Coaching and Care of Athletes

THE QUARTER-MILE AND 400 METRES the way of getting their track kit ready, packing their bags, and so on. He should also discuss with them the prevailing weather con– ditions and how these are likely to affect the time trial, or the race, which is going to be run in the afternoon. If the team is going to a strange track the coach should tell his men what he has been· able to learn about it, and should also inform them of any special points he happens to know about their opponents. With each man indi– vidually the coach should discuss any little point, 0r points, that he wishes that particular athlete to have specially in mind. Lunch should be planned in accordance with the requirements of each individual. In the same way, when the team goes to the ground, the coach should see that each athlete limbers up in accordance with his own particular requirements, which practice has shown will get him to the right stage in the staircase effect for producing a peak performance at the right time. Limbering up should finish from 15 to 20 min's. before the race is to be run, and the athlete should then get off his feet and keep perfectly warm. He will have to go into the dressing-room if the weather is inclement; but, even if the weather is beautiful, this is not the time to take a sun-bath. Having stored up bodily heat by the limbering-up process, it must be maintained, and the athlete should stay in his sweat suit, and, if he is oqt of doors, should put a blanket round him while he lies down on a groundsheet. From 5 to r o mins. before the race a second pr:ief limbering-up process will be required. For most men this will consist of a few short, sharp bursts of speed and some deep breathing. Before actually going to the mark the men should relax their m,uscles by loosely shaking their arms and legs, and again a few deep breaths may be taken. After the first trial, heat, or race has been run the athletes should be rested from 20 to 30 mins., according to the time available, before they warm up for the next trial er race. After the trial, or race, has been run the men should cool ,down by jogging a steady 440 yds. and doing a few bending and stretching exercises. Then they must be got into the dressing– room for their shower-baths and massage. Massage on this day should be of a long, steady nature and not too heavy. On Saturday even– ing, Sunday, or after breakfast on Monday the coach should discuss with his team the form each man has shown in the Saturday's trials, or races, and should make a point of clearing any doubts there are in the athletes' minds, giving them the necessary encouragement, and telling them how, in future, they can avoid the faults which they may have committed. By the time his team is ready to undertake mid-season training the coach will know the capabilities of his pupils, and wjll realize the necessity for balancing each man's work -individually. This 219 I I i 11 11 I I