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.
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.
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.
3.7 Educational Activities
Warm-Up & Cool-Down Activities
3
45
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
WEB COPY
©EVEQUE
