Youth Training and Coaching

The post by Allistair McCaw

Youth training and coaching: six great tips of what to do and what not to do

There are a few things I’ve learned about training and coaching athletes. One of those, is that the approach you have to the specific group you are working with changes. The gender and age of the athletes you are working with, require you to tweak a few things here and there.

Allistair McCaw

So when putting a program together for youth training, there are several factors to consider. Below are a few guidelines I follow and recommend when working with kids:

1.Try to keep their focus – make it interesting and challenging, enough that they need to put effort and concentration into the exercises.

2. Try to keep a time limit – There is no need for kids to train long durations. 30 to 60 minutes is plenty.

3. Try to keep it fun – Make sure the kids are going to have fun. If they don’t get some enjoyment, you will lose them.

4. Keep the activities, exercises & skills at the appropriate developmental level – Don’t make it too hard or they won’t want to do it, or too easy because they will get bored.

5. The goal is to teach them to train. You are not necessarily ‘training’ them, but rather, you are teaching them. Remember that they’re in their early developmental stages. Teach them the basics well before moving on.

6. Keep Discipline – But not Dictatorship. This is one of the most important factors to having a solid and successful running program for anyone, regardless of age. Just make sure you are not becoming the sergeant major.

Most of all, remember that a great coach teaches life skills, so look for every opportunity to instill and teach these.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you.