Hurdles: Developing the Skill of Rhythm with Chad Gunnelson
by Wisconsin Track Coaches Association
Description
Hurdles: Developing the Skill of Rhythm by coach Chad Gunnelson is an in-depth course that focuses on the fundamental and advanced aspects of hurdling, emphasizing rhythm as the key to success. This course covers specific lessons such as the three phases of hurdle rhythm (attack, float, finish), developing an aggressive approach to the first hurdle, maintaining efficient step patterns between hurdles, and the importance of posture, shin angles, and upper body mechanics. Coach Gunnelson also dives into critical training principles, including wicket drills for stride efficiency, resisted and assisted sprinting for speed development, and plyometrics to improve force application. Additionally, he provides insights on mental strategies, seasonal training progressions, and race execution techniques to maximize an athlete’s potential.
Coaches and athletes should take this course because it provides a structured and scientifically backed approach to mastering hurdle rhythm, which is essential for both speed and efficiency. By applying the drills and techniques outlined in this course, athletes will develop better control, reduce braking forces, and maintain fluid motion throughout the race. Whether refining a high-level hurdler’s stride pattern or teaching fundamental principles to beginners, this course offers practical applications that translate directly to improved performance. With Coach Gunnelson’s expertise and a clear, progressive training methodology, this course is a must-have for anyone serious about excelling in the hurdles.
Lessons
The Coach
Chad Gunnelson is an accomplished track & field and cross country coach, currently serving as the Director of Track & Field and Cross Country at Augustana College. With a proven track record of program development and athlete success, he has made an immediate impact in his coaching career.
Coaching Achievements
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Augustana College (2023 - Present)
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Led the Augustana women’s team to a runner-up finish at the 2024 CCIW Outdoor Championships, their best since 2008.
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Coached an NCAA national champion in discus (Charlotte Frere) and produced four All-American performances in his first season.
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Guided two cross country athletes to their first NCAA national championships and five track & field athletes to NCAA appearances.
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Oversaw a record-breaking season with six new school records set.
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Achieved USTFCCCA All-Academic honors for all four teams, with the women's cross country team posting a program-record 3.763 GPA.
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University of Dubuque (2011 - 2023)
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Led UD to back-to-back indoor conference titles and the first outdoor championship in over 60 years.
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Coached teams to two NCAA top-10 finishes and produced 76 All-Americans and four NCAA champions.
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Named Conference Coach of the Year five times and Region Coach of the Year three times.
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Broke nearly 100 school records across track & field and cross country.
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Led the team to the highest women's cross country GPA in the nation (2015).
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Promoted community engagement, earning the Inclusive Excellence Award for volunteerism and diversity efforts.
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Madison East High School (2005 - 2011)
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Coached 22 school record holders and back-to-back state champions in 2010 and 2011.
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Led a state champion in the 400m, with all state qualifiers finishing on the podium at the WIAA State Meet.
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Ratings and Reviews (0)
This Course Includes
| 24 hours on-demand video |
| Streaming from mobile and TV |
| Lifetime access |
| Certificate of completion |
| 100% money back guarantee |
Course Info
| Rating: | (0) |
|---|---|
| Caterory: | Track and Field/Hurdles |
| Duration: | |
| Videos: | 12 |
