THE IMPORTANCE OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR THE YOUTH ATHLETE

Besides overall health and management of lifestyle factors, why else is strength and condition important for the youth athlete? Most importantly, it sets up a foundation for the younger athlete to build and grow upon. Many kids jump straight into sports once they are at the appropriate age. Through this experience they naturally develop skills and learn the movements associated with their specific sport. However, oftentimes, youth sports teams do not work one on one with a strength and conditioning coach. Therefore, these kids do not ever properly build a foundation of strength, not just strength in their muscles, but also strength of their joints, ligaments, and bones.