Track & Field Omnibook, 6th Edition, a revival of the prominent coaches manual first published in 1971, is a complete historical guide to track and field technique and training. Every track and field event from hurdles to high jump and distance running to decathlon is covered in depth, and includes the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches and styles, the training prescriptions, workouts, and writings of prominent coaches, and hundreds of drawings and photos to illustrate technique in the sprints, hurdles, and field events.
Racing on foot is the oldest and most universal of all sports. In ancient Greece, commonly regarded as the birthplace of competitive sport, running was a highly regarded physical trait. Since the ancient Greek races run in a 230-meter by 30-meter rectangular space, track and field has come a long way. It is one of the largest attractions at the Olympic Games. More high school students participate in track and field than in any other sport, which leaves a lot of work for coaches to manage it all.
From trainer to administrator, recruiter of talent to executor of policy, and motivator to confidante, the track and field coach plays many roles. At one extreme, there is the coach who is most concerned with people and interpersonal relationships, with little concern for winning. This coach wants to get along with the athletes as they are, rather than pushing them toward what they can become. At the other extreme, there is the coach who is most concerned with winning and its rewards, with little concern for athletes as individuals. This coach is most interested in training, techniques, and performance, and is an exacting taskmaster to accomplish those things. The best coaches are a product of both extremes an individual who is both an expert in the training and techniques, with a deep desire to win, and in human relations, with a genuine concern for the athletes. Track & Field Omnibook brings both extremes together to create the whole coaching picture.
When the first edition of Track & Field Omnibook was published in 1971, it was ahead of its time. In the present day of specialization and niche books, reviving Track & Field Omnibook with a sixth edition proves that this book has stood the test of time. This latest edition, edited and updated by exercise physiologist, coach, and author, Jason Karp, PhD, reaffirms Track & Field Omnibook's position as the best and most comprehensive textbook in the sport and an invaluable reference for veteran and beginning coaches alike.
What's inside:
PART I – BASIC PHYSIOLOGY OF TRACK AND FIELD
Chapter 1 – The Energy Systems
Chapter 2 – Neuromuscular Physiology
PART II – COACHING THE SPRINTS, HURDLES, AND RELAYS
Chapter 3 – The Sprints
Chapter 4 – The 400-Meter Dash
Chapter 5 – The Relays
Chapter 6 – The High Hurdles
Chapter 7 – The 400-Meter Hurdles
PART III – COACHING DISTANCE RUNNING
Chapter 8 – Why We Run
Chapter 9 – Training Methods for Middle- and Long-Distance Running
PART IV – COACHING FIELD EVENTS
Chapter 10 – The High Jump
Chapter 11 – The Pole Vault
Chapter 12 – The Long Jump
Chapter 13 – The Triple Jump
Chapter 14 – The Shot Put
Chapter 15 – The Discus Throw
Chapter 16 – The Javelin Throw
Chapter 17 – The Hammer Throw
Chapter 18 – The Multi-Events
PART V – SUPPLEMENTAL TRAINING AND TRAINING THEORY
Chapter 19 – Training for Strength, Power, and Flexibility
Chapter 20 – Periodization
Appendix A – Dynamics of Teaching and Learning of Skills
Appendix B – Dynamics of Relaxation
What others are saying:
The 6th edition of the Track & Field Omnibook continues the tradition of this book being the must-have resource for track and field coaches at all competitive levels. In a clear, concise, step-by-step manner, the book addresses the skills and techniques involved in each event.
- Rob Lasorsa, National Men's Shot Put USATF Coordinator (1994-2008)
Track & Field Omnibook is a valuable resource that provides a wealth of track and field historical data for athletes and coaches. The principles and fundamentals included in this comprehensive track and field textbook will significantly improve athletes performances when incorporated into their training programs.
- Hazel Clark, 3-time Olympian and 6-time national champion at 800 meters
While other books cover all events in track and field, none of them do it like the Track & Field Omnibook does. With a full look at different approaches for every event, the Omnibook gives the new coach and the veteran coach ample resources to develop their own training plans based on science and research. The latest version, edited by Dr. Jason Karp, provides updates and current context to make the Omnibook more valuable than ever for all those in our sport.
- Joe Compagni, Former Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach, Monmouth University
The principles in this book of all the track and field events are very practical and easy to grasp. If you are a young coach aspiring to learn the technical events, or a veteran coach looking to refresh your skills in this sport, Track & Field Omnibook, 6th edition is great to have in your coaching toolbox.
- Rhonda Riley, Head Men's & Women's Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track & Field Coach, Duke University
