The
second Chelmsford clinic of the winter was a big success
with over 20 athletes working with seven coaches,
including a visiting coach from South Africa. In the
absence of Lloyd Cowan, who had to withdraw at late
notice due to other coaching commitments, local organiser
Tony Benton took a leading role. Current UK International
Damien Greaves worked alongside him to share his extensive
top-level knowledge of the event.
Some of the athletes have already
competed indoors this winter and with the Area championships
a week away the emphasis was more on speed. After
an active drills-based warm up the group, which included
two medallists from last summer's English Schools
Championships, concentrated on trail and lead leg
isolation drills, first walking over closely-spaced
hurdles and then in five and three stride rhythm.
GB Olympian Damian Greaves oversees starts development
at UKHC clinic at Chelmsford
With
the focus on speed the full hurdles action was introduced
over reduced spacings concentrating on fast snap down
of the lead leg before the hurdles were moved back
closer to normal spacings for a series of starts over
one and two hurdles. After a warm down jog Damien
Greaves led a group stretching session to end an intensive
clinic.
Tony
Benton said "This is the biggest group of athletes
and coaches since these Chelmsford clinics were first
held last winter. Everyone worked hard and they were
keen to learn and take on board new ideas."
The
third and final sesson this winter takes place on
Sunday 14th March (11.30 am to 2pm) with Lloyd Cowan
back at the helm. For more details or to enrol contact
hurdles@havering-mayesbrook.org
17
January 2004
