Over the weekend I assessed a 15 year old basketball / soccer player. After the assessment I asked him what his goal was. He said, “to be pain free.” It’s sad a 15 year old has been in pain for over a year, but it’s cool he knows what we have to do first.
Each week I get in front of new coaches, parents and athletes. As we’re talking, they’re nodding their heads like, “I knew there was a better way.” They often ask why isn’t everyone doing this stuff?
It’s sad how little has made its way to youth sports in the past 20 years regarding the physical preparation of our student athletes, especially with all the knowledge that’s out there. As coaches connect the dots and more programs like the ones below gain traction, things will change.
The Shift
At some point, coaches will focus more on moving better and less on developing 12 year old superstars. When they do, they’ll see kids get better…naturally. Coaches will see fewer injuries and a more durable athlete. They’ll also see less burnout and continued participation.
There are some coaches and organizations that have been training like this for years, but they’re such a small minority. Coaches I know personally that have made the shift have experienced what some would call amazing results year in year out.
Check out these programs that are having great success:
As parents and coaches we have a choice — athletes, not so much because they do what coaches tell ’em to do. Let’s make sure we’re telling them to do the right stuff at the right time in the right amount so we can get (and keep) our athletes Strong and Durable — let me know if I can help.
Have A Great Week!
JT