Ask the coach: transferring throws skills, funding for athletes and three-point starts

There were quite a few questions submitted to ‘ask the coach’ this month. With so many great questions to choose from, the Event Group Leads found it tough to pick just one so you may see some more of this month’s questions answered in future editions. But for now, the questions we have focused on are:

• Is it easy to transfer throws skills from one discipline to another e.g. shot to discus?
• Is there a way for my high performing athletes to receive funding?
• Is it legal to do a 3-point start out of blocks in a championship race?

We have summarised our experts' answers in a Q&A piece. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions!

Is it easy to transfer throws skills from one discipline to another e.g. shot to discus?

Nick Ridgeon, Event Group Leader for Throws: All of the throws require athletes to transfer force into implements with as much power as possible, at an optimum release angle and height. To do this successfully, athletes need to have the physical abilities to do the technique. Therefore, many throwers, and in fact speed-power athletes, can transfer from one throwing or speed-power event to another with ease. Having said this, throwing is a highly skilled event group and it can take a lot of practice to excel. If an athlete doesn’t transfer quickly, even if they have or are developing the physical tools, are well coached and are in a good environment, they should be resilient and keep practicing.

Is there a way for my high performing athletes to receive funding?

Spencer Duval, Event Group Lead for Endurance: Yes, England Athletics provide additional support for high performing athletes and their coaches through the England Athletics Talented Athlete and Coach Pathway.

The Talent Pathway consists of the Youth Talent Programme (athletes aged 16-18), the Junior Talent Programme (athletes aged 18-23), and the Senior Talent Programme for athletes and their coaches who are targeting representative vests at a senior England level.

Athletes and coaches on the England Athletics Talented Athlete and Coach Pathway will receive tailored support based around their individual athlete plan (IAP), have access to support services via the Talent Hubs, Talent Leads, and regional support through their Regional Coaching Leads (if applicable).

More details can be found on the Talented Athlete and Coach Pathway section of the England Athletics website.

Is it legal to do a three-point start out of blocks in a championship race?

Shani Palmer, Event Group Lead for Speed: Good question! I can’t find anywhere in the rule book that states you can’t do a three-point start from blocks. I know that blocks are mandatory for sprint races at championship level. As long as both feet are engaged in the blocks and the athlete’s fingers are behind the start line until the gun is fired, a three-point start is allowed. I would not recommend it though! A two-handed block start is more powerful than a three-point start when executed technically proficiently.

Submit your questions

Didn’t get the chance to ask your questions the first-time round? Not to worry, you can still submit questions for us to answer. From questions about coaching complete beginners, to periodisation for elite athletes, no question is too big or too small.

Email us – hello@englandathletics.org