How To

How to Coach College Track

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

The reason why many student athletes participate in college track is because of the different opportunities the sport provides. There are few sports where lithe runners can compete in the same stadium as powerful discus throwers or shot-putters. Your challenge as a college track coach is to find the right talent to fit each position on your team.

From Quick Guide: College Sports
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Discus
  • Relay batons
  • Javelin
  • Stop watch
  • Shot put
  • Hurdles

    Teach a College Track Team

  1. Step 1

    Ensure that every part of your college track team has the right supplies to compete. Your squad needs hurdles, batons, javelins and dozens of other items to simulate conditions at a track meet. You can usually contact online companies like On Track to find favorite products, possibly at a discounted price (see Resources below).

  2. Step 2

    Work with each of your runners on proper stride management before each meet. Runners need to bend their elbows at a 90 degree angle and swing their arms with each step to gain momentum. Skilled runners move their knees high before taking a step so they can push off with more power.

  3. Step 3

    Train relay runners on passing the relay baton in simulated race conditions. The baton passer and recipient need to run at the same speed before passage is complete to ensure a flawless transfer. Practice handoffs between runners while stationary to ensure that they are using the right techniques.

  4. Step 4

    Attend multiple team meets and tournaments when recruiting an individual athlete. The initial visit should focus on speaking with the recruit's coach while observing the overall talent of the potential team member. Additional visits help you determine how a recruit holds up during adverse weather conditions and periods of fatigue.

  5. Step 5

    Develop dynamic training programs for each part of your team. Long distance runners focus on lighter weight training than shot-putters, while pole vaulters need to have strong upper bodies and powerful legs. Pair up athletes for motivational purposes during rigorous training sessions.

  6. Step 6

    Promote star athletes on your team who have the potential to compete at the international and Olympic level. By effectively highlighting a great sprinter or hurdler, you can demonstrate your ability to coach while drawing in recruits interested in a world-class program.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use creative advertisement and awareness campaigns to get people to college track events. The problem of low attendance at track and field can be dealt with when students make a connection with star track athletes. You can create flashy advertising materials or show highlights from your team's meets on the student television station.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness