BMX coaching for all ages
Our coaching caters for all abilities, taking riders from their first pedal off the start ramp to developing some of the best riders in Britain. Throughout the year, we run a comprehensive rider development program aimed at nurturing our riders through the BMX levels and improving their race skills.
rider development program
From Spring to Autumn, we run regular coaching sessions Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings across all levels at our Bruntwood Park track.
Through the winter, we run regular coaching sessions on Saturdays across all levels at our Bruntwood Park track and at The National Cycling Centre in Manchester. All coaching sessions are for booked riders only. Please get in touch for details on how to book.
Saturday Coaching
Saturday morning coaching sessions for all levels.
- National Development Sessions 8;30-11am invite only.
- Level 1 and above 11-12pm This session is aimed at riders who can ride the track standing up, and want to improve their core BMX skills.
- Level 2 and above riders 12-1:30pm.
- Session times may vary, and changes will be made based on demand.
- The track will remain shut to the public 8am – 3pm Saturday for club sessions
All sessions are booked through Spond.
Tuesday Coaching
Through the Summer, on Tuesday evenings we run coaching sessions across all levels.
- Level 1 (5-6 pm) Open to all – This session is aimed at beginners who are able to ride a bike on the flat and want to learn the BMX basics, as well as riders who can ride the whole track.
- Levels 2 – 4 Race Training (6-8 pm) Primary members only. These sessions are aimed at developing riders’ racing skills. All sessions are run by our team of British Cycling BMX-qualified coaches and riders are signed off at each level by our coaches.
Tuesday Winter Gates
On Tuesday evenings through the winter, we run gate sessions for our more advanced riders.
- Level 2a and above
- Set up at 6pm with the gate session running 6:30-8pm
- Booked riders only
- Track will be closed to the public for the duration of the session
Adult Coaching
The club also runs Thursday evening sessions for our older riders of all levels. These sessions include skills, open gates and race skills.
Indoor Coaching
Our residency at the National Indoor Cycling Centre continues regularly through the Winter with sessions every month on a Sunday for all riders in levels 2 and above. These sessions are for first-club member riders only. All our coaching sessions are booked through our booking app, Spond. Please get in touch to register.
CLUB coaches
Brian Barton
Ellis grimes
coaching levels
Requirements
- Must be able to ride a bike stood up unaided.
Objectives
- Cover flat land skills required for BMX
- Cover the basic skills to enable a rider to navigate a BMX track competently.
- Ensure all riders can reflexively react to situations by reinforced learning.
- Use the gate but not fully have to balance.
Requirements
- Before attending a level 2 session, riders will need to have been signed off at level 1. Exceptions can be made for riders transferring from other Clubs or who already have level 2-3 BMX race experience.
Objectives
- Introduce riders to Club and Regional level racing requirements, race day prep and what to expect
- Begin to introduce race skills such as cornering, pumping and proper balance and technique on the start gate
- Ensure riders understand how to successfully navigate the track by the shortest route, know where to pedal, where to pump, manual or jump
The transition from novice in to expert level racing
Requirements
- A level 3 or 4 coach must do a review of the rider to assess if they are ready to move up to level 3.
- It is expected that they are racing at Regional level in novice and begin to progress towards expert level racing.
- Must be able to balance on the gate, perform proper racing lines and have proper technique for pumping.
Objectives
- To develop more advanced race skills such as manualling and jumping
- Develop perfect gating technique
- Begin race day preparation for Nationals and explain expectations of the riders.
- Develop off bike skills such as fitness training and mental focus
- Grow and improve flat land skills in preparation for RSR and CCT
CCT (core club training) and RSR (Regional school of racing) skills criteria will be used to process our riders
50m timed sprints
- CCT requirement – sub 8.0seconds
- RSR requirement – sub 7.3 seconds
Bunny hop height
- CCT requirement – min 25cm
- RSR requirement – min 25cm
Bunny hop distance
- CCT requirement – min 50cm
- RSR requirement – min 1m
Flat manual distance
- CCT requirement – min 2m
- RSR requirement – min 6m
Wheelie
- CCT requirement – min 2m
- RSR requirement – min 6m
Level 4 is for our top riders racing National level and above
Requirements
- Riders are selected at the Head coach’s discretion
- Must be racing at National or making the move to National level riding
- Be able to complete all skills required in level 3
Objectives
- Refine current skills and develop top level skills such as jump to manuals, manual hops
- Improve on reaction times on the gate
- Develop leg speed and power through training
- Improve race day prep including nutrition, rest and warm ups
- Psychological training for attitude and nerves