The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

By Nathan ParnhamHealth & Fitness
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The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development episodes

  • EP26: Guest episode- Revolutionising school sport

    I sat down with James Godfrey, an influential figure who transitioned from representing schools and rugby teams in Australia to revolutionising the business of sport and financial services. Delving deep into his career highlights, the conversation covers his leadership philosophy, the importance of values, and innovative strategies for enhancing school sports programs. James shares insights on building effective teams, maximising resources, and leveraging sports for character-building and career development. This episode offers invaluable lessons for anyone involved in school sports or leadership roles.

    37 min
  • EP25: Schools- Understanding the real success of establishing an athletic development program

    We explore the real success behind school athletic development programs. Through a personal story emphasising the powerful impact of inclusive gym access, we discuss effective timetabling, distinguishing between student-athletes and regular students, and the critical role of well-being and pastoral care. Discover how to create a supportive and inclusive environment that benefits all students, not just athletes. 

    Tune in for insights on fostering positive schooling experiences and encouraging lifelong fitness habits.

    16 min
  • EP24: Parents- The loss of general preparation and why it’s essential

    In this episode, we focus on helping parents set their children up for success in sports. We discuss the critical concept of general preparation, why it's essential, and how it has been lost recently. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls in youth sports, understand the importance of varied physical activity, and why early specialisation may not be beneficial. This episode is a must-listen for any sporting parent aiming to keep their child active, healthy, and on the path to long-term success.


    Sign up for my Youth Programming Fundamentals Workshop

    https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-programming-fundamentals-workshop-registration-910192007797?aff=ebdssbdestsearch


    Connect with me:

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    Order my book:

    The Sporting Parent


    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

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    14 min
  • EP23: Coaches- ‘Fun’ the most overrated word in the development setting

    This episode is oriented to coaches in the athletic development space. We’ll address why 'fun' is often overrated in youth sports development. We explore the complex layers of fun and the critical need for structured training time. Key points include the importance of training, the various forms and implementation of fun, and how these evolve through different stages of athlete maturation. Stay tuned as we break down these essential topics to enhance your coaching strategies.


    Takeaways from this episode:


    - Emphasize balancing fun with structured athletic development to ensure young athletes build their skills.

    - Use fun elements like games, environment setup, team challenges, and music to keep sessions engaging without losing development time.

    - Apply different fun strategies across various age groups, such as games for pre-teens, music for mid-teens, and team competitions for late-teens.

    - Ensure fun activities enhance training without overshadowing essential - development, helping athletes train to their full potential while enjoying the process.


    Connect with me:

    Instagram

    Website


    Order my book:

    The Sporting Parent

    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE

    Instagram

    Website

    16 min
  • EP22: Guest episode-What it takes in Rugby League
    In this special guest episode, Matthew Jay from the Newcastle Knights delves into the essentials of youth sports development and discusses the importance of nurturing talent through practical and theoretical approaches. Matthew shares his insights on what makes an elite athlete, the significance of intrinsic motivation, and the shift in mental health awareness in sports. He also highlights the rise of specialised academies and the role of technology and gamification in modern sports training. Join me as Matthew provides valuable tips for parents juggling busy sports schedules and discusses the future trends in youth sports.
    Takeaways from this episode:
    • While talent is important, success in rugby league also requires hard work, discipline, and good lifestyle choices.
    • Effective coaching and support staff are crucial in nurturing talent and fostering a disciplined environment.
    • Engaging in various sports helps young athletes develop diverse skills, and resilience, and reduces burnout, benefiting their overall athletic growth.
    • Mental awareness is crucial for overall athlete development and performance.
    • There's a growing recognition in sports for investing in athletes' well-being, not just their physical fitness.
    • Parents play a critical role in managing their children's busy sports schedules, especially when involved in multiple sports.
    • Building a support network with other parents and community members is crucial.
    • There is a rise in specialised sports academies and diverse sporting opportunities for kids. Parents should carefully evaluate these options to ensure they provide quality training and are not just profit-driven.
    Youth Programming Fundamentals Workshop
    https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/youth-programming-fundamentals-workshop-registration-910192007797?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=
    Connect with me:https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/https://www.nathanparnham.com/Order my book:http://www.nathanparnham.com/book
    Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor
    5% code GETDOWN5
    Course: https://gymaware.com/courses/vbt_fundamentals/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymaware/ 
    Educational articles: https://gymaware.com/category/blog/ 
    Educational videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7WTmMMp1R0LYPlDvOhSi8xxipmXiZPx3 
    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE
    https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/
    https://plae.us
    41 min
  • EP21: Schools- How to retain casual coaches
    Welcome back to The Get Down podcast! This episode focuses on how schools can effectively retain casual coaching staff. Tune in as we discuss three key strategies: fostering ownership among staff, providing professional development opportunities, and nurturing individual career aspirations. 
    Learn how to build a formidable coaching team and advance your program.
     Also, stay tuned for our next episode featuring a special guest with extensive international coaching experience.
    Takeaways from this episode:
    • The issue of retaining casual coaching staff in schools, and the impact on program success and potential.
    • Encouraging ownership through project assignments, offering upskilling opportunities, and nurturing coaches' career aspirations to enhance commitment.
    • Programs fail to retain staff when responsibility isn't delegated. Assigning specific roles increases coaches' sense of ownership and pride, leading to better retention.
    • Supporting individual career aspirations is crucial. Regular meetings to discuss career goals and facilitate advancement foster loyalty and professional growth.
    Tune in to listen to valuable insights on the development pathway from grassroots to professional sport. Episode 22 promises to be packed with expertise and inspiration!
    Connect with me:
    https://www.instagram.com/nathanparnham/
    https://www.nathanparnham.com/
    Order my book:
    http://www.nathanparnham.com/book
    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE
    https://www.instagram.com/plaeglobal/https://plae.us
    10 min
  • EP20: Parents- Five tenets to manage your child’s busy schedule.

    Welcome back to the third season of The Get Down podcast, where today I’ll share expert advice for parents struggling with their children’s busy sports schedules. I’ll outline five essential tips: ensuring one full day off per week, limiting sports to two per season, engaging with children early by participating in their activities, being selective with specialist coaching, and being cautious of back-to-back training days. These strategies aim to balance athletic commitments with the joys of childhood, preventing burnout and fostering long-term engagement and enjoyment in sports. 

    Takeaways from this episode:
    -Ensure your child has one full day off per week to prevent burnout and allow them to enjoy their teenage years.
    -Limit your child to participating in two sports per season to avoid overcommitment and stress.
    -Engage with your child early in their sports activities by participating, which helps build lasting fond memories and keeps them engaged.
    -Choose one to two specialist coaches for focused improvement rather than overloading with multiple coaches.
    -Be aware of back-to-back training days to reduce the risk of injury during critical growth periods.
    -Avoid double or triple sessions on consecutive days to keep the experience enjoyable and sustainable for your child.
    Stay tuned for Episode 21, where we'll discuss strategies to enhance your school's coaching program. 

    Subscribe to never miss an episode and join me in creating a positive impact in youth sports. See you next time!
    Connect with me:
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    Order my book:
    The Sporting Parent
    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE
    InstagramWebsite


    13 min
  • EP19: ​​Coaches- Understanding the importance of session flow
    Welcome to the third season of The Get Down Podcast. This episode focuses on the critical concept of Session Flow for coaches, emphasising its impact on the quality of coaching. 
    In the episode, I’ll break down strategies for different age cohorts in the high school development setting, specifically for years 7-8 (12-14 years), years 9-10 (14-16 years), and years 11-12 (16-18 years). 
    Key points include maintaining high engagement with minimal distractions for younger students, fostering greater independence and leadership in older students, and promoting autonomy and individualised programming for the oldest cohort. 
    Tune in to enhance your coaching sessions and ensure both engagement and enjoyment.
    Takeaways from this episode:
    1. Session flow is crucial for coaching success across different age groups. It can significantly impact the engagement, enjoyment, and overall effectiveness of coaching sessions.
    2. Different age cohorts have distinct coaching requirements.
    3. Coaching should evolve to empower students with greater autonomy as they mature. 
    4. Each age group presents opportunities for developing leadership skills among students.
    5. As students progress through high school, coaching becomes more specialised and tailored to individual and team needs.
    Connect with me:
    Instagram
    Website
    Order my book:
    The Sporting Parent
    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE
    InstagramWebsite
    15 min
  • EP18 - Bonus Episode: From idea to inception- the GymAware story
    In this special bonus episode of the Get Down Podcast, I interview Evan Lawton, the founder of GymAware, about the origins and development of velocity-based training technology. 
    We dive into the history of GymAware, the advancements in sports tech since its inception, and how the company has evolved over the years to become a gold standard in the strength and conditioning industry. Evan shares insights into the creation of their Flex device, its applications in high school settings, and the importance of adapting to coaches' and athletes' needs. We also discuss GymAware's commitment to education and community, with Evan highlighting their efforts to continually improve training methods and support the development of athletes at various levels.
    Takeaways from this episode:
    Originating from the Australian Institute of Sport, GymAware was born out of Evan's background in engineering and athlete testing, revealing the necessity for dependable measurement tools.
    GymAware's development aimed at closing the gap between sports scientists and coaches, prioritizing portability and user-friendliness in performance monitoring.
    GymAware was a pioneer in internet-based data syncing in 2002, despite initial hesitance from users towards cloud storage.
    GymAware's success is attributed to ongoing coach feedback, which informed product evolution to suit various needs over its 22-year history.
    Evan underscores the importance of adapting to coaches' requirements, advocating for a gradual approach starting with basic features and progressing to more advanced functionalities.
    Safety is paramount in high school settings, with GymAware devices aiding coaches in establishing and enforcing safe lifting practices through limit setting and real-time feedback.
    Integrating GymAware into physical education curriculums offers students a deeper understanding of strength training principles and performance factors, translating theoretical concepts into practical applications.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 Introduction to the Bonus Episode
    00:02:23 The Origins of GymAware
    00:04:24 Challenges and Innovations in Early Development
    00:06:44 The Evolution of GymAware Technology
    00:08:56 Impact and Adaptation in Strength and Conditioning
    00:14:02 Flex Device: Making Technology Accessible
    00:20:12 GymAware in High School Settings
    00:27:07 Educational Initiatives and Future Directions
    00:30:12 Conclusion and Gratitude
    Connect with me:
    Instagram
    Website
    Order my book:
    The Sporting Parent
    Follow Evan Lawton:
    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lawton-4774412b/?originalSubdomain=au 
    Gymaware- Guest Episode Sponsor
    5% code GETDOWN5
    Course: https://gymaware.com/courses/vbt_fundamentals/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymaware/ 
    Educational articles: https://gymaware.com/category/blog/ 
    Educational videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7WTmMMp1R0LYPlDvOhSi8xxipmXiZPx3 
    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE
    Instagram
    Website
    33 min
  • EP17: Guest episode- Contemporary Practices in Swimming
    Join me on the Get Down podcast as I dive into an inspiring conversation with Bobby Jovanovich, the renowned head coach of Brisbane Grammar School's swimming club. Reflecting on his journey from swimmer to an influential coach, Bobby shares invaluable insights on athletic development, technical training, and the importance of strength and conditioning (S&C) from a young age. We’ll discuss how he balances developing young athletes in a digital age and the role of multi-sport engagement in creating well-rounded and resilient swimmers. Take advantage of Bobby's thoughts on the keys to long-term success and patience in competitive swimming. Join me in this new episode, and don’t forget to share, review and subscribe to the podcast!
    Takeaways from this episode:
    Bobby Jovanovic played a crucial role in welcoming me to Brisbane Grammar School, helping me transition and settle in smoothly with my family, which I greatly appreciate.
    The importance of incorporating S&C from a young age.
    A shift in youth physical activity over the years, and the need to adapt training programs to counteract the sedentary lifestyle associated with the digital age.
    The importance of integrating gym work with pool sessions to ensure a holistic training approach that enhances swimmers' physical health and performance without causing burnout.
    Balancing when to push and when to ease off in training, focusing on long-term athletic development. 
    Engaging in different sports can contribute positively to a swimmer's physical and mental development, ultimately leading to better performance in swimming.
    The importance of patience, gradual progression, and enjoyment in the sport, ensuring that swimmers remain motivated and capable of handling the demands of high-level competition as they mature.
    Allow children time to develop swimming skills and resilience. Success often peaks in the late twenties, and modern training focuses on strategic, sustainable development.
    Participating in multiple sports enhances overall athleticism and prevents burnout. Swimming provides fitness while other sports develop coordination, teamwork, and social skills.
    Swimmers must be accountable for their actions and communicate effectively. This fosters resilience and helps navigate challenges like plateaus during maturation.
    Success in swimming requires long-term commitment and gradual progress. Educating swimmers and parents about the process helps maintain motivation and focus on long-term goals.
    Timestamps:
    00:00:00 Introduction to Bobby Jovanovic
    00:02:32 Bobby's Journey from Athlete to Coach
    00:03:32 Innovative Approaches to Athletic Development
    00:04:59 Strength and Conditioning in Swimming
    00:07:52 Balancing Training and Competition
    00:12:07 Long-Term Athletic Development
    00:15:33 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
    00:26:53 Attributes of Successful Swimmers
    00:29:48 Challenges in Modern Swimming
    00:32:25 Power Round and Conclusion
    Connect with me:
    Instagram
    Website
    Order my book:
    The Sporting Parent
    Follow Bobby Jovanovic:
    Linkedin: 
    Check out our platinum sponsor- PLAE
    Instagram
    Website
    35 min

About The Get Down - Youth Athletic Development

From the publisher's feed

Youth sport is a billion dollar industry. Youth athletic development plays a significant role in this. With such a large investment at stake through various stakeholders, how do you know you're on the right path in setting this generation up for success?