Athletics Coach

Shot put coach with athlete

The Athletics Coach qualification has been designed to support coaches in working with athletes in the foundation to Event Group Development Stages and advocates a multi-event approach in the development of athletes.

  • Book your place on the Athletics Coach course via Athletics Hub

Whilst recognising the need to understand Athlete Development, our athletics coaching qualification also enables coaches to choose their own Event Group area of interest (Speed, Endurance, Jumps, or Throws) which is covered on the Day 3 & 4 options.

Coaches embarking on the Athletics Coach qualification will be expected to develop their technical knowledge and expertise across core event areas in relation to run, jump and throwing activities, as well as specialising in their chosen Event Group area. Developing expertise and understanding across a range of events will be advantageous to the development of all athletes, as well as supporting your progress along the Coach Development Pathway.

This athletic coaching course consists of two face to face contact days, online modules and knowledge test in an event specific discipline (the coach has the option to choose one of the following Speed, Endurance, Jumps or Throws), followed by a Remote Assessment. Days 1 and 2 cover general athletic content (including what to coach and how to coach), whilst the online modules, knowledge test and Remote Assessment includes assessment of technical knowledge, physical preparation, planning and coaching practice.

Our coaching journey is supported by British Athletics’ coaching qualifications.

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Book your place on the Athletics Coach course

Course structure

Generic content (Days 1 – 2)

What to Coach

  • Physical preparation and literacy
    • Introduction of Lunge / Brace / Hinge / Squat / Push / Pull / Rotate / Land
  • Jumping for Height and Jumping for Distance
    • Phases (Approach, Take Off, Flight, Landing)
    • Force application and control
  • Throwing focusing on the principles of Push and Pull techniques
    • Base of support / Power position
    • Speed and angle of release
  • Running fast, over obstacles, for endurance, wheelchair racing
    • Technical components for Starts / Drive & Acceleration / Maximum Velocity Running
    • Hurdles – Take Off / Clearance / Landing & Recovery
    • Similarities & differences for Endurance Running to Running for Speed
    • Commonalities of technique for wheelchair racing and Running

How to Coach

Reinforcement of the coaching HOW-2 skills (Safety / Organisation / Instruction & Explanation / Demonstration / Observation & Analysis / Feedback & Questioning) 

General Athletic Knowledge

  • Role of the coach
  • Athlete Centred Coaching
  • Athlete Development Pathway
  • Athlete profiling and short – medium term Planning
  • How skill is learnt –the stages of learning and the implications on coaching
  • Inclusive Coaching

Athletics Coach Speed (online modules and knowledge test)

Technical Components for:

  • Starts and Acceleration
  • Maximum Velocity running
  • Bend Running
  • Hurdles
  • Relays
  • Wheelchair Racing
  • Understanding of the physical preparation of the athlete in relation to the above technical activities

Assessment of Coaching Practice and Medium term planning (Remote Assessment).

Athletics Coach Endurance (online modules and knowledge test)

Technical Components for:

  • Steeplechase
  • Middle / Long distance running
  • Race Walking
  • Wheelchair Racing
  • Understanding of the physical preparation of the athlete in relation to the above technical activities

Assessment of Coaching Practice and Medium term planning (Remote Assessment).

Athletics Coach Jumps (online modules and knowledge test):

Technical Components for:

  • Long Jump
  • High Jump
  • Triple Jump
  • Pole Vault
  • Understanding of the physical preparation of the athlete in relation to the above technical activities

Assessment of Coaching Practice and Medium term planning (Remote Assessment).

Athletics Coach Throws (online modules and knowledge test):

Technical Components for:

  • Shot
  • Javelin
  • Hammer
  • Discus
  • Seated Throws
  • Understanding of the physical preparation of the athlete in relation to the above technical activities

Assessment of Coaching Practice and Medium term planning (Remote Assessment).

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Safeguarding information

Disabled and need some extra support?

If you’re disabled and would like some additional support to become a leader or coach – we can help!