NICA On-the-Bike Skills 101 Manual
The NICA On-the-Bike Skills 101 Manual provides a comprehensive guide for coaches on effectively teaching foundational mountain biking skills to youth athletes. The manual emphasizes building student-athletes' confidence, skills, and character through a structured approach, focusing on both safety and skill development.
Key Sections:
- Effective Coaching: This section highlights coaching principles, such as promoting inclusivity, leading by example, and maintaining safety protocols. Coaches are encouraged to build a positive team culture and establish respect for nature, equipment, and fellow riders.
- Required Gear and Bike Safety: Coaches and students must have essential equipment like mountain bikes, helmets, and hydration gear. A pre-ride ABCDE safety check (Air, Brakes, Chain, Drivetrain, Everything else) ensures bikes are safe and ready for use.
- Practice Preparation: Coaches are advised to create structured practice plans that align with NICA’s core values. This includes skill progression, community building, and seasonal planning, supported by resources like emergency action templates.
- Coaches' Toolbox: To foster engaging practices, coaches can use cones, flags, and other markers to set up courses or simulate trail elements in open fields. This allows for skill practice in a controlled environment.
- Skills Instruction: Using the "Tell it, Show it, Do it, Review it" approach, the manual provides step-by-step guidance on teaching core biking skills like braking, bike-body separation, and cornering. Observation and movement analysis are key for coaches to provide constructive feedback and adapt instruction as students progress.
- Fundamental Mountain Biking Skills: Specific skills covered include:
- Neutral and Ready Positions: Foundational body positions for safe riding.
- Braking: Techniques for controlled speed management.
- Bike Body Separation: Moving forward/back and side-to-side for balance.
- Cornering and Shifting: Techniques for navigating turns and managing gears.
- Climbing: Techniques for dismounting, seated, crouched, and standing climbs.
- Appendices: The manual includes field notes, common cone layouts, and an evaluation tool for tracking student-athlete progress.
This resource equips coaches with techniques to develop not only riding skills but also resilience, responsibility, and respect, aligning with NICA's mission to foster strong minds and bodies through cycling.