PaceSetter Book

Warm-Up & Cool-Down Activities 3

3.7 Educational Activities

There is an opportunity during coaching sessions to encourage young athletes to understand a little more about how the body works and how it can affect performance. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE 3.7.1 The Body As An Engine The human body is very similar to that of a car engine in that an intake of air is required to burn fuel. In the case of the body the fuel is taken in the form of food. Burning the fuel is achieved through the intake and exhaust system of the lungs and through the circulation of the blood through the muscles. Many of the exercises performed during ‘Warm-Ups’ are not only for the purposes of stretching the limbs but also to stretch the muscles surrounding the chest and ribs so that a substantial intake of air can be achieved. Explaining this reason gives purpose to many of the upper body exercises performed by track & field athletes.

Stride jumps with feet apart and then together can be performed with the arms being swung in rhythm and the hands clapped above the head. The clap is important to the exercise because the final movement pulls the rib cage up and out. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE This exercise can also be performed without the clap, using very light weights (1kg) in each hand. The different physiological needs of a sprinter, a jumper, a thrower and an endurance athlete can also be explained. They can be demonstrated by organising a partner pursuit relay around a circle of cones with one young athlete chasing another. A sprinter may be able to catch the endurance runner quickly after just a few laps. However, if he or she fails to do so, the endurance runner will gradually gain the advantage. If one young athlete catches the other, the trial is over. Please ensure a maximum of 12 laps is used for the trial.

45