Coaching at the Rockets
Coaching Groups
Four groups, beginner to national. Find the right level for your rider so they get the most out of every Saturday.
Every Saturday we run four coaching groups in parallel so beginners ride alongside other beginners and our national riders push each other at race pace. Groups are based on skill, not age — a confident 7-year-old can ride in Group 2 and a returning adult can ride in Group 1. If you're not sure which group fits, book into Group 1 first and a coach will move you up when you're ready.
Promotions between groups happen on the recommendation of the coaches. There's no test — coaches watch riders all season and move them up when the requirements are consistently met. Riders can also be moved back down for a few weeks to lock in fundamentals.
Group 1 — Beginners
BeginnerFor riders new to BMX racing. Focus on bike control, brake confidence and finishing a full lap of the track unaided.
Ages: All ages welcome — typical age 4–10
Requirements to join
- ✓Can ride a bike confidently without stabilisers
- ✓Can use the brakes to stop in a controlled way
- ✓Comfortable pedalling out of the saddle
- ✓Can complete a full lap of the track unaided
What sessions cover
- →Body position and balance on a BMX
- →Braking, cornering and rolling jumps
- →Standing pedal starts
- →Introduction to the start gate (when ready)
Group 2 — Intermediate
IntermediateFor riders progressing past the basics — comfortable with the gate, working on rhythm sections and group riding.
Ages: Typical age 7–13
Requirements to join
- ✓Can perform a gate start unaided with developing technique
- ✓Can clear (jump) a small tabletop
- ✓Confident riding alongside other riders
- ✓Understands and uses basic cornering lines
What sessions cover
- →Gate technique refinement and reaction drills
- →Manualling and pumping rhythm sections
- →Track lines and overtaking
- →Sprint and recovery fitness
Group 3 — Advanced Intermediate
AdvancedFor experienced club riders who are racing regularly and pushing into Regional events.
Ages: Typical age 9–adult
Requirements to join
- ✓Can clear most jumps on the track confidently
- ✓Can manual sections and link rhythm features
- ✓Holds racing lines through corners under pressure
- ✓Approximate lap time of 40 seconds or quicker
What sessions cover
- →Pro-section technique and timing
- →Race-pace lap repeats and sprint conditioning
- →Strategy — passing, defending, gate selection
- →Bike setup tuning for race day
Group 4 — National Development
NationalFor riders racing at National level — invitation-based weekday sessions focusing on race-craft and conditioning.
Ages: Age 10 and over
Requirements to join
- ✓Racing at British Cycling National level
- ✓Has a current British Cycling racing membership
- ✓Owner of own transponder and full race plates
- ✓Committed to weekly training schedule
What sessions cover
- →Mid-week development sessions (Mondays during the season)
- →Race-craft simulation against riders of similar standard
- →Off-bike conditioning guidance
- →Pre-Regional and pre-National peaking blocks
Ready to ride?
All groups run on Saturdays at the track in Addlestone. New riders should start by booking a Group 1 coaching session — coaches will assess fit on the day and recommend a move up if appropriate.