PaceSetter Book

Preface

A youngster’s first experiences in sport set the tone for a lifetime of experience. If the experiences are positive and fun there is a very high chance they will retain a life long interest and enjoyment of physical activity. Working with youngsters aged 8 –13 years is an extremely important role in the Long Term Athlete Development process and it is therefore essential that athletics coaches are equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide this positive, fun and quality introduction. The material contained within Pacesetter – Working with Young Athletes has been written specifically for those leading and coaching a large number of youngsters in a fun and develop- mental athletics environment. The book is intended to be a starting point, which provides both new and experienced coaches with the guidance needed to come to terms with the world of fun athletics for youngsters. Pacesetter – Working with Young Athletes will firstly provide the coach with the responsibilities associated with coaching youngsters and the skills required for ‘how’ they should instruct and organise a session. The ‘what’ to coach is then addressed in distinct groups of events and is presented in a fun and progressive way ensuring correct techniques are adopted at an early stage. The progressions are step-by-step from the basic ABC’s (Agility, Balance and Co-ordination) of physical skill development to the more formally known techniques of each event. Safety is a key factor that is emphasised throughout the book. Within each section, new and adapted ideas are highlighted for introducing athletic events and these ideas encourage the coach to allow the youngster to learn through play. Adapting the events to the world of the youngster is key to the success of the learning process and provides a more athlete- centred approach to coaching. The author has provided unique, innovative and fun alternative events as additional resource material for both indoor and outdoor sessions. These events include such activities as Speed Bounce, Hi-Stepper and Soft Javelin, which are all developmental to their respective disciplines. Pacesetter – Working with Young Athletes encourages the coach to provide sessions that will develop all-round skills and ensure youngsters do not specialise in any specific event at an early age. This is supported by the inclusion of another unique feature of the book, the International Fun and Team Athletics Association’s Agility Challenge Awards Tables. The Agility Challenge is divided into Triathlon, Pentathlon and Decathlon Awards in which the youngster participates in specified events and gains points for his or her performances. These are totalled to equate to one of seven levels on the Awards Table. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

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