[wardbayou7@gmail.com]

wardbayou7@gmail.com on June 15, 2011 at 4:42 am #17589

Hello,

I’m a new coach looking for ideas for coaching a group of kids between ages 9-14. I’ve done a lot of studying and read articles on training theory and periodization but there’s one problem. It just doesn’t seem possible to implement all these theories into 1 day of practice. Any suggestions would be great. The one idea I have is to have them work on acceleration and absolute speed (so they can at least have fun). This would come after spending time on running techniques/mechanics (also trying to figure out how to teach a 9 year old to dorsiflex his foot). Thanks in advance for your help.

[Eric Broadbent]

Eric Broadbent on June 19, 2011 at 7:14 am #108675

I think your plan sounds good. Is there any chance you could prescribe workouts for them to do 2 other days out of the week as “homework”? Maybe put them on some sort of plan and see if you can get parents to buy into it.

[Eric Broadbent]

Eric Broadbent on June 19, 2011 at 7:15 am #108676

As far as teaching them dorsi flexion maybe try to have them break it down as much as possibl to the point where they are just standing there doing it. Then marching slowly then possibly skipping or running and doing it with sprint drills? Just an idea but I know it’s probably pretty tough to get everyone to do the right stuff.

[wardbayou7@gmail.com]

wardbayou7@gmail.com on June 22, 2011 at 6:18 am #108708

Thanks Eric.

I’ve tried to give “homework” but there’s only so much the parents are willing to do between swim meets, and soccer camps. Since our season is coming to an end I will try to recruit kids next year for late winter/early spring to see if they’re willing to start training early. In the mean time I will do the best I can with the time I have.