As long as I have been rowing, I have been under the impression that the best way to get better was simple: just row, and row, a lot. It’s extremely straightforward. Repetition and rehearsal over and over again will make a rower fit and fast. The simplicity of this idea is great because it makes the path to success seem so obvious.

However, to really maximize potential, we must make the next step: focus on quality.

Since graduating college in 2009, I have been fortunate enough to train with some of the best rowers in the world. I have been able to learn so much and every day I feel like I learn something new. One lesson that I am constantly reminded of is that quality is so important and maximizing the precision of each stroke is the key to creating the bladework and skill that is repeatable even under the most stressful and exhausting situations.

In college, effort was the key. We knew we would be successful if we were all working hard. Now, everyone we compete against works hard and our effort won’t set us apart. But, our attention to skill and the quality with which we train can make the difference.

Rowing is a special sport and because much of the time, effort is the key factor. While effort is important, we cannot forget that along with the effort, we have to maintain the quality. It’s crucial for improvement and really crucial for how we are able to translate our skills to race pace.

Alex Osborne is a 4-time US National Team Member. He’s a 2009 graduate of Stanford University, and most recently was the 6-seat in the US Men’s 8 at the July 2010 Lucerne World Cup.