Arthur Lydiard on ‘top coaches’

And what are the qualities in the top coaches? Practical coaching experience for a start. An understanding of the physiology of athletics without trying to be an exercise physiologist. An understanding of psychological fundamentals without trying to be a psychologist. An understanding of mechanical fundamentals without trying to be a mechanic. The experts in physiology and mechanics can get off into too many tangents. I’ve yet to hear of one who trained an Olympic champion. But the top coach must understand the basics and adhere to them all the way through his programmes.

-Arthur Lydiard, Running to the Top