The Swiss Watchmaker Mistake - And Why Coaches Might Be Next

By Coach Vachon

A Warning From the 1970s: The Shift That Caught the Experts Off Guard

In the 1970s, Swiss watchmakers dominated the global market.

They were known for their precision. Their craftsmanship. Their tradition.

Hand-assembled gears. Smooth sweeping hands. Generations of pride in every piece.

Then came something new: digital watches.

Cheaper. Easier. No gears. No hands. Just a screen with numbers.

The Swiss manufacturers scoffed.

“No one wants to wear a digital display. They want tradition. They want quality.”

So they didn’t adapt.

And they lost their position at the top — not because their watches got worse, but because the world shifted and they stayed the same.

Are Coaches About to Make the Same Mistake?

AI is already showing up in coaching.

And it’s tempting to dismiss it:

“That’s not real coaching. “I’ve done it this way for years.”“I don’t need help from a computer.”

But here’s the truth:

AI isn’t replacing coaches. It’s redefining how great coaching gets done.

Just like digital watches didn’t eliminate timekeeping —they just changed how it was delivered.

The Shift Has Already Started

Some coaches are already using AI to:

• Build efficient, customized practice plans

• Create scouting reports in minutes

• Improve player and parent communication

• Adjust mid-season strategies faster

• Free up hours every week to actually coach

They’re not replacing themselves. They’re equipping themselves.

What Happens If You Wait?

Coaches who wait won’t fall behind because AI is smarter.

They’ll fall behind because other coaches become more prepared, more organized, and more effective using AI tools.

You might still run great practices, but what happens when your opponent runs great practices —and saves 5 hours a week doing it?

That’s the real shift.

Start Small. Start Real.

You don’t need to go “all in” overnight. I didn’t either.

I started with one simple prompt:

“Give me a 90-minute basketball practice focused on rebounding and transition.”

It worked.

So I refined it. I tested new ones, and now I use AI every week — not to replace what I know, but to challenge my thinking, stay organized, and lead better.

Want to See What AI Coaching Can Actually Do?'

Here’s how to take the first step — no tech background needed:

🔹 Try a Free Coaching Demo

Test our AI tools in real time — from practice plans to swing analysis.👉 Try a Free Coaching Demo

🔹 Explore the Starter Toolkit

Use the same tools I started with, bundled into one easy package. Perfect for curious coaches.👉 See the Starter Toolkit

🔹 Learn How to Plan Practices with AI

This blog breaks down how coaches are using AI tools to turn team needs into structured, time-saving plans.👉 Read: How AI Can Transform Practice Planning

Final Word

AI won’t replace you, but it will make your job easier — if you’re willing to take the first step.

Need help figuring out where to begin? Just reach out. I’m here to help.

– Coach Vachon