SPRINT Issue 63 - Spring 2018

eing held. They also showed us the best way of demonstrating stretches to a
group (both dynamic and static): top tip - demonstrate it once in silence so
the watchers focus on your actions rather than words!
We all then brought our new theoretical knowledge down to the main sports
hall and were divided up into small groups and took it in turn to ‘lead’ that
group through different elements, for example I had to lead a group through
a warm up which was targeted at a speed session. It really made you think
about what exercises or drills you would incorporate depending on what
training you had planned and what muscles you would be using instead of
simply repeating the same drills each week.
Each individual element was tackled in this way – discussions, information
gathering and then a practical session exploring how to implement it. In the
afternoon, we then worked together in groups to build and present a full
(albeit reduced in time and size!) session, with the leaders having to take the
other attendees through a safety talk, warm up, main session and cool down.
We were then given feedback from the EA coaches as to what was good,
what hadn’t worked as well and why, and what we flat out forgot!
The day was thoroughly exhausting, and my head was absolutely buzzing for
the rest of the evening however I think all of us who have been through the
course agreed that it was really well presented and we all took away key
things from it that have helped us lead the Couch groups. We are always on
the lookout for new Leaders or volunteers so if this is an area of the Club that
you would like to get more involved with, please just ask!
Kirsty Cooper
19