Training Programs

A training program has to be developed to meet the individual needs of the athlete and take into consideration many factors: gender, age, strengths, weaknesses, objectives, training facilities etc. As all athletes have different needs, a single program suitable for all athletes is not possible.

Example Programs

Young or inexperienced athletes

The following are examples of general Track and Field training programs suitable for young or inexperienced athletes:

  • Sprints - 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres and the sprint hurdles
  • Endurance - 800 metres, 1500 metres, 5km, 10km, walks and steeplechase
  • Throws - shot, discus, hammer and javelin events
  • Jumps - long jump, high jump, triple jump and the pole vault

Experienced athletes

The following are example of track and field programs suitable for experienced athletes:

Track Events

Field Events

Road Running

The following are examples of Road Running training programs suitable for experienced endurance athletes:

  • Marathon - for the experienced endurance athlete
  • Marathon - for the novice endurance athlete - based on mileage
  • Marathon - for the novice endurance athlete - based on time

Triathlon

The following are examples of Triathlon training programs suitable for experienced athletes:

Fell Running

Fell running programs are available for the:

Team Sports

Acceleration and speed over a short distance and the endurance to repeatedly perform these is very important for most team sports e.g. American Football, Basket Ball, Baseball, Cricket, Field Hockey, Rugby, Soccer etc. The following are examples of programs to develop these fitness components:

Planning

Periodisation

Making sure you peak at exactly the right time is one of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of competitive sport.

Periodisation: planning your training for peak performance draws on recently published sports research into the science of timing your training and condition so you are at your very best on the day.

Click here for more information on "Periodisation"
Recovery

Recovery

Contrary to popular belief, training per se does not make you stronger, faster or fitter. Those benefits only come afterwards, during recovery, when adaptation takes place. No matter how hard you train, without adequate recovery you not only squander your hard training effort – you also struggle to recuperate for your next session.

Click here for more information on "Recovery"

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page: