By Kyle Decker, ATC, CSCS at FAST Performance Training
As parents, choosing the right sports program for your child can be a significant decision. Many families are considering enrolling their kids in sports training programs with summer approaching. Before making this commitment, there are important factors to consider to ensure your child’s experience is positive and beneficial.
Research Different Sports Programs
Not all youth sports programs are created equal. Take the time to research different programs in your area, considering factors such as coaching quality, facilities, and program philosophy. Look for programs prioritizing skill development, sportsmanship, and fun rather than solely focusing on winning.
At Foothills’ FAST, our Youth Sports Performance and Training Program runs annually and is designed to take athleticism to the next level regardless of sport, age, or ability. We believe every child should have the opportunity to play a sport. Sports help us develop social and problem-solving skills, a healthy team mentality, and, most importantly, build athleticism and a healthy lifestyle. As leaders in functional training and performance, we aim to assist athletes and parents in navigating the road to development.
We help develop a youth sports training program that is safe, scientific, and designed for the individual to ensure the best outcome and long-term success. We aim to help youth learn the skills and fundamentals of being an athlete, such as agility, balance, coordination, power, and endurance. Athletes should also run, jump, crawl, and climb as much as possible. These skills will set them up for long-term success.
The Advantages of Playing Multiple Sports
Today, we see more specialization in youth. Kids play one sport on multiple teams for an entire year, which can lead to frequent overuse injuries and burnout. Playing multiple sports will help develop physical advantages such as improved motor skills, strength, and aerobic fitness. It will also enhance socialization skills by allowing kids to meet new kids and learn to cope with unique personalities.
Most fitness and medical associations recommend:
- Playing a specific sport for less than eight months out of the year
- Playing on one team at a time
- Maintaining proper recovery time for the athlete’s body.
Choose The Right Coach For Your Child’s Learning Style
Like choosing a doctor for your kid, choosing the right coach for your child can significantly impact their experience in youth sports. Look for programs with experienced and knowledgeable coaches who prioritize positive reinforcement and skill development. Additionally, consider the coach-to-player ratio to ensure your child receives individual attention and instruction. At Foothills’ FAST we offer a FREE Assessment before starting any program so that athletes can see if our coaches are the right fit for your child.
Maximizing Athletic Performance While Reducing Injury
Performance Coaches should develop a program to maximize an athlete’s performance while reducing the risk of injuries. Professionals will oversee the athlete’s progressions and ability to withstand the program and fitness regime’s demands. A performance coach will set their athlete up for long-term success and lifelong healthy habits using evidence-based training methods and current research. Building a well-rounded athletic base will, in return, make long-term success for the athlete. Too often, success is measured in playing time and winning. I measure the success of my coaching in long-term changes in the athlete’s health and habits.
Train With a Purpose
According to the National Alliance for Sports, 70 percent of children quit organized youth sports by 11 years old, spending less than three years playing. The number one reason kids stop is they are no longer having fun. At FAST, we ensure athletes get the most out of their experience. We try to be mentors as well as coaches to keep athletes engaged while having fun.
No matter your child’s sport now is the perfect time to develop their skills and learn the fundamentals of being an athlete by improving strength, speed, agility, and power. Since 2003, FAST Performance Training has offered a summer sports performance program for kids ages 8+ at college and professional levels. When choosing a summer training program for your child, we advise a properly designed and supervised organization to help young athletes build confidence, reduce injuries, and build social and problem-solving skills.
