What is it?
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.
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 four face to face contact days, which includes assessment of technical knowledge, physical preparation, planning and coaching practice. Days 1 and 2 cover general athletic content (including what to coach and how to coach), whilst Days 3 and 4 provide a coach the option to choose Speed, or Jumps, or Throws, or Endurance.
Our coaching journey is supported by British Athletics’ coaching qualifications.
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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 (Days 3 – 4):
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.
Athletics Coach Endurance (Days 3 – 4):
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.
Athletics Coach Jumps (Days 3 – 4):
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
Athletics Coach Throws (Days 3 – 4):
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