Run, Jump & Throw Coaching Workshops Report

The 1st Run Jump Throw series of coaching workshops recently took place across Sept and October 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 each week were sent a RJT coaching document via email on each of the disciplines covered that week.

Each of the nights focussed on 2 specific events (Week 1 – Sprints & Shot Put, Week 2 – High Jump & Javelin,  Week 3 – Long Jump & Hurdles) with 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 3 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 Put elements.

Week 2

Paul Byrne RDO delivered both HJ and Javelin disciplines during Week 2’s session. 66m javelin thrower Conor Cusack and Coach Padraig Joyce (Lake District AC) gave some excellent tips and coached the group of coaches

Week 3

 The 3rd and final session of the RJT Workshops was postponed a couple of times but coaches were treated to a beautiful final evening in Danagn before Storm Callum hit the west coast. Paul Byrne lead 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 over the course of the 3 weeks. Feedback has been excellent and the hope is that this style of workshop will be delivered in different regions across the country in the coming months. Thank you to the Galway Co. Board for giving the idea the green light, NUIG AC for allowing us to share the track with you 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.