bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

additionalInfoBoxes

quizIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Michelle Chan

Lai Ming-yiu, 29, Athletics Coach
Young Post: Which track and field events do you teach?
Lai: When I was a student, I specialised in high jump and triple jump. As an athletics coach, I mainly teach high jump and occasionally long jump.
YP: Why did you decide to teach long jump after you specialised in the triple jump?
L:  The skills needed  for both long jump and triple jump are very similar.
So if you can master the triple jump, long jump shouldn't be too much of a problem.
YP: How many years' practical experience  do you need before you can become  a coach?
L:  You don't actually need to take part in the sport before you become a coach, provided  you take the relevant courses. But it would always be better if you had previous experience as an athlete  since you can  pass on your  techniques to your students. You would also be able to tell them about the mistakes you made, so they would avoid them.  Yet, if you haven't taken part in athletics, it's ok.  The  courses provide practical sessions.
YP: How can you become a qualified coach?
L: There are courses offered by the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA). They are divided into three levels.
As a beginner, you will  learn basic sports science theories, how to train students, warm-up exercises and get to try out 10 track and field events (long- and short-distance running, hurdles, long jump, high jump, triple jump, discus, hammer throw, javelin and race walking).
At the intermediate and advanced levels, you will need to specialise in one or two events. You can become a qualified coach after obtaining the beginner's certificate. You may then teach beginners in track and field events. Yet, you need higher qualifications in order to teach  more professional athletes.
YP: How do you help athletes upgrade their skills and techniques?
L: The first thing I look at is whether they have the correct posture. A wrong posture  can affect their  performance. I would also design  physical training programmes for them. Many local athletes only focus on skills and lack training to boost their physical strength.
YP: What's the maximum number of training sessions every week?
L: Beginners or those who have not yet reached the top level  should  train  no more than three times a week. They may get hurt easily if  they are not used to strenuous training or are physically unfit.
Experienced  athletes can train up to five times a week. These sessions will include strength and skills training.
The duration depends on  the event and the athlete's physical condition.  Each training session should last about one to two hours.
YP: How can you prevent  athletes from injuring themselves?
L: I need to understand their physical strengths and weaknesses.
They can hurt their muscles and joints easily if they can't cope with the  training.
Each event has its own dangers. For example, it would be easier to sprain one's ankle or abdomen during the high jump.
Athletes should pay attention to  their posture, especially  during events, such as the discus and hammer throw.
Career file
Profile
1993: Joins the athletics team of STFA Tam Pak Yu College and  takes part in high jump.
1995:  Tried triple jump for the first time.
1997-2000: Was a member of the Chinese University of Hong Kong's athletics team.
2004:  Received the HKAAA beginner's course certificate.
2004: Began teaching high jump at a local school.
2005:  Gained the HKAAA intermediate course certificate.
2007: Conducted  a course organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and HKAAA.  Secondary school beginners in track and field took part in the programme.
Getting started
Course: Level One Coaching Course
Duration: Theories plus 30 hours of practical lessons
Characteristics:  Focuses on the basic theories and knowledge in athletics training and different events.
School: HKAAA
Enquiries: http://www.hkaaa.com
Course: Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health
Duration: Three years
Characteristics: The course gives students a multi-disciplinary scientific education  in exercise and health management.
School: The University of Hong Kong
Enquiries: http://www3.hku.hk/iohp/programmes/undergraduate.php
Career prospects
After completing the beginner's course offered by HKAAA, graduates may take up its Level Two programme, and register as an athletics coach and teach at local schools or training centres. Graduates of the degree programme may  look for jobs  related to the exercise/health and leisure industries.



On the right track