Training a young 400m athlete..

I have just been told that my cousin from Jamaica is coming to live with me…he has had no real track and field training (but does play a considrable amount of soccer)…he is 15 years old and can handily run 50.xx over 400m…

I have not seen him in over three years but I beleve he is about 5’ 9" and roughly 150 lbs…I am a former 400m runner with PB’s of 47.26 and 21.69 respectively but have no real coaching background…I would like to set up a periodization plan of weights and track work to have him ready to run the outdoor club season…

I have been reading everything I can on these boards (and I am quite amazed at the combined knowledge here) but feel I need a little more help in setting him up something that will take him to the next level of training for sprints…

I’ve read lots on the shorter sprints and most of the 400m threads I could find but what if any e-books/videos and/or nutritional/supplement books or advice should I be considering to set up a “PROPER” training regimen for this young man…

As I remember him he had good speed for a younger athlete (on the soccer field) but lacked alot of strength and SE…I am willing to put all my time and effor into helping this young man become the best he can be at any distance but he seems to excel at the 400m and odly enough likes it… :eek:

Am I way over my head in this…and should I take him to the nearest T&F club or is this an undertaking that a former 200m/400m runner could do…any and all responses are greatly appreciated…

I currently use Bompa’s periodization for strength training for myself and have a customized training routine for myself (I can post for discussion) but again I feel it necessary to have some “EXPERT” advice for him…it may be too late for me but I would really like to see him excel…

regards…

Wizzard