Learn - Train - Compete

Every athlete I work with will progress through 3 stages of development:

1) Learn:
In this first stage, the athlete must learn how to perform all the fundamental athletic movements. This doesn't mean they are sitting around watching other people do squats and push-ups (although observation certainly has some benefit). The athlete learns both how to perform the movements and why they are learning them in the first place. By establishing a strong general athletic foundation to build upon, we open up a whole world of possibility for the athlete.

2) Train:
Once athletes reach this second stage, they have learned how to use the necessary movement 'tools' properly and we can now use those 'tools' to build a stronger, faster and more mobile athlete. All young athletes need to train all the fundamental athletic abilities irrespective of their sport(s) of interest. There are no young athletes that can't stand to benefit greatly from increased strength, agility, power etc. Proper training is the key.

3) Compete:
Unfortunately, most youth sports start at this stage of development. Athletes who skip these first two stages are focusing solely on learning the skills and strategies of their particular sport, but are missing a huge piece of the puzzle. Without learning or training the general athletic abilities, these athletes will be at a tremendous disadvantage in terms of athletic development.

Our primary goal when working with young athletes is to teach and train the fundamental athletic movements and skills. This will afford them to opportunity to compete at the highest level of any sport they choose and to allow them to reach beyond their athletic potential.