Track & Field News Presents: Technique and Drills for Distance/Middle Distance
2007
65 Minutes
Instructional
Available on DVD
This 65 minute DVD was completed in 2007 and is part of the nine part series by Track & Field News that was made by high school coaches for high school coaches. The beauty of this presentation is that Coach Pat Tyson, 12 time Washington State Team Champions from Mead High School Cross Country program and former University of Oregon athlete, presents the information in a relaxed conversational manner that is both informative and easy to join along. Coaches at any level are sure to benefit from the general advice and proven record of top place finishes. The five athletes who show the skills, drills, and running are all a cohesive group that functions well on screen with primarily non-verbal cues as Coach Tyson provides the voice over. Here are the segments that are presented:
Stretching: A constantly engaged yoga style series of movements are explained in a progressive manner. Just by watching the semi-circle athletes you will be engaged to join in with the group and stretch along with them. The movements are not rushed and there is a strong focus on posture during this 17 minute routine. After getting the basic series down this is one segment you could use to pace yourself for a nice cool down whether at the track or in your home.
Core Exercises: Call it "ab work" or "gut busters", this series of 15 different core exercises takes about 17 minutes to go through the abbreviated routine (sets of 20 rather than 30 to 50 reps). Like most high school programs, they use their own names for some tried and true favorites and many of the crunches are unique to this tape. Once again, it’s easy to follow along and most people will start feeling a major burning half way through this set. Four additional minutes are used for upper body strengthening with specific push up reps where you can also follow along.
Running Drills: The "Oregon Drill", "Sprint, Float, Sprint Drill", "1600 Meter Drill", and "30/30 Drill" are each demonstrated as coaching points are illustrated on screen. Running form is stressed as well as points of interest of the history of these drills that have been created and utilized by Bill Bowerman and Bill Dellinger. How to apply these drills within the season training program, as well as modifying the splits for a variety of athletic abilities, is also described in detail.
Filmed on a sunny summer day, this production is a joy to watch and follow along with the on-screen activities. Unlike many instructional DVDs that are slow paced or just someone talking, Coach Tyson is relaxed and effective and ties his comments directly into what the athletes are demonstrating. The production quality of this series is also high with good graphics, transitions, scene selection options, and quality music. Although there is no specific race strategies for track and cross country, with the focus on conditioning and workout choices you may find your athletes doing what the Mead High School has so frequently done, bring home another state title by focusing on the tried and true basics of athletic conditioning, teamwork, and having fun when running at a variety of intensities. Order your copy to own from Championship Productions.com.
