Paratriathlon Coaching
Coaching is fundamental to improving the quality of athletes in any sport. British Triathlon aims to create a very strong Coach Development System in the area of paratriathlon to ensure that as this sport grows our coaches can learn and develop their skills also.
Paratriathlon Development Opportunities
British Triathlon does this in a number of ways and more about this can be read below, however over the coming seasons, British Triathlon Federation will be adding to this system to help create expertise at both a grass routes and elite level.
Current Coach Development Opportunities:
UKCC level 1 and 2
British Triathlon has done a complete review of their Level 1 and 2 Coach Education courses, and part of this was to include relevant information regarding paratriathlon. Candidates at Level 1 will gain an introduction to the paratriathlon programme, the classification system and the impact this could have on them as an assistant coach. At Level 2, there is a specific section dedicated to paratriathlon, and this involves a tutor lead seminar covering the following:
- Coaching Issues
- Transition
- Fatigue and recovery
- Effects of temperature
- Classification and coaching implications per classification
- Equipment and resources
Coaching CPD course
Those coaches who show a specific interest in the area of paratriathlon have the opportunity to further their knowledge by attending a British Triathlon Federation Coaching Paratriathletes CPD course. The courses are planned and delivered on a regional basis ensuring that coaches shouldn’t have to travel too far gain access to a course. The course is a full day and aims to cover more in-depth information regarding practical coaching implications around paratriathlon. The general plan for these days is as follows:
- Introduction to the course
- Practical tips for coaches – 1 hour tutor lead seminar
- Water exit practical – this teaches people how to safely and quickly help Tri1 paratriathletes exit the water
- Athlete lead practical – British Triathlom Federation aim to utilise the local athletes in helping to teach coaches, therefore each course will have a different theme depending on the athlete available, and the objectives within this are as follows:
1. Equipment – how it works and opportunities for practical
2. How does coaching differ – an athlete lead view into their approach to training and racing
3. Coaching related information
When and Where
Currently British Triathlon Federation has six courses planned:
| Venue | Date | RMP* |
|---|---|---|
| North East | 22nd January | Michelle Scott |
| Rochdale | 28th January | Rob Bishop |
| Loughborough | 3rd or 4th of March | Gavin Passmore |
| Norwich | 18th February | Gavin Passmore |
| London | 19th February | Jon Train or Jenny Vincent |
| Bristol | TBC | David Hooper |
These courses will usually have a maximum number of 16 candidates and further information can be found out about these from the relevant Regional Manager.
Technical Paratriathlon Coaching Session
The video below aims to show the practical side of coaching paratriathletes, this session focusses on the wheelchair racing element and the aims are around cornering.