In this episode, we dive deep into a controversial topic in youth coaching: Should young players, particularly U14 to Minor, engage in isolated conditioning — running without the ball?

We explore:

• How background and past experiences shape coaching opinions

• Survey results from coaches, parents, and athletes

• Why context — not tradition — should dictate your conditioning choices

• The hidden cost of focusing on fitness over skill development

• How to support multi-sport players without overloading them

• When isolated running might be beneficial (and how to frame it positively)

• Real stories from coaching mistakes and lessons learned

• Why balancing fitness, skill, and tactical awareness is key to long-term success

👉 Whether you’re a GAA coach, a parent, or a sports educator, this episode will help you make better decisions that truly support young athletes' development — not just in fitness, but in their future careers too.