IF YOU CAN’T EXPLAIN IT, DON’T PROGRAM IT

Strength and conditioning coaches love refining their programs.

Sets. Reps. Exercise selection. Periodization models.

But here is the truth:

If you can’t clearly explain why you programmed something, you probably shouldn't ask your athletes to do it.

Communication isn’t separate from coaching; it’s part of it.

THE “WHY” IS PART OF THE PROGRAM

Every decision you make has ripple effects:

o   Why is volume lower this week?

o   Why are we using a CNS primer instead of a full lift session?

o   Why are we changing the accessory movements?

o   Why are we microdosing speed on a specific day?

If you can’t articulate the reasoning behind these decisions, two things happen:

1.      Sport coaches lose trust

2.      Athletes check out

The “why” isn’t a bonus explanation; it’s part of the design. Clarity builds confidence, and confidence builds buy-in.

STRATEGY: WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

Not everything needs a meeting, but certain things deserve explanation:

o   Starting a new training cycle and the goals moving forward

o   Changes in volume or intensity

o   Deviations from the normal weekly schedule

o   In-season adjustments

o   Individual modifications

o   Return to play timelines and progress

o   Monitoring and readiness changes

If a change affects preparation or availability, it should be communicated.

Silence creates assumptions, and as humans, when we don’t know why, we fill the void with a worst-case scenario. These gaps in communication and information sharing can create friction.

STRATEGY: WHEN TO COMMUNICATE

Timing matters. Communication after frustration has already built up = too late.

The best communication happens:

o   At the start of the week

o   Before a game-heavy stretch

o   Before reducing volume or increasing intensity

o   Before progressing an athlete to the next stage of return-to-play

o   When red flags in monitoring and readiness appear

Being proactive in communication prevents reactive conversations later.

STRATEGY: HOW TO COMMUNICATE

Not everyone processes information the same way.

Athletes need simplicity and connection to performance. “The volume is lower today because we want you feeling good for the game this weekend.”

Sport coaches need context. “We’re going to dial back the volume toward the end of the week since we anticipate higher game intensity with a tough opponent this weekend.”

Administrators need clarity. “We’re structuring stress intentionally to protect athlete availability later in the season.”

Same decision; different delivery.

COMMUNICATION STYLE MATTERS

There is a difference between:

“I think this is best.” And: “Based on total weekly load, we adjusted the volume slightly today in anticipation for the weekend.”

One sounds defensive. The other sounds structured. The goal is confidence in your decision-making process without it being ego-driven.

THE BIGGER REALITY

As a coach, you can build the most intelligent program around, but if it doesn’t resonate with sport coaches and athletes, it doesn't matter.

Coaching isn’t about designing flawless set and rep schemes. If you can’t explain why this path makes the most sense with athlete wellness and sport coach understanding in the forefront of your mind, the program will fail.

Strength and conditioning coaches need to balance the art and science of programming while also managing the understanding of those involved within the team.

So before making a decision, if you are unsure, ask yourself:

“Can I explain this clearly in 60 seconds?”

If not, work to simplify.

Remember, if you can’t explain it, you shouldn’t program it.

-Coach Metz

Programs require effective and proactive communication to see success and alignment.

If you’re an athletic department seeking structured, intentional support without the financial burden of hiring full-time staff, AXIS S&C offers contracted systems built around long-term sustainability.