Mount Merrion Athletics Club Yearly Coaching Overview

Mount Merrion Athletics Club Yearly Coaching Overview

• 1.
  Mount Merrion AthleticsClub Athletics Coaching Overview 2013/2014 Aled Hughes – Director of Coaching October 2013
• 2.
  The aim ofthe presentation is to give coaches, parents and children of Mount Merrion Athletics Club an overview of the annual training plan and other relevant information. If we know where we are going (destination) , then we can assess where we are at , and how we will get to our “destination “. This simple overview gives an insight into certain terms like periodisation, annual training plans, weekly training sessions and yearly junior events locally, regionally and nationally. By giving an overview on the enclosed we can see why and when we aim to develop the training schedule and why at certain times we focus on technical aspects where at some stages we are general in our weekly sessions.
• 3.
  Timing When planning eachcoaching session consider how long each section of the session will last (such as warm up, activity, cool down, etc). Coaches should also consider how long it will take children to move from one activity to the next and potentially including refreshment breaks. Athletes may drink as they move around to save the need for refreshment breaks. When working with young athletes try to ensure that each section is not too long to avoid boredom setting in and a lack of concentration. Keep the session varied to ensure athletes are as active as possible. Registration  Registration – ALL children are to register into the session at the start and importantly to sign out when they leave. Group Control  When attempting to gain control of a group of athletes (especially young athletes) the temptation is to either shout or use a whistle. An alternative suggestion would be to use a visual cue such as when the coach holds a pose every athlete has to hold the same pose a quickly as possible. This could be as simple as a hand in the air or as entertaining as holding Usain Bolt’s Lighting Bolt pose. The benefits of this approach are that it increases the athlete’s visual awareness, helps gain their attention in a fun manner and saves the coaches vocal cords. Group Ratio  Clubs should ideally try to work to a 12:1 Ratio. That being 12 athletes to 1 coach as a maximum. Keeping the athlete to coach ratio low will allow for greater coaching support for each athlete. Use parents, volunteers and young leaders to help at each coaching session wherever possible. Preparing for Competition Coaches should ensure their young athletes are fully prepared for competition formats such as inter club or regional events. Adaptations may need to be made to the training programme to ensure all the relevant competition events are covered prior to the competition. Incident & Accidents All incident or accident MUST be reported to the administrator on duty at the session. Verbally report the accident or Incident and then put a written description together for the club administrator. This is to keep us all within all club policies and guidelines. Any queries in regards to the above please contact the club.
• 4.
  Annual Training Plan Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Phase1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Phase 5 Phase 6 The objective of each phase isPhase 1 – General development of functional movements, athletic development, and getting the ‘base”, cross country training Phase 2 – Specific fitness and technical skills. Phase 3 – Competition, aims at better times, distances & heights – individual / team performance Phase 4 – Preparation for main competition – cover R,J T for all age groups Phase 5 – Internal events, sports days, competitions Phase 6 – Time Off, recover and rest, assess and re-plan.
• 5.
  Periodisation for youngathletes is difficult in practice. Many factors affect the ability to keep to a yearly plan, i.e school sports, homework, parental commitment, transport to training and competitions etc. Flexibility within a programme is vital but getting a “plan” gives all the coaches, parents and children an idea of what is ahead of them within the athletics framework. Flexibilty is needed when children could be tired, over exercised from different sports and from not resting enough. Another consideration is the difference in growth and development rate of the children. A 10 year old girl may be ten years in age but physically could be 8 years old. The training and exercises should therefore be aimed at an 8 year old , whilst the child is 10 years old. This is an important consideration when training groups of young athletes, as individuals will mature at different rates. An awareness of this is vital within a coaching environment. However, as the athlete becomes more developed, training programmes should become more planned and focused.
• 6.
  Main Yearly JuniorAthletics Competitions Sept Cross Country Leagues Nov & Dec Uneven & Even ages DUBLIN CLUBS Cross Country Championships Dec ALL IRELAND CLUBS Cross Country Champs Feb DUBLIN JUVENILE INDOORS T&F March ALL IRELAND JUVENILE CLUBS INDOOR T&F Apr JUVENILLE Track & Field leagues June DUBLIN JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS July AAA JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS All dates and schedules need to checked & confirmed on the AAI website.
• 7.
  Main Yearly JuniorAthletics Competitions Sept Cross Country Leagues Nov & Dec Uneven & Even ages DUBLIN CLUBS Cross Country Championships Dec ALL IRELAND CLUBS Cross Country Champs Feb DUBLIN JUVENILE INDOORS T&F March ALL IRELAND JUVENILE CLUBS INDOOR T&F Apr JUVENILLE Track & Field leagues June DUBLIN JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS July AAA JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS All dates and schedules need to checked & confirmed on the AAI website.