Reply To: Strength Training

[David Mitchell]

I am going to recommend checking out Crossfit as well. They have a journal you can subscribe to that has TONS of information and videos, some specifically for coaching kids, proper techniques and how to teach them, exercise/nutrition theory etc. Its amazing how many kids can't squat properly unweighted! I highly recommend http://journal.crossfit.com as an inexpensive reference source!

As Tom and Dean have said, some of the best stuff is 1) core and supporting muscle development (unstable TRX, exercise ball, BOSU, medicine ball etc) 2) linked full body movements (body weight, Olympic style lifts, plyos) and 3) lower body/leg stuff for power and increased lactate threshhold.

We are looking at making up some Bulgarian training bags to use with the kids to provide some inexpensive moderate resistance. Basically it is just an inner tube cut in half and stuffed with wood or rubber mulch (like a curved sand bag). We can do many different exercises with them while still protecting the players and gym floors.

Also, in my experience, energy system conditioning has a large impact on player skills. The skills fall off rapidly when they get tired. A program like crossfit that incorporates strength and energy system development together (primarily anaerobic and lactate as aerobic seems to take care of itself when training this way) should give you great results like Dean described, keep the kids motivated, and be safe for them when applied intelligently.

Good Luck!
Dave