AAF/CIF Track and Field
and Field Program" is specifically concerned
Coaching Manual
by the Amateur Athletic
Foundation of Los Angeles
A A F / C I F
Track & Field
Coaches Program
The Amateur Athletic Foundaiion of Ltis
Angeles was sei up to manage the special
endowment from the revenue of the 1984
Olympic G a m e s , allocated lo Southern
California for the purpose of the deveiopmeni
of sport wilhin the region. This manual, com-
piled by two editors and 18 contributors, is a
joinl produclion of the AAF and the Southern
Section tif the California Interscholastic
Federation.
The first c h a p t e r . 'A Philosophy for
Coaching Track and Field*, starts off well wilh
an an excelleni overview of the slage hy stage
development from active athlete lo experi-
enced, knowledgeable coach. It then goes on
to underline the fact that this manual is aimed
specifically al the High Schtitil coach, who is
undoubtedly the most important link in the
LISA coaching chain.
This is a well wrillen and well developed
chapter. It contains principles, concepts and
advice thai are ntit tmlv fundamenlal for the
beginner coach bul also well wurth re-consid-
eration by even the most experienced.
The second chapter 'Organising a Track
wilh High School coaches but still contains
much good general advice on identifying
poteniial, recruitment, promotion and the
maintenance of gtxid health.
n i e third chapter "Principles and Meihods
tif Training" is anoiher very good chapter, well
and clearly written. Allhough a greal deal of
information is condensed into a few pages, this
chapter would nevertheless serve as an excel-
lent "notebook" for an experienced leciurer.
In the ihird chapter it was remarked that
many coaches spend loo much time on the
technique of the evenis and not enough lime
on the condilioning work that is necessarv lo
provide young athletes with at least some of
the slrength. speed and mobilitv essenlial for
the deveiopmeni of technique.
The fourlh chapter gives an excellent and
very Ihortiugh explanation of a variety of
methods of improving these abilities wilh due
regard for the safety of the young athlele.
The fifth chapter is concerned with the
coaching of lhe specific event, each evenl or
evenl group being divided into sectitms deal-
ing with : "A Philosophy for coaching the
event', "Principles of Training', "Methods of
Training'. 'The Mechanics of the evenl,'
Tactics and Strategy' and Training Plans.'
This is a practical chapter, written in plain
English and containing much sound advice.
The lasl iwo chapters deal wiih 'Prevention
and Treatment of Injuries' and 'Organisation
ofa Track and Field Alhlelics Meeting."
In all. this is a very good, satisfying book.
The edition reviewed does conlain a few mis-
prints, the mosl serious ones concerning touch
down times for lhe hurdles, but the htiok ntit
only achieves whal it sels out to do. it can be
highly recommended reading for all coaches.
no matter whal their level.
Jim Alford
For tnore information coniaci the Amateur
Athletic Foundaiion of Los Angeles, 214}
West Adams Boulevard. I.tis Angeles.
California WOIK USA. luy