It’s important for everyone who’s interested in track and field to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. After all, this is a sport that is not always considered to be the premier and most exciting to fans, and it is certainly not one of the most sought after or respected among its peers….
Archives for coaching track and field
Calories as Energy Currency for Middle Distance Runners
The concept of calories in food is everywhere. Visit any bookstore and the section of the building that contains books on dieting and calories is among the largest you will find. It seems so simple: eat fewer calories then one uses each day and body weight will be lost. Consume more calories then is used…
The Training Environment – The Forgotten Stimulus
The training environment, depending on the situation, lies on both ends of the spectrum of control and influence we as coaches have on a practice session. The real art is managing the environmental factors that are both active and passively affecting what is taking place and what is being produced during the session. What can…
3 Great Posts From 2015 Complete Track and Field Clinic Event Group Leaders
Over the past week or so, I’ve posted three articles/videos from 2015 Complete Track and Field Clinic Event Group Leaders, all of which I think: A) You’ll really like B) Are important tools for becoming a better coach and athlete Share them with others or save them to look at again later. But, certainly take…
6 Ways to Build Stronger Relationships With your (Student) Athletes
Along the way to becoming a better coach and educator in track and field, I’ve come across (in both academia and in real life) six traits I hold to be true of quality coaches that build not only strong individuals in body, but in mind and spirit as well. In turn, the athletes will, in…
The Elite Athlete’s Profile
Don’t let the words “Elite Athlete” put you off first of all. Whether your girl can run 11.85 or 13.22 in the 100 meters, or your 400 meter boy runs 48.00 or 54.00, the attitude of being great and expecting greatness covers everyone who runs this sport. The ability to accept personal inconvenience is critical…
What’s in Your Tool Box?
By Dave Cusano I pose this question to every coach everywhere. We can all understand training philosophy, training theory, physiology, biomechanics and motor learning. We can purchase DVDs, go to conferences and even get certified. But… Do we know what’s in our very own tool box? What, exactly, is your tool box? It’s the training…
“Take A Week Off”
Despite access to trainers who specialize in athletic healthcare, when athletes sustain injuries, they almost always turn to their primary care physician for diagnosis. And the instruction is invariably the same no matter the injury… “Take a week off.” But some injuries require rehabilitation that includes a range of exercises to help push the recovery…
“Your Focus Needs More Focus”
Each year I notice that midway through the indoor season the focus of the sprints group starts to dwindle. After the initial excitement of getting acclimated to the team setting and traveling to meets fades, athletes have adapted to a routine that might not seem as appealing as before. But this time of the season…
Athlete and Group Management…What’s Important in Coaching
Perspectives. Often we get so caught up in the technical side of coaching… writing workouts, teaching techniques, attending competitions… that we forget about the process of coaching. The biggest part of coaching is creating an environment that enables young people to learn, grow improve, and succeed. The biggest part of creating that environment is the…
Science vs Art
What is the difference between the science vs art of coaching? The science of coaching consists of understanding workouts, progressions, biomechanics, energy systems and other essential factors that influence ones ability to teach. The art of coaching encompasses more depth and understanding of an athlete’s emotions, external stress levels and a host of other social…
3 Ways to Run More Efficient Practices
Because we don’t have any other choice, we spend much of our learning time studying college coaches. With their small groups and biomotor geniuses, they can (and must) spend the bulk of their time refining their technical and energy system progressions in practice. And, make no mistake, I steal their stuff early and often. But,…