There will always be a debate on the proper training of young athletes, especially when we are referring to the 10-13 age groups. I am a firm believer that it is perfectly fine to add LIGHT resistance to younger athletes when they are speed training. I believe this for a couple reasons. The first reason is it is fun, cool, and they are training like the big boys and girls. Secondly, at their young age of discovering body awareness, adding a little resistance makes them reactively and neuromuscularly become more aware of their movement.

Let me first state, I am not an advocate for training young kids like older more experienced athletes. Young kids should play, learn to move freely, and discover. However, just like I would take a 9 year old and work on his or her foul shooting technique, or teach them the proper way to throw a ball, I am going to take small bits of time and try to make specific improvements where I can. Adding light resistance to make them more kinesthetic aware is an example of this. Here a sample of how I use light resistance:

1. I take a super light band or tubing and attach it around the athletes waste. Then I will have the athlete perform 3-5 reps of 5-10 yard acceleration. They might only perform 1-2 sets but just enough to create awareness and have some fun.
2. Secondly, I have the youngster perform some lateral movements. This is when great learning takes place. I like to have them perform a shuffle and crossover for 5-6 yards. What I like about this is the light feedback they will immediately receive as they lower and push harder with the appropriate leg.
3. Finally, introduce the backpedal to them with light resistance…it is like gold. They really gain an awareness of their body in space and also learn how to apply more force in with their legs in a pattern they don’t normally do.

If you are not in favor of using LIGHT resistance with younger kids- no problem. You can wait until you are more comfortable. But, if you are up for it, it is a great learning tool for their neuromuscular system and most importantly- THEY WILL HAVE FUN!

Information of bands….click here Band Training