2007 6309 www.sahof.org.au 6310 McLaren, op. cit. 1756
