Athletics 365

Dorset Network 2011

Tim Snowdon

Avon Athletics Network

Building the Foundations for the Next Generation of Athletics

Champions

Current Situation– a range of problems

• Coaches with the least experience working with children;

Athletes are specialising too early;

Too much focus on outcome (i.e. distance jumped or time run) rather than on Process (i.e. technique when running or jumping);

Lack of volunteers;

Lacks structure and excitement ;

Losing out to other sports;

Clubs are often struggling financially with no long-term sustainable business model;

Development of Athletics365

Pilot Scheme launched in January 2010

Trialled in 6 Networks across England – Avon used 2 main clubs with 4 more coming in from Sept

Provides a syllabus of competencies – the MatrixWhich can be adapted to suit local conditions to produce a weekly scheme of work

What is Athletics 365?

Athletics 365 will provide:1. A consistent approach to young athlete development across

England – not a product...a system and way of life (‘like for like’ activities in every club);

2. Builds great foundation by providing skills for event specific groups and competitions (benefit athletics and other sports);

3. Provide fundamental skills applicable to all sports (athleticism not athletic development).

Athletics 365 will therefore:1. Develop the club; 2. Develop young people; 3. Provide young athlete progression pathway; and4. Provide a mechanism for professionalising/income

generation.

Tech

nic

al

& T

acti

cal

-R

un

nin

g o

ver

ob

sta

cle

s

H

urd

les a

nd O

bsta

cle

Races

14. HURDLES

14a). Rhythm

Run over low

obstacles

(cane) without

hesitation

14a). Rhythm

As Red but with

increased

height (SAQ

low hurdle)

14a). Rhythm

As Yellow but

with increased

height (SAQ tall

hurdles/ Sports

Hall Low

hurdles)

14a). Rhythm

As Green but

with increased

height (Sports

Hall Medium

hurdles)

14a).

Demonstrates

rhythm and

running

efficiency over

increased

height and

distance

(hurdles grid)

14a). Takes off

well in front of

the hurdle

(approximately

⅔ of the hurdle

stride)

14a). Keeps

eyes and chest

facing forwards

14a). Keeps

head level

throughout the

run (as if

travelling along

a moving

pavement)

14a). Sustains

good hurdle

technique

throughout a

race over 5

obstacles

14b). Sprints

(not jumps)

over obstacles

(cane)

14b).

Completes

obstacle course

showing

rhythm, control

and agility

14b). Maintains

good basic

running

technique

when sprinting

over obstacles

14b).

Understands

that stride

patterns

determine

which leg

clears the

hurdle first

(lead leg)

14b). Identifies

optimal

distance

between

hurdles to

maintain 3

stride pattern

(hurdle grid)

14b).

Demonstrates

good linear

lead leg, with

knee driving

straight at

hurdle in take

off

14b). Drives

the lead leg

heel towards

the hurdle in

flight

14b). Pulls trail

leg knee

through fast

with heel close

to buttocks

14b). Hurdling

from sprint start

(7-8 Strides

dependant on

athlete's size )

14c). Sprints

over and

between

obstacles using

a consistent

stride length

14c). Uses 3

stride pattern

between

hurdles within

hurdle grid

14c). Shows

rhythm and

does not ‘reach

for the hurdles’

14c).

Demonstrates

hurdle walkover

drills (low

height) with

good posture,

balance and

correct foot

placement.

a). Hurdle

stepover

b). Can-can

c). Hurdle side

steps

14c). Drives

forward more

than upward at

take off

14c). Leans

body forward

keeping

shoulders

ahead of hips

in clearance

phase

14c). Lands

with an active

foot (forefoot

contact)

14c). Analyses

own sprinting

technique and

that of others

14d). Sprints

straight down

the line of

obstacles

14d). States a

'lead leg'

preference

when sprinting

over hurdles

14d).

Demonstrates

confidence in

leading with

either leg to

sprint over an

obstacle

14d). Fully

extends hip,

knee and ankle

joints at take

off

14d). Uses a

fast arm action

when clearing a

hurdle

14d).

Demonstrates

good hurdling

technique over

correct height

and spacing for

age group

14d).

Demonstrates

clear

understanding

of race and

competition

tactics

14e).

Demonstrates

a dynamic lead

leg

14e).

Demonstrates

hurdle mobility

drills with good

posture and

technique

14e).

Demonstrates

lead and trail

leg hurdle drills

(Run over

drills) with good

basic technique

14e).

Demonstrates

hurdle walkover

and runover

drills at

increased

speed whilst

maintaining

technique

14e).

Understands

the advantage

of short levers

in hurdling

14f).

Demonstrates

a short lateral

trail leg

Delivery Model :Athletics 365 Session

Within a 90 minute session, a plan may include the following elements:

– 1. Game / warm-up (10–15 mins) – relating to session;

– 2. Activity one (25 mins) – technique / skill acquisition;

– 3. Break (5 mins);

– 4. Activity two (25 mins) - technique / skill acquisition;

– 5. Relay competition (10–15 mins);

– 6. Cool-down with stretching (5–10 mins).

BUT IT CAN BE ADAPTED TO A 60min SESSION

TEAMBATH JUNIOR ACADEMY SYLLABUS TERM 1 - JAN 2011 START

WEEK Group 1 Ath 365 Red & Yellow Levels FMS, Balance, Agility, Co-Ordination (10mins)

06-Jan Run Speed Jump Long Static Balance one leg

posture, toe & knee up, arms Soft landing, 1&2 foot take off Still; Mini squats

13-Jan Jump Triple Throw Push Static Balance seated

Flat foot landing, combinations Standing 2handed throws, arms only Various combinations of hands and feet

20-Jan Throw Pull Run Steady Static Balance floor work

2hand overhead throw Posture, Heel-Toe action, arms Various combinations of hands and feet

27-Jan Run Hurdle Jump High Dynamic Balance to Agility

Run not jump, rhythm Jump combinations, Jumping agility 2foot to 2 foot, various directions

03-Feb Jump PV Throw Sling Counter Balance in pairs

Simple swing for distance Long arm, good posture, soft equipment Various combinations

10-Feb Throw Heave Run - Walk Co-Ordination, Ball skills

2hand throws, both sides, balls Posture, arms Rolling under control

17-Feb Challenges

Warm up Running over Low 12inch Hurdles LJ Standing and 2Step Run 2 Foot Jumping games Simple Relay

follow leader Rhythm, run not jump, poss lead leg 2Ft to 2Ft; 1Ft to 2Ft, SoftKnees Flat Ft, Soft Knee Land,MultiDir 50m facing, Hand tap

Running Style fast Chest Push Throw Hopping games Longer relay

Tall, Hips, Relaxed, Toe up 2Hands, Angle, Legs then Arms Flat Ft, Soft Knee Land, MultiDir 100/150m facing, Hand

Race Walking HJ curve run onto bed;Scissors Combination Hop&Step games Short Relay with baton

Ft contact, Heel Strike, Str Leg SwerveRun, CurveRun, Sc jump HopScotch, ThrowDots 50m facing, Baton

Static balance Front Support on Floor Pull Throws - Soft Jav Mixed Activity relay 10 mins

As matrix 2Hands then 1Hand overhead as invented

SportHall Activities TJ Standing and 2 steps Agility Ladders Short Relay with baton

Speed Bounce, Vert Jump, Relay GdHop, Gd Step, Hop/Step/2Ft Everygap, every2, forward&back 50m facing, Baton

Assessment Assessment Mixed Activity relay 10 mins

as invented

HALF TERM - Indoor Comp or Open Meeting

Static balance Seated on Floor Shot Put development Agility Games-Change Direction Longer Relay

as Matrix 2Hands then 1Hand, Angle 150m or 3lap SH

SportsHall Activities Intro to PV SportsHall Relay 10 mins

Speed Bounce, Vert Jump, STJ,SLJ Hold, Swing for Distance

Running - Starts Sling throws - Discus Combination Hop&Step games Longer relay

Ready active, push down&back Tall, Relaxed, Long Arm, Angle

Relay - Baton Changes Jumping for Height Dynamic balance - line/beam Short Relay with baton

Both hands, big flat target, Push intro 2Ft to 2Ft, Basic Sc both sides

Steady Pace Running games Shot Put development Agility Ladders Short Relay with baton

Pace Judgement, Steady Running 1Hand Kneeling, then Rotation

Assessment Assessment SportsHall Relay 10 mins

Club Benefits of Athletics 365

• Organised & Progressive programme for Athletes, esp the Induction/Junior Groups;

• Able to produce a Syllabus for the year – more professional approach and appearance

• Justified in charging athletes/parents a realistic fee for training,

• Produces a large group of Multi-talented athletes across all Events

Weston-Super-Mare

Junior Athletics Club

IMPLEMENTING

The 365 programme

Clive Butler & Andrew Hood

The Club

Established 2007

• Approximately 130 members

• 13 coaches at various abilities and availability

• Vast majority of athletes under 14 years old

• Typical attendance 50 to 70

• Covers track & field disciplines, road running and cross country

• Social / Community orientated club

• Targets: All physical abilities and low income families

Current club sessions are:

• Wednesday 7-8pm (Road & Cross Country Running)

• Saturday AM covering the planned session using two sports halls,

fields & red gravel area.

• Sunday: optional running or events

365 Programme

365….. What is it?

As we see it…

Structured approach to developing and assessing the skills

and techniques of the athletes.

• 9 possible levels of achievement (only 1-6 are currently

being used at WSMJAC)

• Athletes are awarded certificates and badges when they

achieve each level

365 Programme

Club experiences… Our Learning Curve!!

• We started Level 1 in April

• Athletes and parents were briefed on 365 concept (handouts

given to parents)

• Activities and assessments incorporated into the normal

training, as far as possible.

• The first Level 1 certificates and badges awarded in July

365 Programme

Continued…

• Level 1 activities found to be too easy for the older and more

advanced athletes. It may be better for them to skip the lower

level, but we are currently assessing all athletes.

• Some of the youngest athletes (7 to 8 year old) struggle

initially with the balance / coordination activities but they

generally improve with additional coaching.

• Our perception: Level 1 is ideally suited for 7-9 year old.

365 Programme

Continued…

• The behavioural aspects can be a challenge (particularly for

some of the younger athletes).

• The knowledge that they are being assessed for 365

provides an incentive to improve.

• Behavioural: is a great tool for us to gain discipline in all age

groups and have the athletes focussed.

365 Programme

Continued…

• Major task: to record and document all the activities for the

athletes (The levels have 81 activities).

• Monitoring and training will become more complicated as

athletes progress to different levels.

• Athletes will have to be split into groups concentrating on

particular levels. This is a challenge for a small club with a

limited number of coaches.

• One person within the club needs to drive / coordinate 365.

365 Programme

Pros

• Provides structure for training

and assessment.

• Quickly identifies weaknesses

(which can then be addressed).

• Provides incentive to improve.

• Ensures all disciplines /

activities are covered.

• Activities can be varied.

• Focuses Coaching skills.

Cons

• Complicated and time

consuming to administer if not

broken down.

• Activities and assessment can

interfere with normal training, if

not carefully introduced by

coaches.

• Could place a burden on

coaches to assess each athlete,

if the coach has a large group.

365 Programme

How we do it….

• Firstly we went through trial & error !

• We now run our normal session in three groups, ages 7-8, 9-10&11-

16

• During the two hour session there is 20 minutes approx allocated

directly for the 365 programme for each age group.

• The coaches will also assess athletes, as a normal activity during

the full training session.

• The Club Official advises and logs what each group needs to cover.

The feed back from the coaches is also added to the log.

• A spreadsheet is updated and highlights what is required of each

athlete, showing us the required further training to achieve the level.

• The athletes who have reached the standard for their level, receive their badge and certificate (once a month we carry out a mini presentation)

• We are now undergoing the transition of assessing multiple levels through groups.

• The plan is to use the 20 minutes in groups of each Level v’s age.

• The coaches during the normal session will be approached by the assessor, who will then discuss athletes individual areas of performance within the athletes level. This is then written onto the manual document and later input onto the spreadsheet.

• Feedback/Discussions with athletes is carried out during the session.

The End…………Any questions?

365 Programme

365 Programme

What Aspects are covered / assessed?

• Physical Preparation: balance, coordination and agility

• Running for Speed: sprint technique, sprint starts, hurdles and

relay.

• Running for Distance: endurance technique

365 Programme

What Aspects are covered?

• Jumping for Distance: long jump and triple jump.

• Jumping for Height: high jump, vertical jump, pole vault.

• Throwing: shot putt, javelin (vortex etc), discus (pivoting

technique), hammer.

365 Programme

What Aspects are covered?

• Lifestyle & Behavioural: attendance, listening &

communication skills, behaviour