International Coaching Week: Craig Fallon, Landestrainer Judo

Craig Fallon, Landestrainer Judo

What is your sporting background? Were you an athlete yourself?

I started Judo at the age of 8 at my local club. I enjoyed playing most sports, but I naturally took to Judo more than any other sport I had done. At the age of 14, I represented Great Britain in the Youth Olympics. Although I became World and European Champion in 2005-2006, the most memorable moment in my career was taking silver at the Worlds in 2003. I competed at both the Athens and Beijing Olympics managing 7^th place.

How did you get into coaching, what motivated you?

The transition into coaching was a natural progression from being an athlete myself. Judo was a passion and something I wanted to continue with. Watching and helping athletes overcome the difficulties of being a competitive judo player gives me great satisfaction.

What are the highlights of your coaching career so far?

The highlight of my coaching career so far has been helping players I used to train with continue with their careers.

What skills do you think a Coach needs?

I think the main skill of a coach is to be able to understand their athletes. The athlete’s needs, personality and how they respond to certain coaching styles.

Describe your coaching style…

I’m a very hands on coach. Technical input is very important in Judo with the age I work with. It’s important to me that the players know I can do what I teach, I feel the players have 100% trust in you that way.

What does your workplace look like and what is a typical workday for you? Do you have any routines?

My typical day is meeting with the athletes in the morning for either strength & conditioning or Judo technical sessions. Spend a few hours looking into their individual programmes and analysing their technical needs. In the evening I take the Judo session at Hohenems, or travel with the troops to St Gallen or Munich for sparring practice.

What is your role at competitions?

Mat side coaching on a 1:1 basis throughout the competition.

What advice would you give coaches who are at the beginning of their career?

Make sure you take time to listen to the athlete and remember everyone is individual.

What is your greatest dream in regards to your sporting/ coaching career?

As long as I have a positive input in the athlete’s career I’ve done my job ( a world or Olympic medal would also be nice).

A good day begins with …My little boy waking me up by jumping all over me. Also a nice run to think about the day ahead
What makes you nervous…Heights

Summer or winter? Summer and winter are pretty much the same in England…..RAIN!!! But I do like to get a bit of sun on my skin when possible
What drives you crazy? People that moan about everything
If I did not have my current job I would be …in England doing a similar job in a scenic environment
My ritual before competitions is …Listening to music to help with the nerves
Happiness means to me …Being happy in my job and spending quality time with family
A vice of mine is … Chocolate
The craziest experience in my sporting career …Being at an MTV party during Athens olympics and meeting sports ideals I never thought I would
My fridge is never without… Now I’ve finished competition a nice cold beer is always good after a busy day
The best song of all time is …Purple rain, Prince