How To Develop A Youth Athlete and Turn Him Into A Stud ?

I recently read a great article by Brian Grasso, CEO of IYCA.
(Which stands forInternational Youth Conditioning Association.)
The article was called the Art of Coaching.

I was inspired enough to mention a portion of it here. Great stuff all around. Which brings me to this... How do you develop a youth athlete and turn him into a stud ?

"Many Trainers and Coaches will purchase products and attend seminars that bring about a sort of instant gratification. They learn about speed techniques or strength training methodologies. They learn how to implement these training strategies with their own athletes. Very often, they are even remiss in wanting to learn ‘why’ a particular methodology is effective, or what the scientific premise is. Instead, they look just for the drills – something they can use effectively here and now in order to reap better success."

"That’s not altogether a negative. I understand the importance of learning execution based knowledge. I too have a collection of training material and workouts for athletes of all ages. However, don’t let the instant gratification aspects of the adult fitness world seep into the realm of youth athletic development…"

Teaching youth athletes should be a challenge a coach takes on that references more on the word DEVELOP rather than teach. Some coaches and parents want INSTANT GRATIFICATION rather than having their kids learn the important skills necessary to overcome ALL the obstacles their kids will face whether those obstacles come from sport or life.

"With our time constantly being squeezed by demands from work and home, sometimes the best and most effective thing you can do is look to understand the basics; the stuff that will have an immediate impact on your athletes or team."

"Having said that, we have become a ‘here and now’ culture. We are often looking only for the instant gratification and nothing more. But when passionately developing young athletes, we have to come to an understanding and appreciate the fact that our roles are far more crucial than just teaching the latest speed techniques."

Within the article I learned a new word: KAIZEN---- A way of life

Our duty as advocates for young athletes is to seek out our own weaknesses and address them. We must use objective analysis as to what we need to improve upon and, through continual and deliberate action, get better and better over time.

That is, in essence, the definition of the word Kaizen –

The interesting factor is that definition applies to both your journey as a coach as well as the journey you must lead your young athletes through.

Many youth sport coaches infract on the notion that the here and now is the most important. Winning today’s match or this weekend’s tournament is critical – even when talking about a 10 year old competing in an open wrestling tournament. In this case, the coaching style is very much reflective of the need to win. Perfectionist-based tendencies are required during practice and game settings. When they are not received to the level the coach desires, yelling, belittling and negative criticism often purveys.

"The same holds true for many parents. Demonstrating quality skill level and achieving success are thought of as the most important factors for participating in youth sports. Some parents offer negative feedback, poor critiques or inappropriate comments during and after a match. The message is very clear to the young athlete – Success now is important. In fact, success is the only way I can avoid the negativity."

Do you really want to deliver this messege to your kid(s) ?

With all due respect to all parents, you have to help more then just dropping your "stud in the making" off at practice. Developing a stud athlete requires a coach that can communicate, train, inspire and motivate as well as a parent that is supportive, understanding, caring and affectionate. Wrestling is a very difficult sport. It's certainly not for everyone, however it should be based on the important lessons each wrestler can learn about himself and others.

Coming soon will be a new "Manual" for all parents and coaches that truly want the best for the kids. The title: "Father's Guide To Coaching Wrestling". This manual will help educate you on exactly what you can do to raise and develop a successful student athlete.

Followed by an additional "Manual" titled: "Mother's Guide To Supporting A Successful Wrestler"...

If you want to receive a few HINTS along the way, secrets will be told.

SIGN UP HERE TO RECEIVE THEM EARLY and FR.EE

Thanks for reading.

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TR