An overview for athletics coaches to see how a yearly programme should be structured around Juvenille athletics coaching.

1. Mount Merrion Athletics Club
Athletics Coaching Overview 2013/2014
Aled Hughes – Director of Coaching
October 2013

2. The aim of the presentation is to give coaches, parents and children of Mount Merrion
Athletics Club an overview of the annual training plan and other relevant information.
If we know where we are going (destination) , then we can assess where we are at , and how
we will get to our “destination “.
This simple overview gives an insight into certain terms like periodisation, annual training
plans, weekly training sessions and yearly junior events locally, regionally and nationally.
By giving an overview on the enclosed we can see why and when we aim to develop the
training schedule and why at certain times we focus on technical aspects where at some stages
we are general in our weekly sessions.

3. Timing
When planning each coaching session consider how long each section of the session will last (such as warm up, activity, cool down, etc). Coaches should
also consider how long it will take children to move from one activity to the next and potentially including refreshment breaks. Athletes may drink as
they move around to save the need for refreshment breaks.
When working with young athletes try to ensure that each section is not too long to avoid boredom setting in and a lack of concentration. Keep the
session varied to ensure athletes are as active as possible.
Registration
 Registration – ALL children are to register into the session at the start and importantly to sign out when they leave.
Group Control
 When attempting to gain control of a group of athletes (especially young athletes) the temptation is to either shout or use a whistle. An alternative
suggestion would be to use a visual cue such as when the coach holds a pose every athlete has to hold the same pose a quickly as possible. This could
be as simple as a hand in the air or as entertaining as holding Usain Bolt’s Lighting Bolt pose. The benefits of this approach are that it increases the
athlete’s visual awareness, helps gain their attention in a fun manner and saves the coaches vocal cords.
Group Ratio
 Clubs should ideally try to work to a 12:1 Ratio. That being 12 athletes to 1 coach as a maximum. Keeping the athlete to coach ratio low will allow for
greater coaching support for each athlete. Use parents, volunteers and young leaders to help at each coaching session wherever possible.
Preparing for Competition
Coaches should ensure their young athletes are fully prepared for competition formats such as inter club or regional events. Adaptations may need to
be made to the training programme to ensure all the relevant competition events are covered prior to the competition.
Incident & Accidents
All incident or accident MUST be reported to the administrator on duty at the session. Verbally report the accident or Incident and then put a written
description together for the club administrator. This is to keep us all within all club policies and guidelines. Any queries in regards to the above please
contact the club.

4. Annual Training Plan
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 5
Phase 6
The objective of each phase isPhase 1 – General development of functional movements, athletic development, and getting the
‘base”, cross country training
Phase 2 – Specific fitness and technical skills.
Phase 3 – Competition, aims at better times, distances & heights – individual / team performance
Phase 4 – Preparation for main competition – cover R,J T for all age groups
Phase 5 – Internal events, sports days, competitions
Phase 6 – Time Off, recover and rest, assess and re-plan.

5. Periodisation for young athletes is difficult in practice. Many factors affect the ability to keep
to a yearly plan, i.e school sports, homework, parental commitment, transport to training and
competitions etc.
Flexibility within a programme is vital but getting a “plan” gives all the coaches, parents and
children an idea of what is ahead of them within the athletics framework. Flexibilty is needed
when children could be tired, over exercised from different sports and from not resting
enough.
Another consideration is the difference in growth and development rate of the children. A 10
year old girl may be ten years in age but physically could be 8 years old. The training and
exercises should therefore be aimed at an 8 year old , whilst the child is 10 years old. This is an
important consideration when training groups of young athletes, as individuals will mature at
different rates. An awareness of this is vital within a coaching environment.
However, as the athlete becomes more developed, training programmes should become more
planned and focused.

6. Main Yearly Junior Athletics Competitions
Sept
Cross Country Leagues
Nov & Dec
Uneven & Even ages DUBLIN CLUBS Cross Country Championships
Dec
ALL IRELAND CLUBS Cross Country Champs
Feb
DUBLIN JUVENILE INDOORS T&F
March
ALL IRELAND JUVENILE CLUBS INDOOR T&F
Apr
JUVENILLE Track & Field leagues
June
DUBLIN JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS
July
AAA JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS
All dates and schedules need to checked & confirmed on the AAI website.

7. Main Yearly Junior Athletics Competitions
Sept
Cross Country Leagues
Nov & Dec
Uneven & Even ages DUBLIN CLUBS Cross Country Championships
Dec
ALL IRELAND CLUBS Cross Country Champs
Feb
DUBLIN JUVENILE INDOORS T&F
March
ALL IRELAND JUVENILE CLUBS INDOOR T&F
Apr
JUVENILLE Track & Field leagues
June
DUBLIN JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS
July
AAA JUVENILE CLUB T&F CHAMPIONSHIPS
All dates and schedules need to checked & confirmed on the AAI website.