If You Can’t Explain It, Don’t Program It: Aaron Uzzell’s Rule for Smarter Coaching
Reading Time: 6 minutes
One of Aaron Uzzell’s most powerful statements is also one of the simplest: "If you can’t explain it, don’t program it."
This phrase isn’t just catchy advice—it’s a challenge to every coach. Do you really understand the purpose behind each movement, each metric, each modality you use? Or are you just copying what looks good on Instagram?
Coaching clarity isn’t optional. It builds trust, develops athlete buy-in, and serves as the foundation for adaptability. It is like trying to explain maths to a baby, they wont understand it. You are coaching athletes, not your peers.
Why this Principle Matters:
Clarity is the first checkpoint for effective coaching. If you can explain the why, you understand the process. If you can't? You’re running blind—and so are your athletes. So why not take a couple extra minutes to really make sure you are squared away?
Uzzell learned this early. Working with high-level athletes and high schoolers alike, he found that when athletes understood the “why”, they trained harder, stayed safer, and became better learners. Small buy, large cash out right? So in the grand schemes of things, does it really matter all that much to make sure you know why you programmes 2x5 Over Head Squats.
The Danger of Complexity Without Context:
There’s an obsession right now with high-tech tools, complex setups, and data overload. But most athletes need the basics: proper technique, progression, and purpose. Just because a tool is flashy doesn’t mean it’s necessary.
So ask yourself:
What’s the purpose of each exercise?
What adaptation are you chasing?
How does it serve this athlete, in this phase, for this sport?
If your athlete asks, "Why are we doing this?" and you can't answer within 30 seconds, it doesn't belong.
Bonus:
Once all those are done, REVIEW your programme and critically assess
What went well?
What could have went better?
Would I do anything better next time?
This again reinforces your understanding for the why. It is a very simple exercise you can do. Intern, you start understand and being able to fully back up your plans and decisions. The outcome is, you have athletes who will run through walls for you becuase they know you have their best interests at heart.
Practical takeaways:
Audit your program weekly and strip anything you can’t justify.
Start every session by reviewing the "why" behind the primary movement.
Coach with clarity: explain drills, methods, and rest periods in context.
Great programming isn’t just designed—it’s understood.
We want to hear from you — how do you keep your programming aligned with purpose? Got a checklist or strategy that works? Drop it below.
Listen to the Full Episode
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