Youth (4^th-8^th grade) training is a topic that is still unclear to a lot of people despite all the info out there. Here are some questions and comments I hear rather frequently:

 

“What’s the earliest age can he start training?”

 

“What do you do with kids that young in the gym?”

 

“He’s a pretty strong kid already, what can we do for his speed?” (Kid is 12 years old…)

 

“My son is in 8^th grade and he’s been working out at the high school. He likes it, but can you help him with his lower back pain? His knees are starting to hurt too, probably just because he’s growing.”

 

“He’s never had any formal training before, will he be too far behind to begin?”

 

“He did some speed and agility training through his AAU organization last year but didn’t get much out of it. It was more like daycare and we didn’t see any results.”

 

I could go on, but these are some that jump out at me. Needless to say, youth athletes should be training and preparing. In fact, they MUST be doing SOMETHING to prepare their bodies for the physical trauma athletics bring. This will reduce the likelihood of injury, improve their performance, develop a strong work ethic, and build the foundation for their future athletic endeavors.

 

BUT….

You must be careful in deciding who you will give this responsibility to. Quite frankly, there are a lot of ridiculous training programs out there with really good marketing. We’re here to help you cut through the gimmicks and provide you with the info you need.

 

Here are 6-things to look for when choosing a training facility for youth athletes….

 

1. Trusted and Qualified Coaches

Who will be training your athlete? What experience or qualifications do they have? How much experience do they have working with younger athletes? Be sure the coaches are proven and actually care about your athlete’s progress. Just because someone trains the pros doesn’t mean they will be a good youth coach. Oftentimes youth athletes need the best coaches.

 

2.Proof

What’s the word on the street? What have past athletes accomplished and what are they saying? What are the parents of current athletes saying? Do they have before and after pictures and testimonials? (REAL ones, not just cookie-cutter lines with a name slapped behind it). Proof shows that other people just like you invested and trusted in the program to achieve results. Ask around and talk to the people who experienced it firsthand.

 

3. Progressive Plan

Are there introductory workouts for new athletes? How are the workouts set up to progress as the athlete becomes more experienced? Even if you’re entering high school be sure to inquire about this. NOTHING is worse than having an 8^th grader or new freshman throw a bar on their back and load it up without any prior training to demonstrate that they’re ready for such an advance movement. (Same goes for the deadlift, bench, and power clean)

 

4. Build the Foundation

This correlates with #3. What does the program emphasize?  Building the foundation is about learning proper movement patterns in order to eventually overload the movements to build strength and muscle. Emphasizing fundamental movement patterns helps develop the nervous system that is taking shape as the athlete matures. Coaches should ‘overload’ these movements with their bodyweight first through bodyweight exercises and drills. This takes some time but is vital for any athlete of any age. Not enough time is spent in this area, especially with youth.

 

 

 

5. Demands Discipline to Develop Responsibility and Work Ethic

This is one of the most over-looked benefits of youth training. If the coaches don’t demand discipline from the athletes then they don’t truly care about them and are practically stealing money. Discipline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic are skills the athlete will use throughout their entire life! If you can develop these through a training program then I’d say the athletic gains are just a bonus. Again, ask around and be sure to talk to the coaches. You’ll be able to tell by the way they talk if this is important to them.

 

6. Positive Role Models and Environment

What types of people will be around your athlete when they’re training? Will the coaches be cussing or talking about their ‘crazy’ weekend around the kids? Will older athletes be around talking trash to each other and intimidating younger athletes? What type of music will they be playing for the 6^th graders to hear? Will the coaches be mindful of how impressionable young kids are and be positive whenever possible? Will older athletes be smart enough to realize that younger kids look up to them so they have to be a positive role model and even go out of their way to encourage the younger guys?

 

These are just a few things to consider but shouldn’t be taken lightly. Qualified coaching in a positive environment can do wonders for a young athlete’s development. The investment and sacrifices are all worth it when the athlete is not only playing better, but is now more respectful and responsible, and also getting better grades because his newly developed work ethic has carried over to other aspects of his life.

 

Train smart.

 

-Mark Ehnis

 

*If you’re interested in our youth programs please fill out the form HERE for more details.