Discussion: Training exercises that can be done at a local meet
in: Orienteering; Training & Technique
Oct 9, 2019 1:07 PM
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Hey everyone, I've been wanting to put on a training camp for juniors in my area but there hasn't been much interest in that. So I've been thinking about just putting on short exercises at a local meet that people can do before or after the regular course they run. It's been a while since I've been to a training camp myself and I have very little to no idea on how much time and effort it might be to set up one of these exercises. Any ideas or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Oct 9, 2019 1:16 PM
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Hey Austin,
I do this quite a bit at QOC events. I will often use existing controls from the meet (I email the course setter ahead of time and ask for the OCAD/Condes files). For example, last month I put together a control-picking exercise. There was very little effort to set up, as the controls were already out there. Then I try to shadow each of the juniors for several legs.
Other times I put out my own controls, and do training sessions with a modified map (contours-only, no trails, etx.). That takes some more effort, both with respect to course planning ahead of time, and putting out flags. I try to keep the session to an hour or less, so that the juniors have time for a break and then to run their regular course. So the exercises I put together are rarely longer than 4km or so.
Finally, you can do some sessions without controls at all. You can have them practice bearings to specific features on the map, or you can do a relocation exercise in pairs or small groups, where one person leads, while the person behind tries to maintain map contact (or doesn't have a map at all until the leader stops and asks where they are).
Sorry, these thoughts are a little scattered. I am happy to chat more off-line to answer any questions you may have. I think this is a great initiative!
I do this quite a bit at QOC events. I will often use existing controls from the meet (I email the course setter ahead of time and ask for the OCAD/Condes files). For example, last month I put together a control-picking exercise. There was very little effort to set up, as the controls were already out there. Then I try to shadow each of the juniors for several legs.
Other times I put out my own controls, and do training sessions with a modified map (contours-only, no trails, etx.). That takes some more effort, both with respect to course planning ahead of time, and putting out flags. I try to keep the session to an hour or less, so that the juniors have time for a break and then to run their regular course. So the exercises I put together are rarely longer than 4km or so.
Finally, you can do some sessions without controls at all. You can have them practice bearings to specific features on the map, or you can do a relocation exercise in pairs or small groups, where one person leads, while the person behind tries to maintain map contact (or doesn't have a map at all until the leader stops and asks where they are).
Sorry, these thoughts are a little scattered. I am happy to chat more off-line to answer any questions you may have. I think this is a great initiative!
Oct 9, 2019 5:21 PM
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AliS:
What a great idea! Orienteering Canada has a great list of training exercises on their website. Here's the link!
Oct 9, 2019 5:22 PM
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Gswede, would you mind emailing me the suggested exercises as well? Maybe we should consider doing something similar for the Winter Series events..
Oct 10, 2019 7:41 PM
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Great idea.
Gswede, if possible please also email me as well. Thank you.
Gswede, if possible please also email me as well. Thank you.
This discussion thread is closed.