An age old question surrounded by age old myths and misunderstanding. Time and time again I hear from parents and coaches that although they want their athletes to get faster and more resilient on the field, they don't consider the need for actual strength training and don't seem to understand the importance of having it part of their training schedule/program. Even worse than that, is that while some include it, they don't consider who is doing the training, how it is being implemented or what lifts should be included.
Let's dive in shall we? First we discussed that strength training or weight training can and should be included into an athlete's development program, but safety, proper technique, exercises specificity and proper advancement of all exercises and weight should be done with not only a plan, but one that addresses the actual need or the athlete. Now, we need to consider what the overall goals of the athlete are and what are the goals and schedule of the coach/team that they play for are.
If an athlete is trying to get faster because they are falling behind on the field or can't catch up when trailing behind their opponent, then the strength program should be designed to focus on overall power development and should not be focused on singular p[ane motions. By this, I mean that proper power development of not only the lower body should considered, but rather and total body and multi-directional strength/power program should be the emphasis. it should include movements that are not just single joint, but multi-joint movements and should include core strengthening as a major component. We should also see the inclusion of rotational and anti-rotational activities so that the athlete can handle the stresses of competition in an attempt to prevent injury.
You see, developing a program of strength and power is not a one dimensional venture. It needs to answer questions about what sport are they participating in, what are the goals of the athlete, what are the goals of the coach/team, what are the goals of the parents, how much time does the athlete have to participate in a strength program and how often can they commit, and on and on.
I offer up that strength training and the youth athlete is a more complex and demanding topic than just slapping a couple of exercises together and hoping of the best. It is listening, knowing and wanting to positively influence the outcome and output of our athletes in a way that meets their goals; not yours. It is a tool to be honed and modified accordingly to the athlete and their sport, their season and their schedule. It is and never should be a "one size fits all".
If you want to get ELITE, then you have to train with The ELITE!
Comments