Track and field coaching: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What track and field coaching is

Track and field coaching teaches running form, starts, hurdles, jumps or throws, and builds training plans for events across distances. Athletes and parents book a coach before a season, when they move to a new event, or when a technique problem is holding back times or distances.

Signs you need it

  • Your sprint form breaks down after the first few strides and times stall
  • Your starts are slow to get you out of the blocks
  • Hurdle clearance is inconsistent, so you lose time between hurdles
  • Your long jump or high jump takeoff is off and distances do not improve
  • You are moving to a new event and need a plan that fits your current fitness

What the pro does

  • Watches the athlete run, jump or throw to find the technique issue that costs the most
  • Teaches starts, acceleration and running form with drills that build one skill at a time
  • Works on hurdle rhythm and lead leg technique with short sets
  • Teaches the approach, takeoff or throwing technique for the event
  • Builds a training plan that fits the athlete's season, age and goals, with rest built in

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Individual or small group coaching
  • The event and the athlete's level, since sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws need different work
  • Session length and how many sessions are in a block
  • Whether a track, a field or a gym is used, and whether facility time is included
  • Whether the coach uses video or timing tools
  • Whether a written training plan is included or billed as a separate service

What a written quote should spell out

  • Number of sessions, session length and start date
  • Facility location and whether track or field time is included
  • Whether a written training plan is included
  • Whether video or timing review is part of the price
  • Make-up policy for weather and facility closures

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What do you look at first when you watch me run, jump or throw?
  • How do you build a training plan around my season and school schedule?
  • Do you coach my event, and how many athletes do you work with at a time?
  • How do you manage rest and recovery, and how much running do you prescribe?
  • Do you hold a coaching certificate, and how long have you coached athletes in this event?
  • How will we measure progress, such as timing or distance checks?
  • Will you give me drills to do between sessions?

Red flags

  • Builds a plan with the same volume for every athlete regardless of age or experience
  • Pushes heavy training with no rest days or check on how the athlete is doing
  • Promises a scholarship or a place on a national team
  • Changes a technique without showing the athlete what the change does

What you can do yourself

An athlete can practice form drills like high knees, skips and marches on a grass or track surface, and time short sprints to track progress. Video of your running or jumping from the side helps you spot problems. Hire a coach when your form keeps breaking down, when you are moving to a new event, or when you want a training plan that fits your season.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to coach track and field. Ask whether the coach holds a coaching certificate and whether the facility requires proof of insurance. If the coach works with minors, ask for proof of a background check. Check with your state or local licensing agency only if the facility has rules that apply to your sessions.

Track and field coaching questions

How long does it take to improve technique?

Technique changes take many repetitions and several weeks of practice before they show up in races or jumps. Ask the coach for a plan with milestones so you can see steady progress.

Should I train with a club or a coach alone?

A club adds other athletes and meets, while a private coach gives you more time on your own technique. Many athletes do both during a season.

Does the coach need a background check?

If the coach works with minors, ask for proof of a background check before the first session. Many clubs and schools require one.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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