Print this page

Essential Components of the Training Session There are many ways to organize a training session for Special Olympics athletes. Because of comprehension and memory challenges for the athlete, there is considerable value in developing a consistent training "routine" that provides familiarity, stability, and comfort.   There are four essential components of a typical training session: warm-up and stretching, skills instruction, competition experience, and cool-down and stretching. (Fitness training or conditioning can also be included following competition experience and prior to cool-down.) The following techniques and tips will provide the most successful learning opportunities. Warm-up and Stretching Time is precious and skills repetition vital. Warm up in a way specific to golf. When athletes have difficulties with balance, use stretching activities that can be done while sitting, lying down, or leaning against a wall or partner. Involve athletes in leading the exercises; coaches are then free to circulate and directly assist others who need help. Teach a simple routine involving the major muscle groups, which athletes can repeat at home and at competition. Warm up by walking or jogging 5 minutes. Then perform the following stretches: 1) calf stretch against wall, 2) hamstring stretch or toe touch, 3) quad stretch holding onto wall for balance (both directions), 4) groin stretch while sitting or lunging to each side, 5) shoulder stretch (grasping hands behind body and leaning forward), and 6) triceps stretch (reaching to sky with one arm, bending elbow which points forward, and pulling elbow straight back with opposite hand; performing stretch with other arm). Concerning stretching, what to do and not to do follows: Do Prevention Perform warm-up activity for 5 minutes (walk or run slowly). Muscle fiber tear or strain Perform held stretches for 10-30 seconds each. Muscle fiber tear or strain. Start with the large muscle groups such as the legs then move to the shoulders, etc. Greater energy required warming large muscle groups. Circulation and heart rate is increased immediately. Perform each stretch to your personal point of tension. Strain on the joints, back or neck. Breathe while stretching. Releases tension and oxygen flow to muscles Perform stretches in a "safe" position and through range of motion. Example performs a sit-up crunch with back flat to ground to avoid stress on low back. Skills Instruction Training Sequence (tasks ==> skills ==> application in game/event ==> implementation in competition) The key is to break skills into small basic tasks or steps; tasks are then put together to form skills. (Addresses difficulty in performing multi-step tasks) Drills are developed so that skills can be applied in a game situation. The result is skills performed in competition. Communication when Teaching and Coaching Communicate effectively. Concise: Use a few descriptive "key words". Do not use long sentences. For example: "Reach for the sky." (Addresses difficulty in understanding verbal instructions and desired actions) Consistent: Use the same word or words for the same action. (Addresses need for repetition and reinforcement) Command-oriented: Verbally reinforce the athlete immediately after a desired action. Make the reinforcement action-oriented and specific to the skill. (Addresses need for frequent motivation and words associated with a physical action) Make sure an athlete is looking at you when making a coaching point. When needed, physically prompt an athlete to look at you. (Addresses difficulty in maintaining attention) Ask athletes questions rather than always providing directions. Lead them to think for themselves. Verify athlete responses. (Addresses independence) Levels of Instruction: Skills Progression Assess what an athlete is ready to do; build upon strengths. Use appropriate levels of assistance for each athlete — verbal, visual (demonstration), physical prompt, physical assistance. Gradually reduce physical assistance in favor of simple cues and eventually no prompting at all. (Addresses difficulty in learning and improving) The lower the ability athlete, the more assistance may be required. Verbal cues should always be accompanied by demonstration. Physical prompts may be needed to help the athlete get positioned properly. When all else fails, move the athlete through the complete skill. Practice skills in situations that are related to the game or event. (Addresses difficulty in generalizing to new situations) Use drills and activities that involve many athletes at all times. (Addresses slower rate of learning and the need for motivation and repetition) Competition Experience Provide a realistic competition experience during each practice in order to improve confidence and performance under the pressure of real competition. Help athletes understand game concepts by providing immediate and concrete feedback. During scrimmages or practice games, stop the play to help athletes recognize critical situations and learn how to react successfully. Emphasize the value of enforcing the rules during training. Rules enforcement helps prepare athletes for participation in community sports and in life. Cool-down and Stretching Having athletes do light jogging and then stretching major muscle groups will prevent muscle cramps and soreness and increase flexibility. Review the main themes of the training session; reward athlete performance, and talk about the next competition or training session.

Prev Page                                                                 Next Page