Book Private Track-and-field Lessons with Coach Dinedye

In my youth, I broke numerous middle school and high school records and had the privilege of competing at a national level. During college, I continued to excel by breaking multiple school records at every university I attended. I culminated my athletic career with an incredible national championship performance in an event I had only started training for two years prior (400 meters hurdles). In my first year as a professional, I represented my country on the world stage. My journey reflects my ability to achieve exceptional results in track and field.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned as a professional track and field athlete is the importance of working on your weaknesses. While it's easy and confidence-boosting to train what you're already good at, true growth comes from addressing and improving your weaker areas. As a coach, I will focus on identifying and targeting the athlete's weaknesses, helping them turn these into strengths. This approach not only enhances overall performance but also brings immense joy and satisfaction when athletes see their weaknesses transform into strengths.

In addition to this, I will provide personalized training plans that incorporate a balance of technical skills, strength training, and mental conditioning. By focusing on a holistic development strategy, I ensure that athletes are well-rounded and prepared to excel in all facets of their game. Regular progress assessments and adjustments to the training regimen will keep the athletes on track and motivated. My goal is to push each athlete to become the best version of themselves, both on and off the Track.

A typical training session begins with an extensive warm-up to loosen up each muscle and prevent any injuries. This warm-up includes dynamic stretches, light jogging, and mobility exercises to ensure that the body is fully prepared for the intense workout ahead.

Once the warm-up is complete, we move into the main part of the session, which often focuses on explosive training through plyometrics. Plyometric exercises are designed to improve the explosive power of the muscles, which is crucial for track and field athletes.

A plyometrics training session for explosiveness might include the following exercises:

1. **Box Jumps**: Athletes jump onto a raised platform, focusing on landing softly and with control. This helps improve leg power and coordination.

2. **Depth Jumps**: Athletes step off a box and immediately jump upon landing. This exercise trains the muscles to react quickly and generate maximum force.

3. **Bounding**: This involves taking large, exaggerated running steps to improve stride length and power. It’s great for developing explosive leg strength.

4. **Medicine Ball Throws**: Using a heavy medicine ball, athletes perform various throws to build upper body explosiveness. This includes overhead throws, chest passes, and rotational throws.

5. **Lateral Hops**: Athletes jump side-to-side over a line or small hurdle, which helps improve lateral explosiveness and agility.

Throughout the session, I closely monitor the athletes to ensure they are using proper form and technique, which is crucial for preventing injuries and maximizing the benefits of the exercises. Additionally, I provide feedback and adjustments as needed to help athletes get the most out of their training.

After the main workout, we finish with a cool-down session that includes static stretching and light activities to help the muscles recover and reduce soreness.

The best coach I’ve ever had was my high school coach, Cesar Morales, from Kansas City, Missouri. Coach Morales was exceptional because he motivated me during times when continuing in sports seemed pointless. He taught me the value of hard work through tough times, whether dealing with family issues, teammates, or school difficulties. His guidance showed me that by putting your mind to something and working hard, you will always see results. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my athletic career and beyond.

Athletes and parents should know that I am a born Ivorian but a raised Ghanaian refugee. I got the opportunity to come to the US at the age of 10, and I have been here since. I have immense appreciation for the opportunities this country provides to so many people, including myself. My life story brings me joy and peace, knowing that the circumstances you start in are not the circumstances you finish in, and this can be related to all aspects of life.

I love to laugh because I find almost everything funny, so if you’re not funny to me, you really aren’t funny! 😂 As much as I will laugh with you, we might also cry together because I will push you to become the best version of yourself.