In this presentation, legendary distance coach Jack Daniels shares the ins and outs of coaching Cross Country at the grassroots level. Coach Daniels feels it is essential to know your athlete's running background and believes that workouts should be designed according to the experience of each athlete. Daniels shares advice on goal setting and recommends goal setting for all runners that include both their training goals and the goals for the racing season. For grassroots training, Daniels shares how to break up the season into training phases and also shares training specifics for each phase of the season, detailing the types of training that include long runs and interval training, and threshold training. Daniels also elaborates on how to account for races in the training cycle. On the technical side of coaching cross country runners, Daniels discusses running stride, turnover rate and breathing. On the team side of coaching cross country, Daniels shares strategies for racing, and training together, to motivate performing at the highest level.

47 minutes. 2008.

Distance coaching great Jack Daniels shares grassroots technical and training strategies for coaching middle distance and distance runners. Daniels feels it is essential to evaluate a runner's stride and to experiment with breathing patterns that are best suited for each individual runner that you coach. He shares strategies for experimenting with your runners to find the optimal stride and breathing pattern for each runner. Daniels presents the technical aspects of proper distance running - rolling over the ground versus bounding over the ground - that can negatively impact a runner in terms increased injuries and decreased running efficiency. Daniels shows how to account for a runner's fitness level at the start of the season. This helps to determine grouping for the most effective training. He moves into training strategies and offers ideas on how to mix longer, easy running with sprint repeats with the goal of running with good mechanics, speed and running economy. Finally, Daniels displays seasonal planning recommendations that include four distinct phases and considerations for individualizing the plan to meet individual runners' needs. Also included are scientifically backed workout specifics that are easy to understand and implement into your program.

44 minutes. 2008.

Coach Tyson also presents a unique 12-month approach to coaching athletes. The five principles of coaching set the foundation for an excellent running program. These five steps include moderation, progression, variation, adaptability and "callousing" your body. Tyson begins with warm-up exercises to prepare athletes for their event. As teaching race strategy becomes an extremely important part of coaching cross country, Tyson demonstrates his sprint/float drill. The elite workouts used by Tyson are also detailed. The workout includes the 30/40 drill, the 10 mile control run, the thrashing drill and the 2-1-30 drill. Tyson closes with a discussion for athletes on the attributes of a champion runner - keeping a journal, good communication with your coach, listening to your body, using common sense and moderation in everything you do.

48 minutes. 2007.

Stretching, core strength, daily routine, weight lifting and philosophy comprise the outline for this DVD on middle distance running. The yoga-style stretching routine requires a straight back and includes angle stretches. Every possible muscle set, including the glutes, groin, and hamstring, is addressed in this program. Twice a week an abdominal routine follows the stretching program. This core strength program is an important part of training middle distance runners. Exercises include flickers, legs over head, crunchers, crisscross, leg lifters, switchers, arch the back, squigglies, on your side, robbios, leg lifters, morgios, Dieter Baumanns' and push-ups. Next, Coach Tyson illustrates drills for developing runners. The Oregon Pacing drill requires runners to exhibit three different strides for 80 yards each. Players run tall, work on stride and are barefoot. This drill gives the coach a great chance to evaluate the technique of each runner. Another favorite is the Oregon sprint, float, sprint drill. This drill trains runners to finish strong. The 1600 Meter drill is a great drill to simulate race situation or as a cross country tune up. Tyson introduces a drill that athletes can use to challenge the 4-minute mile called the 30/30 drill.

65 minutes. 2007.

How does training transfer to the event? What can I do to maintain my athlete's health? Why should I train the core? How do I train the core? What age should I start plyometric training? Vern Gambetta answers these questions and many more in a clinic presentation explaining what you can implement with your athletes at your next practice to start making your team better.

63 minutes. 2006.