Athletic Development for Youth Athletes in Houston, TX
At DST, our trainers design individualized programs for each and every athlete who comes through our doors. We believe no two athletes are the same. Because of that, we believe no two athletes should train the same. Training youth athletes is a completely different process than training professional athletes. Our goal for our youth athletes is to aid their physical development through three stages: Initiation (ages 8-10), Formation (ages 10-13), and Transition (ages 13-15) — Depending on what stage the athlete is in, our focus is to train different athletic qualities. Every athlete should work to become more coordinated, stronger and faster. However, there are sensitive periods of certain athletic traits that progress at a faster rate depending on the athlete’s age. This means that different stages of our training will bring a different focus.
We offer speed and strength training, as well as training for volleyball, baseball, football, and softball.
DST Youth Training benefits:
Sports Performance – Cardiovascular Health – Self-Esteem – Attention Span – Intelligence – Weight Management – Athletic Ability
Initiation: Ages 8-10
This stage of training is usually an athlete’s first experience in the sports world. Fun is the emphasis during this stage. Most of the exercises and drills during this time are presented as games. It is our trainer’s job to create a fun environment that is still capable of advancing the athlete. Most exercises during this period have a coordination component. Creating proper movement patterns is crucial.
Sensitive periods during this stage:
- Movement adequacy
- Reaction to acoustic and visual signals
- Synchronization of movements in time
- Anaerobic endurance
- Reaction time
Formation: Ages 10-13
At this point, most athletes will have some sort of exposure to training or a coaching environment. It is still important to emphasize fun as a primary component during the sessions.
Sensitive periods during this stage:
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Strength endurance
- Aerobic endurance
- Movement adequacy
- Kinesthetic differentiation
- Spatial orientation
- Reaction time
Transition: Ages 13-15
Athletes in this stage have been around sports long enough to understand that hard-work is required to be successful. This combined with the onset of puberty brings about a mental change in the athlete. They are still young and want to have fun, but now they have goals that they are willing to work toward.
Sensitive periods during this stage:
- Speed-strength
- Maximal strength
- Flexibility (major muscle groups)
- Balance
- Spatial Orientation
- Static strength endurance
Cognitive abilities are beginning to be limited but should not be forgotten. Strength is king during this stage. This is a short window to set a strength foundation. It must be done in the right way, because any set back can be extremely detrimental to an athlete’s progression.