Chat with us
9 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. EST
Track & Field and Cross Country Program Structure
IMG Academy’s track & field and cross country program is the optimal college preparatory environment for student-athletes to receive both a challenging academic course load as well as a world-class athletic training.
Student-athletes receive individualized training plans and focus on intricate development cycles inclusive of base training, pre and post-competition, and regeneration.
Each student-athlete within IMG’s track program receives:
- An individual development plan
- Individual development quarterly reports
- A team competition schedule
- A training group periodization plan
- An athletic and personal development plan
- A college placement plan
Every drill, sprint, exercise and practice is tailored to the student-athlete’s individual needs to maximize efficiency, increase speed, and improve strength. Event-specific training includes weekly video analysis while more technical events may have more frequent video sessions throughout the week. Student-athletes will also work with their respective coaches to review video after competing.
IMG’s student-athletes are exposed to elite training and conditioning plans created by world champions and Olympians. Track & field and cross country coaches focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes while enhancing each individual’s specific event techniques.
Jumpers (triple jump, high jump, long jump, pole vault)
The end goal for IMG jumpers is to accelerate to a maximum controlled horizontal velocity with an accurate stride pattern. To achieve that maximum jumping potential, training is broken down to focus on these core areas:
- Approach
- Transition from the approach to the plant of the take-off foot
- Take-off
- Flight
- Landing
IMG Academy coaches have developed structured training plans, regardless of a student-athlete’s specific focus within this event. Training may focus on sprint mechanics, approach rhythm, ground force reaction, bar clearance (pole vaulters), power or speed, and more.
Sprinters & Hurdlers
IMG’s sprint and hurdle student-athletes combine strength, power, speed, and technique to optimize specific time and distance parameters. Sprinters and hurdlers require great strength-to-body ratio, speed combined with horizontal velocity, and angular momentum for optimal results. Training includes block settings, conditioning, mechanical analysis, stride patterns, and more to address all aspects of competitive performance.
Throwing (shot put, discus, javelin, hammer)
Because throwers require great strength, arm speed, and excellent coordination, IMG throwers typically throw 5-6 days a week combined with four days of weight training. All throwers practice multiple throwing events while focusing on their respective primary event. Training focuses on technique, grip, rotations, turns, power vs. speed, and more.
Distance & Cross Country
IMG distance and cross country student-athletes combine strength, speed, cardio, and technique to optimize specific time and distance parameters. The total running volume of each student-athlete is incredibly individualized based on age and ability level.
Training incorporates drills that help develop biomechanical efficiency as coaches consider quality training a priority over quantity of total volume. Distance runners maximize their speed while minimizing the risk of injury while developing primary biological components that factor into positive performance outcomes.
For cross country student-athletes specifically, training is a combination of long-distance road work, trail runs, and track intervals to develop speed and endurance. An emphasis is also placed on running mechanics, recovery techniques, strength training, and nutrition. Specific paces and intensities ensure that the targeted energy and body systems are addressed.
Sample Track & Field and Cross Country College Planning Calendar
Freshman Year
September - November
- Goal-setting begins for athletics and academics along with time management evaluation
- Begin a college file
- Meet with academic advisor to set up your academic plan for second semester
January - April
- Research colleges and understand admissions requirements for a high-level list of schools
- Goal setting for athletics and academics for spring semester
- Develop list of personal preferences for college
- Plan summer track and field schedule (if applicable)
- Evaluate athletic progress and performance with coach
- Set training goals for summer
Sophomore Year
September - November
- Register for the PSAT and PACT tests
- Narrow list of schools as applicable
- Goal-setting for athletics and academics continues
- Update athlete profile
January - April
- Review and update college files along with athlete profile
- Continue research on admission requirements for college list
- Narrow list of schools to a top 10
- Schedule unofficial visits with colleges over summer
- Confirm summer competition schedule with coach and set goals for junior year
Junior Year
September - November
- Update athlete profile and meet with coach regarding college selection process and to evaluate performance
- Confirm SAT and ACT test dates for October through December
- Apply to NCAA Clearinghouse
- Complete two admissions applications for practice
- Narrow list of schools as applicable
January - April
- Schedule second round of SAT and ACT tests pending first-round scores
- Evaluate list of schools and continue to narrow down
- Schedule unofficial visits for summer
- Schedule performance and college review with coach
- Review summer plan and college visits along with athletic goals with coach
Senior Year
September - November
- Set up official visits to college after coordinating them with coach
- Schedule final rounds SAT and ACT tests
- Meet with advisor to acquire transcripts, test scores, and all documents to send to schools and update NCAA Clearinghouse
- Check on early admission applications and status
- Reevaluate top schools and narrow search
- Complete and send in all applications
- Eliminate schools no longer of interest and order top schools accordingly
January - April
- Review acceptances and scholarship opportunities with coach and advisor
- Final college decision and signing date: mid-March
- Finalize Clearinghouse information
- Work hard over the summer to prepare for college!
Athletic and Personal Development
Athletic and Personal Development plays an integral role in the overall development of each track & field and cross country student-athlete. Athletic and Personal Development instructors focus on crucial areas such as mental toughness, nutrition, leadership, mobility, flexibility, character development, and more to ensure that IMG Academy student-athletes not only have an advantage over the competition but understand what it takes to succeed in college, at the professional level, and in life.
Learn More
Academics
Grades 6-12
IMG Academy’s collegiate-style schedule provides the ultimate preparation for student-athletes to succeed at the next level. Track & field and cross country student-athletes have the ability to select their courses and electives to identify their areas of interest ahead of enrolling into the collegiate program that best aligns with their academic and athletic goals.
View Grades 6-12 CurriculumPost-Graduate
Post-graduate track & field and cross country student-athletes will benefit from a gap year at IMG with available standardized test prep, college course credit opportunities, college placement and recruitment advisement, and more. Post-graduates have a standard training schedule and compete in open competitions during indoor and outdoor season. Track post-graduates will benefit through individual event-specific training while getting stronger both mentally and physically. This program will also not jeopardize NCAA eligibility.
Learn More about Post-GraduateTechnology & Facilities
- 8-Lane 400M Track
- High-speed video analysis for thorough training to review practices and meets in slow-motion, instant replay, and more with the ability to share all content
- Freelap & Brower Timing systems for portability, accuracy, and wireless capabilities
- Four multi-directional pole vault runways with international-standard pits
- Two multi-directional long jump/triple jump pits
- Dedicated long throw areas with multiple circles and cages
- Covered turf facility for speed and agility work
Performance and Sports Science Center
- Mind Gym for mental conditioning sessions and vision training
- Fit Lights, dynaBOARD, and cognitive perceptive technology
- Yoga studio
- Strength and conditioning equipment
- Classrooms for nutrition and leadership training
- Athletic training facility for recovery and regeneration, including hot and cold tubs
Track & Field Academy Photo Gallery
Track & Field Coaches & Staff
Notable Track & Field Program College Commitments
Student-athletes receive guidance from college placement specialists and sport coaches for reaching their goal of playing their sport at the collegiate level. This work begins when a student enters upper school at grade 9 and above.
Testimonials
- Beatrice Juskeviciute IMG Academy Class of '18
