Little Athletics Chelsea provides weekly training during the
summer Track & Field Season (October - March) free of charge to
all registered members. Training is held at the normal Saturday
competition venue in Edithvale. As the coaching provided is more
event specific it is generally available only for the U/8 age
group and above. The format will ensure that groups of athletes are formed into manageable sizes
for each event covered at a training session. Coaching aims to
tailor specifically for each age group and each individuals
current ability.
Our Centre coaches
are volunteering their time to support and benefit your
children, your help would be most welcome. All coaches have a
current WWC card.
Training Program 2015/16
The table below provides the current schedule for training. Please note that dates are subject to change.
Training this season will be structured via age-groups combined into Junior & Senior athletes. The Junior age-groups will be made up of U8 - U12 athletes and the Senior group will be the U13 - U16 athletes. Generally the training program will be based on the events to be competed in the following week's program,
although the Senior group may have tailored programs depending on requests received.
Date |
Age Group |
Time |
7 |
October |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
14 |
October |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
21 |
October |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
28 |
October |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
4 |
November |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
No Training |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
11 |
November |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
18 |
November |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
25 |
November |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
2 |
December |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
9 |
December |
2015 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:15pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
16 |
December |
2015 |
No Training |
23 |
December |
2015 |
No Training |
30 |
December |
2015 |
No Training |
13 |
January |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
20 |
January |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
27 |
January |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
3 |
February |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
10 |
February |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
17 |
February |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
24 |
February |
2016 |
U8 - U12 |
5:00 - 6:30pm |
U13 - U16 |
6.30 - 7.30pm |
The typical training format is Warm-up, Event Training and Warm-down. Athletes should bring a water bottle and eat before attending to ensure that
they have plenty of energy to complete the session.
Parents who are not in attendance while their child(ren) are at training
are to fill in the attendance register so they can be contacted if required in an emergency or if training is cancelled
for any reason.
Weather
A training session may be cancelled due to inclement weather,
i.e. either extreme heat or rain or both! It is important that
parents do not just drop off their children without first
speaking with the Coaching Manager to confirm that training will
be held on that particular day. Advance notice of training
cancellation will be advised on the website however this may not
always be possible. Please contact Tim Newman (0438 352 999) for Juniors (U8 - U12),
and Anthony Cafarella (0417 388 590) for Seniors (U13+), to confirm if training will be held
on any scheduled evening. We will also use our
Twitter and
Facebook accounts and post training cancellation notices.
Becoming A Coach
The Centre is continually searching for members who would like
to learn the craft of becoming a Coach so that we always have
Coaches coming through the system replacing those that are leaving
the Centre. Assisting our young athletes in developing skills is
an important part of their development. Any parents who may be
interested in coaching should contact the
Coaching Manager - Tim Newman.
The Centre will provide information for any member to be trained
to become a Coach via a recognised ATFCA (Australian Track &
Field Coaches Association) course. Members who commit to
coaching for a minimum qualifying period will be reimbursed any out
of pocket expenses for the course costs.
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Beginning Coaching General Principles Course
The Australian Government thru the Australian Sports Commission offers
a course aimed at first time and beginner coaches.
This course is provided free of charge to all
persons with a valid Australian postal address.
The course provides for the first step towards accreditation to becoming a coach.
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Athletics Play - Playing For Life Games Based Approach To Coaching
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Athletics Play
Athletics Play is a resource designed for use in the Australian Sports Commission's Active After Schools Program. The resource was jointly developed by Little Athletics Australia, Athletics Australia and the Australian Sports Commission
The Athletics Play manual features an eight-week games-based activity program that focuses on the fundamental skills of running, jumping and throwing and is designed to promote a teams-based approach to athletics that is exciting, challenging and fun. |
A number of training aids are available for use at the Centre,
members may also borrow equipment to use in their own time, or books
and videos specific to certain events.

Ask The Coaches
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Got A Question about a specific event, or need to know more?
Just Use the
Ask The Coaches
button, and send a message with your question.
Our Coaches will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.
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Throwing Equipment Weights
The table below indicates the recommended throwing implement mass for the Discus, Shot Put, and Javelin field events
for each of the age groups and genders.
Implement  |
Discus |
Shot Put |
Javelin |
Age Group / Gender  |
Under 6 - B & G |
350gm |
1.0kg |
- |
Under 7 - B & G |
350gm |
1.0kg |
- |
Under 8 - B & G |
350gm |
1.5kg |
- |
Under 9 - B & G |
500gm |
2.0kg |
- |
Under 10 - B & G |
500gm |
2.0kg |
- |
Under 11 - B & G |
750gm |
2.0kg |
400gm |
Under 12 - G |
750gm |
2.0kg |
400gm |
Under 12 - B |
750gm |
3.0kg |
400gm |
Under
13 - G |
750gm |
3.0kg |
400gm |
Under 13 - B |
1kg |
3.0kg |
600gm |
Under 14 - G |
1kg |
3.0kg |
400gm |
Under 14 - B |
1kg |
3.0kg |
600gm |
Under 15 - G |
1kg |
3.0kg |
500gm |
Under 15 - B |
1kg |
4.0kg |
700gm |
Under 16 - G |
1kg |
3.0kg |
500gm |
Under 16 - B |
1kg |
4.0kg |
700gm |
Hurdle Spacing & Heights
The table below details the Hurdle spacing and height requirements per Age Group & Gender.
Event |
Age Group / Gender |
Height |
Run In |
Spacing |
Run Out |
60m Hurdles
(6 Flights) |
Under 8 Boys & Girls |
45cm |
12m |
7m |
13m |
Under 9 Boys & Girls |
45cm |
12m |
7m |
13m |
Under 10 Boys & Girls |
60cm |
12m |
7m |
13m |
Under 11 Boys & Girls |
60cm |
12m |
7m |
13m |
Under 12 Boys & Girls |
68cm |
12m |
7m |
13m |
81m Hurdles*
(9 Flights) |
Under 8 Boys & Girls |
45cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
Under 9 Boys & Girls |
45cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
Under 10 Boys & Girls |
60cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
Under 11 Boys & Girls |
60cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
Under 12 Boys & Girls |
68cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
Under 13 Boys & Girls |
76cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
Under 14 Girls |
76cm |
12m |
7m |
13m# |
90m Hurdles
(10 Flights) |
Under 14 Boys |
76cm |
13m |
8m |
13m |
Under 15 Girls |
76cm |
13m |
8m |
13m |
Under 16 Girls |
76cm |
13m |
8m |
13m |
100m Hurdles
(10 Flights) |
Under 15 Boys |
76cm |
13m |
8.5m |
10.5m |
Under 16 Boys |
76cm |
13m |
8.5m |
10.5m |
300m Hurdles
(7 Flights) |
Under 13 Boys & Girls |
68cm |
50m |
35m |
40m |
Under 14 Boys & Girls |
68cm |
50m |
35m |
40m |
Under 15 Boys & Girls |
68cm |
50m |
35m |
40m |
Under 15 Boys & Girls |
68cm |
50m |
35m |
40m |
*LA Chelsea Centre Competition Only - Regional & State Competition distance is 80m
#LA Chelsea Centre Competition Only - Regional & State Competition run-out distance is 12m
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Instructional Videos
The VLAA (LAV) have commissioned a number of instructional
videos to be produced to raise the level of basic skills in
young athletes in Victoria. The series is for the beginner
athlete and parents to attain a competent level of expertise in
the featured event.
The Centre has a number of these videos (DVD format) available
for loan (at no cost) to any member. As more videos are produced
these will be added here. Videos are generally available for
hire for 1 week only. Videos are also available for purchase via
the LAV
site.
DVD Format
Videos |
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Sprints /Starts / Relays
This DVD covers the skills and techniques in the areas of Sprinting, Relay and Starting, both standing and
crouch.
It also provides basic drills for each of the events and current
VLAA regulations as of October 2009. |
click on images to enlarge |
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Hurdles
This DVD on hurdling explains and demonstrates
the model technique and provides some basic drills with which to practice and
establish correct hurdle technique.
It also includes hurdle
specific warm-up and stretching exercises aimed at
establishing the required rhythm and flexibility so
important to hurdle athletes. |
click on images to enlarge |
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Discus
This DVD covers skills ranging from how to hold
the discus, through standing throws and then a progression of turns.
It also provides some
basic discus drills and an overview of the current
regulations in place for VLAA discus events. |
click on images to enlarge |
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Javelin
This DVD covers skills ranging from how to hold
the Javelin, through standing throws and then a progression of run-up.
It also provides some
basic Javelin drills and an overview of the current
regulations in place for VLAA Javelin events. |
click on images to enlarge |
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Books
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Introduction to Coaching Manual
This manual is provided to participants of the
ITCC. Produced with the help of the Australian Track & Field Coaches Association (ATFCA), it
covers all events conducted at Little Athletics (LA).
A section of the book also deals with Coaching of Young
Athletes making it an ideal tool for chidren competing at LA. The book includes
many training drills for various ages from an early age to the later years of
LA. A highly recommended read for those interested in coaching their own
children or becoming a coach. |
click on images to enlarge |
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CD's
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On Track
This CD provides information on the
Fundamental Motor Skills that are taught as part of the On-track program
conducted at the Centre for the U/6 & U/7 age groups. Whilst
the CD is primarily for use by an On-Track instructor it can
be useful for parents who wish to learn the progression of
skills through the 5 levels of the program, for their own
use, and provides some great tips for young developing
athletes.
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ITCC + Coaching/Training Programs
This CD contains a very useful selection of tips and
techniques for developing event specific skills, and it also
covers the selection of the correct choice of specific
running shoes and spikes for young athletes. Instruction an
all events conducted at Little Athletics is covered as well
as Relays, and how to achieve a solid starting position
using either a standing start or crouch start with or
without starting blocks.
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Sports Science
Access the
Sport Science Webpage on the
LAV site. Here you will find many tips and useful information
into the different Sports Science areas to help improve the
practices that you use and the performances that you want to
achieve. Topics covered include: Preparation, Heat Illness,
First Aid, Footwear & Injuries, Avoiding Injuries, Safety In
Sport, and Eating & Drinking Right.
Junior Development Squad

Click Logo To Access LAV Website |
Coaching and training is fundamental to improving athlete’s
skills and technique. Many Centres offer coaching and
training on a weekly basis after school hours.
Little Athletics Victoria also provides training and
development programs for various age groups across the
State. One of these programs is JDS.
The Junior Development Squad (JDS)
offers training and coaching programs for athletes in
the U12 - U15's age groups, who have met qualifying
standards.
Training with other keen and enthusiastic squad members
is both fun and motivational, and helps develop new
friendships based on an enjoyment of athletics. The
emphasis on learning new athletic skills, and improving
existing skills, is in a friendly and supportive
environment. |
SMR Skills Coaching Camp
Generally held in late November
each year, the SMR Camp is conducted at Merricks Camp &
Conference Centre, Merricks, over a weekend (Friday evening till
Sunday afternoon). Registrations are typically limited to 100
and the camp is available for U/9 to U/16 age groups. The Camp
is available to all athletes (subject to number only) and there
is no qualifying criteria. The Camp is aimed at improving an
athlete's knowledge and technique over a a range of events.
Further details will be provided when available.
External Coaching/Training Site Links
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This site is focused on providing cutting edge Training Tips for Serious Athletes
and Coaches.
Suitable Ages: U/12 & above
Also refer to section:
www.oztrack.com/tips.htm
www.oztrack.com/training.htm
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This site is a great resource for training ideas and tips for Track
& Field events. Refer to the menu links on the left hand side of
the page when visiting.
Suitable Ages: U/12 & above
Refer to:
trackandfield.lifetips.com
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coachr.org |
Track and Field / Athletics: A site with lots of great information for coaches and self-coached athletes.
Suitable Ages: U/12 & above
Refer to:
www.coachr.org
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Here you will find some great speed/sprint training ideas, time predictors and general training
advice. Dedicated to Track events only.
Suitable Ages: U/12 & above
Refer to:
www.sprintology.com.au
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A site especially for kids with great ideas on improvement,
training, nutrition, and games to make athletics fun.
Suitable Ages: All Ages
Refer to:
www.kidsrunning.com
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The Australian Track & Field Coaches Association website.
Information on finding a specialist coach and guidelines for
Coaches.
Suitable Ages: All Ages
Refer to:
www.atfca.com.au
Victorian Branch:
www.atfcaviccoaches.org.au
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