A systematic approach to athletic development

Abstract

Since the dawn of social media, sports performance professionals have had the ability to share ideas and display training methodologies to anyone across the globe. Research problem/aim: The problem with this connectedness is much of this information is baseless. Coaches, athletes and parents are too often misinformed, confused, and duped by fad exercise programs and gimmicks that put can puts their athletes under too much stress (physical and emotional) too fast, putting them at risk of injury. Findings: In order to be successful on the sporting field, athletes need to be able to make it to the playing field first. Sports performance specialists need to focus on long term development not just pushing their athletes to the limit. Athletes need a structured training progression that builds a solid foundation of strength, endurance, and coordination to give them the tools to be successful in the weight room before placing them under a loaded bar or implementing advanced training techniques. With athletes at any level, high school, collegiate, or professional, even the most talented of athletes on the field may not necessarily have a very strong background in the weight room. Conclusion: A systematic pattern of athletic development would allow adaptation in fundamental movement patterns and develops requisite physical qualities, and allow the athletes to advance safely and effectively.