[Ryan Banta]

Ryan Banta on April 25, 2011 at 12:17 pm #17509

Unfortunately, as a high school coach early in my career I had instant success in the short sprints. This success came in the form of multiple school records in the 100, 200, 400, 4×100, and 4×200. Along with these records we placed in the top three at State or better in the 100, 4×100, and 4×200. Now to even the most casual observer you might ask the question “why was this success unfortunate??

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"Nature hides her secret because of her essential loftiness, but not by means of ruse." -Albert Einstein

[underdog_19]

underdog_19 on April 26, 2011 at 9:35 pm #107584

I agree completely.

We try to stress that kids should be versatile and not specialize. Training for the 400 makes complete sense as this allows them to then be able to compete in many different events, as you pointed out. A team can always use 400 runners and the extra work certainly won’t hurt them when it comes to the lower distances…if done properly.

[Justin Ruffing]

Justin Ruffing on April 28, 2011 at 11:28 am #107614

I agree and I tend to take it a step farther. I have a great hurdle coach, and I have most of my best athletes work with him. A hurdler who is good in the 110s and 300s is able to also do the 100, 200, 400, 800, and all of the relays.