While genetics determine an athlete’s potential, nurturing innate abilities in the correct sequence determines how closely the athlete reaches peak potential.
For long-term development, follow the First-Things-First theory.
Conditioning, Speed, And Agility
How to Develop Speed & Agility for Youth Athletes
Conditioning, Speed, And AgilitySpeed and agility are essential for success in almost every sport, yet few parents, coaches, or athletes understand how to safely and efficiently develop those components. While genetics determine an athlete’s potential for speed and quickness, the nurturing of those innate abilities determines how closely the athlete reaches peak potential.
Athlete Development Model
Strength Training, Conditioning, Speed, And Agility, Mental Training, Parenting, Coaching, Injury PreventionMany experts believe and studies confirm that today’s culture of early sports specialization with an emphasis on year-round structured training is stunting the mental and physical development of youth. Until about age 12, general athleticism—nurtured with free play and multiple sports—should be prioritized over sport-specific skills. Even after the age of 12, free play—without interference from adults—remains important.
