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.
Preface
9
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WEB COPY
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