It happens on nearly every team, especially at mid to small size schools. Well into the track season, the basketball team finishes their season and a few matriculate over to the track team with just enough weeks to put together a halfway decent performance at district or conference but are generally still behind the guys who have been working since indoor. What do you do with these athletes and how do you train them?
Well first you need to look at what the athlete offers the team, and what the team needs are. He may be a 6 foot high jumper, but if you already have two 6 foot high jumpers there may not be a reason to train him for that event, or at least spend a large amount of time on him. Look for signs of natural endurance or flexibility. These athletes may be able to fill in for you as hurdles, 400, or even 800 runners if you are low on numbers.
Another good placement strategy is putting them on you relays. As long as there is not a huge dropoff between fitness, these latecomers may be a good person to place on the 4x1 or 4x2 to free up another leg for an open event. You really must consider what events the teams are most needy at, then explain to the athlete that in the best interest of the team they should train and compete for that event. You will always have your athletes that are dead set on a specific event, regardless of how competitive they are in it, so you will not be able to please everyone, but using the team angle you may eliminate some kids giving up on the sport.
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