Essentials of a Successful Program on any Level
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2002 5:49 pm
What are the essentials of a successful program on any level?
I. A dedicated coaching staff is necessary.
A.
Head Coach: Oversees the whole program. He/she should be able to step in and coach any event.
B.
Throwing Coach: Shot Put/Discus/Javelin/Hammer
C.
Jumps Coach: Long Jump/Triple Jump/High Jump/Pole Vault
D.
Sprints/Hurdles Coach: 100/200/400/Relays/High, Low and Intermediate
E.
Middle Distance/Distance Coach: 800/1500/5K/10K/Steeplechase
F.
Managers are recommended.
II. Talented Athletes
A.
One of the most important aspects of coaching is recruiting on campus.
B.
High school talent is obtained from enrollment from the junior high schools and clubs.
C.
Be aware of junior high track meets, district/city championships, clubs so you can see the talent first-hand.
D.
Teach a track and field unit in the physical education program.
1. You can find some of your best athletes in the physical education classes.
E.
Coach athletes who have never pole vaulted.
1. Long jump vaulting for distance.
2. Coach swings athletes through with pole in box.
III. Fall track program or last period physical education track program.
A.
Publicize that a Fall track program is necessary if someone wants to compete in Spring track.
B.
Should not allow someone to compete in Spring track without the Fall preparation. There are exceptions:
1. Athletes out for another sport
2. Athletes not in school during Fall
3. Sickness
C. Fall track should emphasize the following things:
1. Proper warmup
2. Proper cool down
3. Correct running mechanics
4. Basic block work
5. Basics hurdle mechanics high/intermediates
6. Middle distance race mechanics
7. Basics of field events
D. Assimilate a track meet on your track or encourage your athletes to compete in all comer's meet as a final Fall test.
IV. Track Facility
A.
A dirt track should be watered and dragged several times per week
B.
An all-weather track should be repaired regularly
C.
Blown off or hosed off an all-weather track when needed
D.
Runway upkeep is also important
NOTE: Don't wait until the last minute. It can't be done all at one time but it should be done progressively before the season begins. If the athletes see that you care, they will have pride in the facilities and respect for the program.
V. Equipment
A. Provide the best equipment
1. Uniform/sweats/names for top athletes on back
2. Standards for high jump and pole vault
3. Pole vault poles
4. Pits for high jump and pole vault
5. Tools to put up pole vault bar
6. Hurdles
7. Starting blocks
8. Batons for relays
9. Throwing implements
10. Watches for home track meets and away meets for coaches
NOTE: Before the season starts, all equipment and implements should be ready for the athletes.