Youth Track and Field

Run, Run as Fast as you can!

Getting kids involved in track and field events when they’re young is the best way to ensure continuing success and athletic performance on the track. If a child is serious about their involvement in youth track and field, it’s a good idea to find a club for them to meet others with similar interests and to get into a weekly training program.

National youth track and field competition starts with children as young as 8, however children of any age can benefit from involvement in track and field. While some events like javelin throw or pole vault aren’t really suited to young children, they can always participate in short and middle distance races as well as relays and certain field events like long jump.

For the Fun of it

Before joining a club, consider participating in a kids’ fun run. These relaxing quarter mile races are often held in conjunction with local events such as road races, and parents may usually accompany their children along the way. The emphasis is always on fun and participation as opposed to winning and timing, which make them a great introduction to the world of youth track and field.

If the kids’ fun run really sparks an interest, then the next logical step is to join a track and field club to receive both the coaching and financial support that goes a long way in the sport of track and field. To find a credible club nearby, visit the USA Track & Field website at http://www.usatf.org

While joining a club has a multitude of benefits, one of the major drawbacks is reduced flexibility where practice timing and location are concerned. Also, parents are not always able to control the events participated in by each individual child, since team scoring is a factor with a track and field club.

Safety First!

When choosing a youth track and field club, the main focus should always be on safety, proper technique including throughout warm-up and cool down periods, and under training as opposed to over training. Over training at a young age can cause lifelong recurring injuries that could result in permanent damage to young runner’s later career. Children under the age of 14 should only be performing their full workout no more than 3 times per week, including competitions.

Another important factor in selecting a youth track and field club is the coaching staff and their methods. Make sure the coaches allow each child to participate in every event so that they can see which events they enjoy the most and where their natural athletic abilities are. Also, ensure that the coaching staff is not overexerting the children beyond their capacity, and allowing them to train on soft surfaces to reduce the risk of injury. Children under the age of 14 should never be forced to run more than a couple of miles per practice session, which includes the warm up and cool down periods that bookend the practice session.

Mitch McCann has been coaching track and field for well over a decade. He publishes all his track workouts and practice plans online for other coaches. You can visit his website be clicking on the link below:

Track and Field Drills and Practice Plans