Table of Contents
- Key Highlights
- Introduction
- Anatomy of Workout 26.1: Reps, Equipment, and Structure
- What the Announcement Matchup Revealed About Race Tactics
- Pacing Strategy: How to Divide 246 Wall-Balls and 36 Step-Overs
- Training Blocks to Prepare for 26.1: Three Practical Plans
- Technical Efficiency: Wall-Balls, Ball Path, and Box Mechanics
- Scaling Options and Recommendations by Athlete Type
- Filming and Submission: Practical Tips to Avoid Costly Technical Deductions
- Nutrition, Recovery, and Session Timing During the Open
- Injury Risk Management: Preserve the Season
- How the Open Fits Into the Season: What’s at Stake
- Community, Gym Events, and Running a Local Open Night
- Practical Checklist: One-Week and One-Day Plans
- Historical Context and Comparisons
- Final Tactical Notes Before You Step to the Line
- FAQ
Key Highlights
- Workout 26.1 is a high-volume, mixed-modal test: 246 wall-ball shots, 72 box jump-overs, and 36 medicine-ball box step-overs, all inside a 12-minute time cap. Equipment: women 14 lb/6 kg, 9-ft target, 20-in box; men 20 lb/9 kg, 10-ft target, 24-in box.
- Announcement matchup saw Colten Mertens win in 11:16.10. Jayson Hopper finished second at 11:32.90; Dallin Pepper and Austin Hatfield did not finish within the cap but posted strong efforts.
- Video deadline for 26.1 submissions: March 2, 5 p.m. PT. Remaining Open windows: 26.2 runs March 5–9; 26.3 runs March 12–16 (all windows open and close at 12 p.m. PT and 5 p.m. PT respectively).
Introduction
The 2026 CrossFit Open opened with a workout that strips away complexity and forces athletes to confront volume, pacing, and efficiency. Workout 26.1 is deceptively simple on paper — alternating blocks of wall-ball shots and lateral box transitions — but the total rep count and short time cap drive intensity to a place where technique, conditioning, and mental management decide outcomes.
The Open remains the most democratic gateway in the CrossFit season. Hundreds of thousands register each year, and every submission matters: rankings from the Open seed athletes for the next stages of competition. The first of three workouts sets the tone. How athletes choose to break sets, manage transitions, and avoid technical no-reps will determine whether they climb the leaderboard or leave valuable points on the floor.
Anatomy of the workout, elite approaches from the announcement matchup, training drills to prepare, scaling options, submission tactics, and recovery priorities follow. The goal: give competitive athletes, gym owners, and recreational participants a complete playbook for 26.1.
Anatomy of Workout 26.1: Reps, Equipment, and Structure
Workout 26.1 is structured as multiple ladders of wall-ball shots and lateral box movements. Reps and sequence:
- 20 wall-ball shots
- 18 box jump-overs
- 30 wall-ball shots
- 18 box jump-overs
- 40 wall-ball shots
- 18 medicine-ball box step-overs
- 66 wall-ball shots
- 18 medicine-ball box step-overs
- 40 wall-ball shots
- 18 box jump-overs
- 30 wall-ball shots
- 18 box jump-overs
- 20 wall-ball shots
Totals and equipment:
- Total wall-ball shots: 246
- Total box jump-overs: 72
- Total medicine-ball box step-overs: 36
- Overall repetitions: 354
- Women: 14-lb (6-kg) medicine ball, 9-foot target, 20-inch box
- Men: 20-lb (9-kg) medicine ball, 10-foot target, 24-inch box
- Time cap: 12 minutes
The sequence alternates between accumulating wall-ball volume and short, sharp bursts of lateral box work. The 66-rep block in the center acts as the fulcrum: it pressures an athlete’s capacity to sustain output and recover quickly before the second half of the workout. That single, large wall-ball block will strip away legs and reveal who controlled their breathing and movement efficiency earlier.
Understanding the difference between the two box movements is critical. "Box jump-overs" require an explosive, jumping pattern to clear the box and land on the far side, while "medicine-ball box step-overs" demand deliberate control: stepping laterally over the box while managing the medicine ball. The latter favors coordination and grip endurance over raw plyometric power, and it will be the moment where wrists, shoulders, and hip mechanics matter.
What the Announcement Matchup Revealed About Race Tactics
CrossFit brought four top athletes to demonstrate 26.1 on reveal day: Colten Mertens, Jayson Hopper, Dallin Pepper, and Austin Hatfield. Those athletes provided a window into how the workout plays out when executed at elite pace.
Results:
- Colten Mertens — 11:16.10 (winner)
- Jayson Hopper — 11:32.90 (second)
- Dallin Pepper — did not finish (CAP +349)
- Austin Hatfield — did not finish (CAP +311)
Observations and tactical takeaways:
- Early Synchrony, Later Divergence: The four athletes started in sync, but differences emerged in the first 40-wall-ball block. Small technique advantages — a tighter squat, cleaner catch, and a more efficient ball trajectory — allowed Mertens to incrementally widen the gap. In high-volume wall-ball pieces, fractional savings per rep compound quickly.
- Managing the 66-Rep Block: The central 66 wall-balls defined the race. Mertens split this into manageable sets with short, planned breaks. Hopper pushed longer unbroken stretches but left himself vulnerable in the final minutes. Dallin and Austin’s decays show how costly missed pacing cues can be.
- Transition Losses: Several decisive moments occurred during box transitions. Box jump-overs at speed can be efficient, but failed attempts or cautious landings force costly resets. Efficient transitions (minimal repositioning and fast, consistent reps) preserved momentum for the finishers.
- Mental Thresholds and the Cap: Both Pepper and Hatfield demonstrated the workout’s cruelty: being close on reps doesn’t guarantee finishing if pacing or transitions slip. Finishing within 12 minutes requires not just fitness but execution under mounting fatigue.
For athletes watching for strategy, the take-home is twofold: control the wall-ball mechanics, and treat transitions as micro-sprints that must be rehearsed. The athlete who can maintain repeatable technique under lactate will mine the most time savings.
Pacing Strategy: How to Divide 246 Wall-Balls and 36 Step-Overs
Breaking 246 wall-balls inside 12 minutes appears impossible at first glance. The smart approach is to view the workout as a series of smaller efforts rather than a single, continuous grind. Sample approaches by skill level:
- Elite Rx approach (example): Break the initial 20 into 2 sets of 10 with 3–5 seconds rest. For 30/40 blocks, aim for sets of 10–15 with consistent 5–10 second resets. Attack the 66 as structured sets (3x22 or 6x11) with 8–12 seconds recovery to avoid technique collapse.
- Intermediate Rx approach: Break into more conservative sets (e.g., 5x4 for 20, 3x10 for 30) and take brisk walk-breathing breaks of 10–15 seconds between sets. Box transitions can be used as an active recovery or quick reset.
- Scaled/novice approach: Reduce rep sizes and prioritize consistent movement. For air squats and lighter balls, 10–12 rep sets maintain rhythm without overwhelming form.
Key pacing principles:
- Pre-plan set sizes. Do not wait until midway through the central 66 to decide how to break them. The athlete who plans can conserve reps early and expend them late.
- Match breathing to set schema. High-quality wall-ball control depends on coordinated inhalation on descent and exhalation on ascent. Practice breathing during high-rep squats to make it automatic.
- Use transitions as micro-rests. Box movements are shorter but different in demand. Treat them as a chance to reset breathing patterns and prepare for the next wall-ball block.
- Avoid "white-flag" efforts. If you completely gas out early, recovery in the remaining time is unlikely. Keep a margin.
A concrete pacing template for a strong Rx athlete:
- 20 WB: 2x10 (5 seconds rest)
- 18 BJ: unbroken or 2x9 (quick)
- 30 WB: 3x10 (6–8 seconds)
- 18 BJ: unbroken
- 40 WB: 4x10 (8–10 seconds)
- 18 MB Step-overs: controlled and steady
- 66 WB: 6x11 or 3x22 (short 8–12 seconds)
- 18 MB Step-overs: maintain
- 40 WB: 4x10 (short)
- 18 BJ: unbroken or 2x9
- 30 WB: 3x10
- 18 BJ: unbroken
- 20 WB: 2x10 to finish
This template respects the nervous system and allows energy systems to support repeated high-effort bouts rather than one prolonged exhaustive spell.
Training Blocks to Prepare for 26.1: Three Practical Plans
Preparation time differs depending on when an athlete sees the workout. Here are three realistic windows and focused session structures tailored to each.
Two-week prep (for athletes who see reveal day and have minimal time):
- Objective: sharpen movement, pre-load wall-ball volume, and practice pacing under time pressure.
- Sample microcycle (6 sessions across 12 days):
- Day 1: Technique + Volume — 5 x (5–8 rep heavy wall-balls at 75% of competition weight) with 60–90s rest; followed by 6 x single-leg box step-ups.
- Day 3: Interval Metcon — 6 rounds of 3 minutes on / 2 minutes off: 45 seconds wall-balls (max reps but no collapse), 30 seconds box jump-overs (steady pace), 45 seconds steady row/light pedal.
- Day 5: Speed & Transition — EMOM 12: minute 1 two sets wall-balls (6+6), minute 2 9 box jump-overs; focus on rapid recoveries.
- Day 7: Active Recovery — mobility, eccentric squat control, hip hinge work, breathing drills.
- Day 9: Simulation — 75% of workout volume with a 14–16 minute cap; practice filming.
- Day 11: Taper — short movement sets, mobility, mobility for shoulders and hips, light activation.
Six-week prep (ideal for gym members aiming to peak):
- Objective: build specific endurance, handle higher accumulated wall-ball volumes, and increase capacity for short high-intensity bursts.
- Weekly structure:
- 2 strength sessions: front squats, paused squats, single-leg strength to reinforce mechanics for deep wall-ball catches.
- 2 skill/metcon sessions: sustained wall-ball ladders (e.g., 150–250 total wall-balls across a session, structured sets), and box jump-over practice focusing on speed and safety.
- 1 aerobic capacity session: 30–45 minutes steady-state effort to improve recovery between high-intensity blocks.
- 1 high-intensity interval session: 3–5 min work periods with short rests that mimic the workout’s demands.
- 1 restoration day.
- Progressive overload: increase wall-ball volume by 10% each week, keeping the last week a taper.
12-week competitive block (for athletes targeting a deep Open run):
- Integrate multi-week periodization:
- Build base aerobic capacity and joint resilience in weeks 1–4.
- Transition to mixed-modal capacity and higher wall-ball volumes in weeks 5–8.
- Peak for competition in weeks 9–12 with simulated competitions, technical polishing, and tapering.
Training notes:
- Prioritize shoulder and wrist resilience for medicine-ball handling.
- Monitor knee and lumbar load: high-volume squatting can exacerbate patellofemoral pain and lumbar fatigue. Include mobility, eccentric control, and core stabilization.
- Nutrition should support repeated high-intensity sessions (see recovery section).
Technical Efficiency: Wall-Balls, Ball Path, and Box Mechanics
Minute improvements in technique pay disproportionate dividends over 246 reps.
Wall-ball technique priorities:
- Ball trajectory and release angle: a tight, consistent arc saves time. A higher arc wastes energy; too low forces deeper squats to get contact. Aim for a direct, efficient release that lands cleanly on the target.
- Squat depth and rise speed: catch the ball in a position where the hip crease goes below parallel, then drive up explosively. Avoid "half-rep" catches that slow rhythm and draw judge attention.
- Grip and rhythm: maintain a consistent grip width. Let the ball sit on the forearms before descent; let the rebound of the ball assist the next rep.
- Sightline and breathing: keep eyes on the target to maintain trajectory. Coordinate exhale on ascent to manage intra-abdominal pressure.
Box jump-over technique:
- Efficient footwork makes transition time minimal. Jump through the hips and land softly on the other side.
- When fatigued, prioritize safe, controlled landings rather than fastest possible reps. No-reads or balked jumps cost time.
Medicine-ball box step-overs:
- These require controlled hip rotation and balance. Step with one foot onto the box, then bring the other foot up and step across, maintaining possession of the ball at the torso.
- Avoid swinging the ball excessively; keep it close to the body to reduce energy leak.
Practice drills:
- Tempo wall-balls: sets of 10 at metronome pace to ingrain timing.
- Ball-buffer circuits: alternate heavy wall-balls with core stability work to mimic cumulative fatigue.
- Box transition ladders: multiple short sets of jump-overs or step-overs to develop repeatability.
Scaling Options and Recommendations by Athlete Type
CrossFit Open must be accessible. Scaling choices preserve competitive intent while helping athletes test capacity.
Common scaling pathways:
- Reduced weight: switch to a lighter medicine ball. Many gyms use a 10/14 lb split below Rx.
- Lower target height: younger athletes or those without overhead mobility can use a lower target. Confirm allowed substitutions with your affiliate and the Open standards.
- Step-overs instead of jump-overs: those with knee or ankle sensitivity can favor controlled step-overs for safety.
- Breaking sets earlier: strategic breaks reduce technical breakdown risk.
Sample scaled strategy for a mid-level athlete:
- Use a lighter ball and 18–20-in target for safety. Break wall-balls into sets of 5–8 with 10–12 seconds rest.
- Use step-overs instead of box jump-overs if plyometrics are a liability.
- Aim for a finished rep count that leaves minimal residual movement at the cap; completing fewer than Rx but moving efficiently yields a better normalized score than inconsistent, unguided bursts.
Masters athletes:
- Adjust load and target heights to match age group standards and emphasize pacing. Masters athletes often win on strategy — planned breathing, conservative early sets, and disciplined transitions yield strong placements.
Gym owners and judges should ensure scaled standards are clearly communicated to participants before attempts.
Filming and Submission: Practical Tips to Avoid Costly Technical Deductions
Video submissions determine validity for many Open participants. Filming well is as important as the attempt itself.
Essential filming checklist:
- Camera angle: use a wide-angle side or 45-degree view that captures the athlete, target, box, and official judge at all times. The camera must show the full range of motion for both wall-balls and box transitions.
- Lighting and background: clear lighting and uncluttered background minimize misreads. Avoid backlighting that renders the athlete a silhouette.
- Judge visibility: ensure the judge is in-frame throughout, and can be seen giving rep counts and confirming contacts.
- Timer visibility: include an accurate clock or the judge’s time input in the frame. Some athletes record a separate corner with an overlay; the key is verifiable timing.
- Audio: clear audio helps in verifying verbal counts and judging cues. If possible, position the camera within 10–15 feet of the athlete for good audio capture.
- Reps and standards: if using scaling options, film any measuring shots for target height and box height before or after the attempt to document compliance.
- Upload early: do not wait until the last minute. Platform slowdowns and file corruptions are real risks.
Common filming errors:
- Cropping out the target area. Judges cannot verify required target contact.
- Blocking the box during transitions. A side angle typically prevents this.
- Not showing judge’s presence. CrossFit often requires a certified judge for higher-ranked athletes; ensure the judge is recorded and identified.
Submission deadlines for 26.1:
- Deadline for video submissions: Monday, March 2, 5 p.m. PT.
- Note the windows for 26.2: March 5, 12 p.m. PT — March 9, 5 p.m. PT.
- 26.3: March 12, 12 p.m. PT — March 16, 5 p.m. PT.
Plan attempts and filming logistics early. Book judge time, and set a rehearsal attempt to check camera angles and lighting.
Nutrition, Recovery, and Session Timing During the Open
Acute preparation for a single Open attempt revolves around energy availability and nervous system readiness. Chronic preparation is about recovery and resilience.
Short-term (24–48 hours) nutrition and recovery:
- Carbohydrate availability: prioritize moderate-to-high carbohydrate intake leading into the attempt to top up muscle glycogen. Complex carbohydrates combined with protein the night before help sustain performance.
- Hydration and electrolytes: ensure hydration status is normalized; small electrolyte doses before the workout can stabilize neuromuscular function.
- Sleep: aim for 7–9 hours in the two nights before. Sleep debt directly impairs explosive power and decision-making.
- Caffeine and stimulants: if you use caffeine reliably in training, replicate the dose used in key workouts. The Open environment magnifies arousal; avoid excessive doses beyond your training tolerance.
Immediate pre-attempt routine (60–20 minutes out):
- Movement activation: dynamic warm-up focusing on hips, shoulders, and the posterior chain.
- Specific warm-up: practice 10–20 metronome-paced wall-balls at submax intensity and 3–5 controlled box jump-overs. Ramp up intensity with short rest.
- Breathing prep: 3–4 rounds of controlled breathing and hip hinge drills to settle the nervous system.
Post-attempt recovery:
- Rehydrate, ingest a balanced meal with carbohydrates and protein within 60 minutes, and prioritize mobility work to encourage tissue recovery.
- If you have more attempts or the next Open window, plan active recovery the following day and a structured taper before the next submission.
For athletes attempting multiple workouts across three weeks, schedule recovery days and limit heavy lifting close to attempts to preserve performance capacity.
Injury Risk Management: Preserve the Season
High-rep wall-ball work and repeated plyometrics create cumulative loading. Preventive measures minimize injury risk and protect future training.
Preservation strategies:
- Monitor volume: do not chase unnecessary extra volume in training right before attempts. Build volume earlier in the training block.
- Address tissue imbalances: include unilateral strengthening (e.g., split squats, single-leg RDLs) and posterior chain emphasis to balance quadriceps-dominant wall-ball loads.
- Reactive load modulation: if you feel joint soreness, substitute box jump-overs with step-overs in training to maintain movement patterns with reduced impact.
- Mobility and soft-tissue maintenance: daily light mobility, foam rolling, and targeted prehab for the knees and shoulders.
If pain flares during the workout:
- Scale immediately. Reduce jump height or switch to step-overs.
- Communicate with your judge and document changes for clear submission standards.
How the Open Fits Into the Season: What’s at Stake
The Open remains the entry point to the CrossFit season. Rankings from the Open determine placements for later qualifying stages. While formats have evolved in recent years, the Open still functions as the primary initial filter.
What athletes can expect:
- Scoring: athletes are ranked globally and by region. Each workout produces a score; placements carry aggregated weight across the three Open workouts.
- Next stages: top Open finishers typically progress to additional rounds (Quarterfinals/Semifinals), depending on the season’s competitive structure. Qualification numbers vary by region and season.
- Strategic implications: an athlete who posts one strong Open score but collapses on others may still find themselves outpaced by a consistently steady performer. Balance risk and reliability.
For those chasing Games qualification, the Open is both a ranking mechanism and a chance to test readiness under pressure. For recreational competitors, it's a benchmark and community spectacle.
Community, Gym Events, and Running a Local Open Night
The Open is a social event as much as a competitive one. Gym owners and members can use 26.1 to create a supportive, competitive environment.
Running an Open night:
- Brief thoroughly: explain movement standards, judging protocols, and warm-up structure. Demonstrate box jump-over vs step-over and wall-ball target contact clearly.
- Schedule attempt slots to reduce wait times. Allow for warm-up, attempt, and debrief.
- Judge training: ensure judges are comfortable with standards and filming expectations. A consistent local judging standard avoids confusion.
- Safety checks: confirm target and box heights and ball weights. Inspect equipment before attempts.
- Community recognition: honor top performers and celebrate improvements, not just placements.
Virtual participation:
- If members are submitting videos, organize filming stations with consistent camera angles and lighting. Sharing tips on judge presence and time stamping reduces errors.
The Open is an opportunity for retention and recruitment. A well-run Open night strengthens gym culture and showcases coaching competency.
Practical Checklist: One-Week and One-Day Plans
One-week plan (final tune-up):
- Day -7: Simulation at 75% volume. Practice filming and judge workflow.
- Day -6: Mobility + light aerobic; troubleshoot any soreness.
- Day -5: Short interval session (e.g., 4×4 minutes with brief rests) to prime the systems.
- Day -4: Technical wall-ball and box session at moderate intensity.
- Day -3: Rest or light activation.
- Day -2: Short rehearsal of first two wall-ball blocks and a full-rate practice of box transitions.
- Day -1: Mobility, mental prep, sleep hygiene, carb-focused dinner.
Day-of attempt:
- Warm-up: 20–30 minutes including dynamic mobility, wall-ball ramping from 10 light reps to two near-competition sets, and 3–4 box jump-overs at pace.
- Nutrition: a small carbohydrate snack 60 minutes prior; maintain hydration.
- Mindset: rehearsed set sizes and cues for breathing and transitions. Visualize failure modes and recovery plans.
Historical Context and Comparisons
CrossFit Open workouts often favor either heavy single lifts or high-rep, simple movements that reliably differentiate a large field. 26.1 follows a lineage of high-volume tests that reward consistent technique and pacing. Past Opens have included long wall-ball pieces and mixed plyometric blocks, each exposing athletes’ preparedness for sustained power output.
This design choice — many straightforward reps with short rests — levels the playing field. Technical complexity is low, but the work demands high repeatability and resistance to cumulative fatigue. For athletes with strong aerobic conditioning and durable mechanics, these workouts can play to strengths. For those who rely more on single maximal efforts, 26.1 will be a humbling reminder that efficiency over hundreds of reps matters.
Final Tactical Notes Before You Step to the Line
- Pre-plan every set. Decide how you will break the 66 and practice that breakup.
- Rehearse transitions until they are second nature. They separate top placements from also-rans.
- Film a rehearsal run to ensure camera and judge logistics are sound.
- Prioritize sleep and hydration in the days leading up to your attempt.
- Have a backup plan: if your first attempt fails due to a filming issue or a no-rep, preserve energy for a timely reattempt when allowed.
FAQ
Q: What is the exact rep breakdown for Workout 26.1?
A: The workout includes seven wall-ball blocks (20, 30, 40, 66, 40, 30, 20) interleaved with 18-rep box jump-overs and 18-rep medicine-ball box step-over sets. Total wall-balls: 246; total box jump-overs: 72; total medicine-ball box step-overs: 36; overall reps: 354. Time cap: 12 minutes.
Q: What equipment and target heights are required?
A: Women: 14-lb (6-kg) medicine ball, 9-foot target, 20-inch box. Men: 20-lb (9-kg) medicine ball, 10-foot target, 24-inch box.
Q: When is the submission deadline for 26.1?
A: Video submissions must be uploaded by Monday, March 2, 5 p.m. PT.
Q: Who won the announcement matchup and what were the times?
A: Colten Mertens won the announcement matchup in 11:16.10. Jayson Hopper placed second at 11:32.90. Dallin Pepper and Austin Hatfield did not finish within the 12-minute cap but posted strong efforts.
Q: How should I pace the massive 66-wall-ball block?
A: Plan a split (e.g., 3×22, 6×11, or 2×33) and practice that split in training. Use short, fixed rest intervals (8–12 seconds) to maintain technique and avoid collapse.
Q: Can I scale the workout? What are common scaling options?
A: Yes. Common scalings include lighter medicine balls, lower target heights, and replacing box jump-overs with step-overs. Always confirm any scaled standard with your affiliate and ensure proper filming.
Q: How should I film my attempt?
A: Use a wide-angle side or 45-degree camera that captures the athlete, target, box, and judge throughout. Ensure clear lighting, audible judge counts, and a visible timer. Upload early to avoid last-minute issues.
Q: What are the next Open windows?
A: 26.2 runs March 5 (12 p.m. PT) through March 9 (5 p.m. PT). 26.3 runs March 12 (12 p.m. PT) through March 16 (5 p.m. PT).
Q: How does the Open affect the rest of the season?
A: Open rankings form the basis for progression to later qualifying rounds. Top placements typically advance to additional stages such as Quarterfinals or Semifinals; formats vary by season.
Q: I’m nervous about the knee impact from box jump-overs. What should I do?
A: Scale to step-overs or reduce box height in training to maintain movement specificity without excessive impact. Strengthen single-leg support muscles and practice safe landing mechanics in preparation.
Q: Are there any red flags that would cause a no-rep?
A: Judges typically watch for target contact, squat depth on wall-balls, clearing the box on jump-overs, and continuous possession during step-overs. Confirm the current season’s official standards and rehearse under judge observation.
Q: How should I prioritize recovery between Open workouts?
A: Focus on sleep, carbohydrate- and protein-rich nutrition, active recovery sessions (mobility, light aerobic), and soft-tissue maintenance. Schedule heavier strength sessions outside Open windows where possible.
Q: What mistakes did athletes make during the announcement match?
A: Small technique inefficiencies and inconsistent pacing in the central 66 wall-balls caused the largest time losses. Transition inefficiencies on box movements also proved decisive.
Q: Is it better to try and finish Rx or secure a strong scaled score?
A: Strategy depends on your goal. For leaderboard aspirations, an Rx finish is best. For long-term improvement or regional goals, a well-executed scaled attempt can be more valuable than an incomplete Rx attempt that wastes energy.
Q: Where can I get further coaching or standards clarification?
A: Consult your affiliate head coach and review the official CrossFit Open standards video and written guidelines before attempting the workout. Rehearse with a certified judge whenever possible.
If you have questions about training specifics, film setups, or coaching strategies for your level, bring sample video or training logs to your coach and treat the Open as an opportunity to test and refine everything from pacing to equipment handling.