Free Track and Cross Country Coaching Books

Last Updated on November 23, 2008 by Jimson Lee

The LA84foundation.org is the web site for the Legacy of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. This web site is a great resource for athletes, coaches, trainers and parents.

Who the heck is the LA84foundation.org?

The LA84 Foundation is endowed with surplus funds from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Their mission is to serve youth through sport and to increase knowledge of sport and its impact on people’s lives.

The LA84 Foundation is a private nonprofit institution. The Foundation has committed more than $160 million to accomplish its mission since 1985.

A complete list of free downloadable coaching manuals can be found here.

Here are the most relevant ones:

Coaching Athletes. A Foundation for Success (PDF)
A manual for coaches of athletes from 6-18 years of age. This book features coaching philosophy, understanding young athletes, teaching sports skills, planning practice sessions, maintaining healthy attitudes towards winning and losing, fun, coaches and parents, team discipline, nutrition, safety and managing a youth sports program.
Six chapters, 175 pages.

LA84 Foundation Track and Field Coaching Manual (PDF)
Aimed at the high school track coach, this volume focuses on team administration, training principles, strength training, plyometrics, injury prevention, nutrition, organizing a track meet, rules and specific tips for coaching each track and field event. Includes a chapter on the use of Performance Enhancing substances with high school athletes.
Seventeen chapters, 456 pages.

LA84 Foundation Cross Country Coaching Manual (PDF)
This manual describes how to build a high school cross country program using sound principles and methods for coaching distance running. Information on managing injuries, motivational tips, racing strategy and guidelines for organizing a cross country meet is included.
Eight chapters, 264 pages.

LA84 Foundation Soccer Coaching Manual (PDF)
This manual covers the fundamentals of managing a high school soccer program and provides information on technique, warm ups, drills, game strategy, rules, sportsmanship, soccer injuries and nutrition. Includes a chapter on the use of Performance Enhancing substances with high school athletes.
Nine chapters, 256 pages.


LA84 Foundation Basketball Manual (PDF)
Four Chapters, 56 pages.