GETTING STARTED THE RIGHT WAY.In the training of beginners in running\sprinting, a long-term plan has to be in place.
Also, several factors has to be put into consideration, such as the age of the athlete, the time available for training, the competence level of the athlete, the geographic location and the event to be competed for, among other factors, that may surface.

Most of the training for beginners should revolve around general fitness and coordination of skill. The beginner has to spend more time acquiring and perfecting skills required for his chosen event. This would provide a good foundation for future performance in his event. Training should be in line with general training, as opposed to specific or advanced training (Elite training).
After several months of general conditioning training, the beginner can then move to more advance training program.
Coaches should endeavor to keep abreast with current scientific discoveries about various components of training, such as speed, strength and power. This scientific knowledge would enable the coach to see training, more as a scientific endeavor, rather than a thing of experience.

There are different training requirements for developing sprinting speed;

(1) Development of power
(2) Development of strength (i.e. both strength endurance and speed endurance (strength)
(3) Development of coordination and techniques
(4) Flexibility
(5) Active Rest

The training schedule for beginners can cover a period of a year (macro cycle) or for a period (micro cycle) of a short time, like the daily training or weekly training schedules.
There are different phases of training for the beginner. There is the foundational phase (conditioning phase), build-up phase (general preparatory phase), and the high performance phase (advance phase).

Foundational Phase (conditioning phase)

During the foundational phase of training the beginner, emphasis is placed on the general fitness of the beginner. During this phase of training, the athletes' coordination abilities and his mental orientation, for performance in sports is developed. This phase is very crucial, because it determines the extent the athlete can attain in Sports performance.

Conditioning Activities:

(I) 2-3km jogging, 3-4 times a week, preferably on alternate days;
(ii) In between, the jogging days, the athlete should practice the running drills, with emphasis on arms movements; leg movements and proper body alignment

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