Coaching Clinic
Proposed sticker - do you think there'd a a big market for these? The vision is for the BCU to give them away with all their communications, retailers to put them on all craft sold - and ultimately every boat to carry one. Anyhow look at the sticker and say what you think...
Tips to make you better
Starting with Alan Farrance. Here he gives some critical advice on how to open a can of Boddingtons.
Uncompetitive Al talks - the world listens:
"This is something I've worried about over many years. It's a critical skill but some people don't give it the attention it's clearly crying out for. With practice they could radically reduce the effort to open a can, thus unlocking the door not only to more speed, but also repetition. So think training, think style.
You MUST keep your back straight, clasp the can in your left hand, no I don't care if you're right or left handed, LEFT HAND.
Then with your index finger locate and lift up the tab, at the same time as arching your head forward. This is a critical moment, stay relaxed and fluid but in your mind be ready for a lightening strike.
Now for the power stroke: with fore finger and thumb around the tab, pull to your right. Maximum power delivery is required for the first millisecond, think total destruction, think armageddon, then relax and let your arm flow and flick out from the can*.
That's not all. Oh no. So you think you've got the technique but you're never going to get any faster without some strength work. Power to weight ratios are very important. Plus opening dexterity really counts; try it blindfold on a Swiss ball. Or if you do tai chi in the crane can stance; yoga in the eka pada parsva bakasana pose; or for outdoor types then this more general posture is recommended no, it's not easy, but well worth the effort.
My suggested training programme is two days by the fridge with many specific exercises. All to be performed within the parameters of can opening i.e. Straight wrist and not going past lock out point on curls:
| General 3 x 20 (high weight) | Wrist & Hands 5 x 30 (low weight) |
| 1. Bench press | 1. Plate Loader |
| 2. Pec deck | 2. Wrist Curls (dumb bell) |
| 3. Pull down (back) | 3. Wrist Curls (Chin bar) |
| 4. One arm back machine | 4. Wrist Curls (pully) |
| 5. Hammer machine | 5. Chins (restricted motion) |
| 6. Latteral raisers, bar bell | 6. Leaver Lifts |
| 7. Precher curls, dumb bell | 7. Gripper |
| 8. Pully push downs | 8. Snowball |
Two days rest essential before repititionis essential but no more than four days between sets.
If you are worried about your technique please make a video and post it to YouTube and send the webmaster a link and I will comment.
Do this, and belive me your can opening enjoyment will increase. Think of it a a new path for life. It may take you some time, but you'll surely get there in the end. Never give up, try and try agin. Look, watch my style, I'm not perfect by any means, but I'm getting better all the time!
Finally one last word: anybody can open a can, but only God can make it rust.
Happy opening."
AF
*Foot note from John Bennett; "Please always dispose of your cans responsibly, recycle and don't flush ring pulls down the loo. If you see a pile of unattended cans please call me and I'll come and get them, if i'm not available then please call and advise the Environment Agency in the usual manner. Thank you"
Forthcoming topics it is hoped to get Al to help on include:
Why Mac's are better than PC's and how to be a power user, and
Water skiing behind longboats.
