Athletes who get stronger from following a strength program become better athletes in their sport. This is why student athletes should be exposed to the weight room early on.
When young athletes begin strength training, they are most likely doing it with their high school teammates– which is great. They’re building a strong foundation in strength, which translates well into their sport. A strong athlete will be a more well-rounded athlete- mentally and physically. However, it’s common to see poor form, ego lifting, and reckless movements being performed. It’s essential for coaches to prioritize the importance of technique, sound movement patterns, and safe strength training. If an athlete gets injured during strength training, they are risking their opportunity to do their sport. The goal of strength training is to get better for your sport, not to take you out of it.
When coaching a group of athletes, coaches must be mindful of the following:
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Not every athlete moves the same. Perform movement screenings, note any limitations an athlete may have. Some athletes may have mobility issues preventing them from performing the prescribed exercises- be ready to have regressions and alternatives.
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Not every athlete has the same training age/background. Coaches must teach the exercises, be mindful of the varying levels of experience, and be detail oriented. Give cues as needed and make sure they are effective, and be prepared to teach the movements several times.
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Don’t forget to coach. Even though athletes may be familiar with exercises- such as the squat- because they’ve been doing the lift on a program for months, it does not mean they should be ignored and left alone. As a coach, you must be aware of your athletes and their progressions and constantly monitor their lifts.
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“Eliminate the bad. Exploit and challenge the good.”
When athletes work with a coach on an individual basis, they have the advantage of having an individualized program that addresses their strengths and weaknesses and is tailored to their needs. There is constant feedback and attention to detail, allowing them to get stronger and improve at a faster rate. Do all athletes need one-on-one coaching? No. Do most athletes benefit from one-on-one coaching? Yes.
With a strength coach, in a group or on an individualized basis, athletes can gain strength if they are on a program and they are being coached and monitored. Strength training is essential for all sports, not just Football. If you’re an athlete and want to be better at your sport, then work with a coach and make sure you get strong.
Further Reading:
At Telos, we offer High School Development group training sessions and one-on-one sessions with student athletes of all levels. If you have any questions or are interested in athlete strength training, click the button below.