The 1st Run Jump Throw series of coaching workshops recently took place across September and October 2018 in Dangan, Co. Galway.
The idea for the workshops was designed around introducing developmental coaches to the basics of some new events, ideas and coaching methods to be able to deliver appropriate sessions in running, jumping and throwing events back in their clubs.
Athletes, 12 and older, could attend the workshops for free each of the evenings and Coaches were sent a Run Jump Throw (RJT) coaching document via email on each of the disciplines covered that week.
Each of the nights focused on 2 specific events (Week 1 – Sprints & Shot Putt, Week 2 – High Jump & Javelin, Week 3 – Long Jump & Hurdles).
The 1st Run Jump Throw series of coaching workshops recently took place across Sept and Oct in Dangan, Co. Galway which was designed for developmental coaches.
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Two different events chosen on purpose each night in the hope that even if a coach only wanted to learn about hurdles that they would stay and learn something new in the Long Jump for example.
The importance of a multi events style of coaching was reinforced throughout the three weeks of the RJT and even at this time of year when Cross Country is to the fore, technical events like the HJ, Shot and Hurdles etc can still be introduced and incorporated into weekly training sessions.
Week 1
The importance of a multi event approach was highlighted and detailed excellently by National Decathlon Champion and Regional Development Officer, Shane Ashton who was on hand on Week 1 to deliver Sprints and Shot Putt elements.
Week 2
Paul Byrne, Regional Development Officer (RDO), delivered both High Jump (HJ) and Javelin disciplines during Week 2’s session. Javelin thrower Conor Cusack and Coach Padraig Joyce (Lake District AC) gave some excellent tips and coached the group of coaches
Week 3
The third session of the RJT Workshops was postponed a couple of times but coaches were treated to a beautiful final evening in Dangan before Storm Callum hit the west coast. Paul Byrne led the two event groups of Long Jump and Hurdles and it was great to see a great turn out for final session.
In total 34 coaches and 15 athletes took part in the RJT workshops. Feedback has been excellent and the hope is that this style of workshop will be delivered in different regions in the coming months.
Thank you to the Galway County Board for giving the idea the green light, NUIG AC for allowing us to share the track each evening and to each end every coach/athlete that showed up to learn and try something new.
For more information please contact Paul Byrne, Regional Development Officer for Clare, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford & Offaly on paulbyrne@athleticsireland.ie.
