Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

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Performance objectives

• Explain the roles of a coach and an official
• Demonstrate basic coaching techniques for running
• Apply officiating rules in track events
• Role-play as a coach and an official

Lesson summary

This lesson moves beyond simply participating in athletics to understanding the "behind-the-scenes" roles that make events successful, fair, and safe. In Ghana, from our exciting Inter-House competitions and "Inter-Co" (Inter-Schools and Colleges) athletics festivals to the national stage, coaches and officials are the backbone of every event. Understanding their roles and principles is the first step towards becoming a leader in sports, whether as a team captain, a future coach, a certified official, or simply a knowledgeable spectator.

Lesson notes

This topic can be broken down into two main areas: Coaching (preparing the athlete) and Officiating (managing the competition). Part A: Concepts and Principles of Coaching Run Events

Coaching is the art and science of guiding an athlete to improve their performance. It is more than just shouting instructions; it involves planning, teaching, motivating, and analysing.

Key Coaching Principles for Runners: Principle of Specificity: This means training should be relevant and appropriate to the sport. You train the way you want to perform. Example (Ghanaian Context): An athlete training for the 100m dash at the "Inter-Co" zonal competition should focus on explosive power, speed drills, and block starts. It would be inefficient for them to spend most of their time jogging 10 kilometres. Their training must be *specific* to sprinting. Conversely, a 5000m runner needs to build endurance through long, steady runs. Principle of Progression and Overload: To improve, an athlete must gradually increase the demands placed on their body. This is the "overload." However, this increase must be gradual, which is the "progression." How it works: You can increase the *intensity* (run faster), the *duration* (run for a longer time), or the *frequency* (train more days per week). Example: A 400m runner might start by running 3 sets of 200m repeats in Week 1. In Week 2, to apply progression, they could either run 4 sets (increasing frequency/volume) or run the same 3 sets at a slightly faster pace (increasing intensity). Simply doing the same thing every week leads to a plateau. Principle of Recovery (Rest and Adaptation): The body does not get stronger during training; it gets stronger during the rest period *after* training. Without proper rest, the body breaks down, leading to injury and burnout. Example: After a very hard training session on Tuesday (e.g., hill sprints), a wise coach would schedule a light activity or a complete rest day for Wednesday. This allows the muscles to repair and grow stronger. Sleep and good nutrition (like eating local foods rich in protein and carbohydrates) are vital parts of recovery. Principle of Reversibility: This is the "use it or lose it" principle. If an athlete stops training, their fitness gains will gradually disappear. Example: An athlete who was in peak form for the school's Inter-House competition in March will lose a significant amount of their speed and endurance if they stop training completely until the next year. A coach must plan an "off-season" schedule to maintain a base level of fitness. Part B: Concepts and Principles of Officiating Run Events

Officiating is the act of managing a sports event to ensure it is conducted according to the rules, in a fair and safe manner. Officials are neutral arbiters.

Evaluation guide

• Use the concepts and principles of coaching and officiating in the performance
• of run events.
• Activity-based learning: Learners in groups role-play coaching and officiating of track
• events / marathon