We get numerous parents messaging us asking for programs specific to soccer, baseball, softball, and other sports. They see the flashy videos on social media of the kids doing speed work.
Don’t get caught up in the hype and marketing of these types of programs for kids. By kids, I mean under 14, but this can pertain to those up to 17 as well.
The kids need to get bigger and stronger before they can fully express the speed. They need what we call General Physical Preparedness or GPP. This should be the first phase of athlete development.
During this phase, we work on strength, conditioning, coordination, balance, and mobility. This is where the athletes will build a strong base over all aspects of fitness, not just one specific area for sport. Unlike more advanced training phases that may focus on specific skills or sport-specific exercises, GPP training aims to create a well-balanced, injury-resistant athlete who is ready to take on more intense and specialized routines in the future.
Sport specific training, on top of the specializing in the sport at a young age, can lead to more injuries and burnout. This is especially the case with female athletes who are at a higher risk of ACL tears.
Kids should NOT do any type of training without the eye of a coach/trainer who is certified. If you teach a kid poor technique, it can lead to bad habits which are hard to break and of course, will lead to more injuries. Uncle Billy and the football coach who does not have the education, might not be the best choice to teach your kid the foundations.
Strength and conditioning for kids should not be something that is only done during the “slow” seasons of sport. This should be a year round thing if you want to see the results and keep them safe.
We can help get your child set up on a path to make them a stronger, better, more resilient athlete and a healthier human!
We have both group and one-on-one options for this.
If you need help, shoot us an email at drew@strongarm-crossfit.com
-Coach Drew
