Excel Performance
Aug 28, 2017 · 5 min read

Are your children over specialized and under prepared?

Australia does an incredible job at producing athletes that compete on the world stage, but in saying that, I do believe we still have untapped potential that doesn’t see the light of day. For example, I’m sure we all know someone that could have been a great athlete- if only they didn’t get injured so often, if they could have been a little faster, fitter or had more confidence in themselves.

I believe there is a particular type of training proven to not only enhance athlete development, but also assist in allowing athletes to push their limits and reach their full potential. If this training is implemented correctly, I feel we could raise the bar in not only producing the best athletes in Australia but also the level of sport in Australia as a whole. As you are about to see, this isn’t (by any means) an original idea by me and has already been implemented in counties all over the world.

Here’s where it started…

In the old days of weightlifting, Russia wanted to beat America in the sport. They wanted to show their strength on the world stage and to do this; the Russians invested a lot of money into sports science studies. With this venture, they created the greatest athletes in the world (at that point in time). Very little was known about the science of sports training and the Russians broke a lot of ground- with the majority of the studies still being used today as benchmarks in how to train athletes. The Russians ultimately conquered the Americans and the rest of the world in many sports due to their sports science program.

What the Russians found in developing their sports science program was a process in how to develop athletes. The process went something like this…

The athlete must follow rule 1. Rule 1 states, the athlete must try different sports and then choose a sport, which they excel at. The athlete must then develop and refine the skills of the sport e.g. throwing a ball, catching, hand eye coordination, agility, mobility etc. This would carry on until the athlete turns around 12 years old, or was at an age where the athlete could start strength and conditioning (S&C) training, which was rule 2. The athlete would do S&C training whilst they were competing in their sport. This was to enhance their physical capabilities and protect them from injuries also known as “physical preparedness”. This training would continue until the athlete was 18 years old and would be considered “polished” (which means they are ready to compete at the highest levels of their sport).

What is specialising?

Specialising in sport is when the athlete finds a sport they excel in. When this happens, the athlete and coaches refine the skills and attributes the athlete needs to play the sport and more specifically, the skills needed for different positions on the team. This generally happens early in a young athlete’s life. For example, when children start a sport like soccer or football, each child will be given a position on the team like wing or center and often won’t get moved from that position. That’s when specialisation happens.

What is it to be prepared for sport?

This is your body’s ability to perform and withstand the given sport. Endurance, strength and explosiveness (among other things) need to be considered when talking about the preparedness of an athlete. The first thing we do at Excel Performance is eliminate weaknesses e.g. a weak core or instability. When the athlete’s body is functioning well, we then start looking at more advanced training, although that won’t work effectively if the athlete’s body isn’t put together well.

Three skills that help in sport and why…

· Explosiveness: Helps the athlete run faster, throw further, jump higher etc.

· Endurance: Maintain high quality sports performance for longer.

· Strength: Self-control, stability, reduces injuries etc.

There are other things I didn’t mention but I hope this gives you an idea of physical preparedness.

Why don’t we prepare our children for sport?

It seems to me, one of the biggest reasons why we don’t prepare children for sport is because we don’t think our children need it. The idea of our children in some type of strength and conditioning training program may sound too much. I believe sports coaches are expecting to prepare the athlete for every aspect of sport, but it’s the parents who don’t realise that S&C is something they must look outside sport for. You may have heard the old wives tale that ‘weight training stunts your growth’. Science has proven time and time again this is not true by any means. I feel weight training in a safe environment is highly beneficial for all children!

How often should my child do strength and conditioning training?

It is different for every child. It’s important to explore and work out what is appropriate for the child as far as time and other commitments. As well as working alongside the athletes sports coach to work out a well-balanced weekly schedule of incorporating the two types of training together. In my opinion and experience, I would say 2 to 3 times a week. This will not only give your child a competitive advantage but also keep them safe throughout the season where potential injuries could be corrected or more so avoided. The athlete will be prepared for the general wear and tear of the sport before they get injured and must go to physiotherapy.

Final thoughts…

People are always going to hold different opinions and views around children being involved in weight training. Generally if they don’t have a lot, (if any) knowledge around weight training or have seen it done correctly in a safe environment, they may view it in a negative light. Through my years of personal training and training young athletes, I have seen time and time again the benefits of weight training being incorporated into children’s sports and training programs. I believe our children deserve to be prepared for competition, not only so they have the best opportunity to perform in their sport but so they are also protected from preventable injuries that could in turn plague them for their sporting career and possibly a great deal of their life.

)
Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade