As youth athletes embark on their athletic journey, finding the right balance of training becomes crucial. At Parisi Speed School, we believe in tailoring training schedules to the specific needs and developmental stages of our young athletes. Here’s a glimpse into what the perfect training schedule looks like for youth athletes of different age groups:
For our youngest athletes, aged 7 to 12, we recommend a training frequency of 3 to 4 days per week during slower seasons when they have fewer practice sessions or events. During busier times of the year, such as competition seasons, we adjust the schedule to 2 to 3 days per week to accommodate their increased commitments.
Our training sessions for this age group focus on a diverse range of physical demands. We emphasize activities that enhance coordination, refine jumping and running mechanics, and introduce resistance training with a focus on quality movement rather than heavy lifting. As these young athletes progress through different stages of growth and development, our training programs adapt to meet their evolving needs.
Moving into the middle and early high school years, athletes experience significant physical and physiological changes. Renowned strength coach Mike Boyle’s philosophy guides our approach to training during this phase: “the best way to get faster or stronger is to not get weaker or slower.” This principle underscores the importance of consistent training throughout the year.
Our Long-Term Athletic Development model advocates for year-round training, albeit with variations in frequency. Athletes in-season may train just 1 or 2 days per week to maintain their strength and speed, while those in the off-season ramp up to 3 to 4 days per week to focus on improvement.
Our training sessions for this age group are strategically structured. We incorporate sprinting twice a week, heavy lifting twice a week, and jumping exercises twice a week. This balanced approach ensures that athletes develop comprehensive athletic skills while minimizing the risk of overtraining or burnout.
Regardless of age, our lifting sessions prioritize full-body workouts over body part splits. This approach is not only more time-efficient but also fosters better overall strength and work capacity in athletes. By integrating sprinting, lifting, and jumping into our training schedules, we create a holistic training environment that nurtures athletic potential while instilling discipline and dedication in our young athletes.
Crafting the perfect training schedule for youth athletes requires a deep understanding of their unique needs and growth trajectories. At Parisi Speed School, we are committed to providing tailored training programs that empower young athletes to thrive both on and off the field.
As the industry leader in performance enhancement, we will continue to deliver a positive training experience that improves speed of movement and strength in character regardless of ability or economic status.
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