How do coaches spot talent in young athletes?

Bump.

Heel return

By how they breathe.

JGH13 wrote:

Heel return

This would need elaboration. I hope you don't mean just height of back-kick, because if that is the case I should be the next Kenenisa Bekele.

Are they black or mexican?

Yes-

Ok go on.

No-

Ok maybe he can run in college.

Good question. I used to think it was about smooth, efficient biomechanics. If we just get the smooth kid more volume, better workouts, etc... they will be great.

But I actually think it is more the opposite. I am becoming more interested in the kid that is a true competitor and is willing to fight in a race. That kid might be a little sloppy or inefficient looking. No big deal. We can clean up the biomechanics.

The truth is that guys like Meb came from soccer, were told to run a mile or whatever and truly rocked it. That is a pretty good indicator.

Hingle McCringleberry wrote:

I have also heard about highschool coaches who are very good at spotting talent and can look at a bunch of freshman that all run the same time but can tell which ones have the greatest potential. The ones with the most potential may not be the tallest or fastest or most athletic-looking, but some coaches somehow know that a cetain kid is special.

No they don't, they're just pulling their "predictions" out of their asses. And then when the runner doesn't live up to their preconceived expectations they just chalk him up as one of those headcases who didn't live up to the potential he could have. Don't be fooled.

some coaches look for kids with high bunched calves and do other sports aside from running.