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

  • EP16: - Schools- Why an athletic development syllabus is crucial for success
    Welcome to episode 16 of The Get Down Podcast! Today, I emphasise the critical need for schools to implement an athletic development syllabus based on the long-term athlete development model. I outline how a syllabus forms the foundation of all athletic programming, ensuring coaches have a structured guide for student training and progress. The episode argues for the syllabus’s role in allowing individual progression rates and highlights the consequences of not having a structured athletic program, including the risk of students not reaching their athletic potential. Every coach should work from the syllabus for consistent development and compare athletic training to academic subjects, advocating for a similar approach to programming. Finally, stay tuned for my next episode, featuring a special guest.
    Takeaways from this episode:
    An athletic development syllabus, rooted in a long-term athlete development model, is crucial for schools to optimise their investment in student athleticism.
    The syllabus provides structure and guidance for coaches.
    Students have the opportunity to progress through the syllabus at their own pace, ensuring individualised development aligned with their abilities and maturation stages.
    Coaches should have access to and align their sessions with the athletic development syllabus, ensuring consistency and adherence to the long term athlete development model.
    Despite challenges such as large coach-to-athlete ratios, the syllabus enables regression or progression of exercises based on student competence and development.
    Without an athletic development syllabus, tracking and fostering compound growth in student athleticism becomes uncertain, highlighting the necessity of a structured approach for school athletic programs.
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    10 min
  • EP15: ‘Opportunity seeking.’ Are you really helping your child progress?
    Welcome to episode 15 of the Get Down Podcast, directed towards parents involved in youth sports. Today, I explore the concept of 'opportunity seeking' and its potential misconceptions and financial implications. I discuss how the unconditional love of sporting parents, is often misconstrued in the competitive sports environment, and how this can drive a pursuit for better opportunities for their children, sometimes to their detriment. It outlines how this mentality can lead to misinformation, unnecessary financial expenditure, and a detrimental impact on a child's development and resilience. Through anecdotes and expert insights, the episode advises parents on how to navigate their children's sporting journey by focusing on communication with coaches, valuing the lessons sports can teach, and being mindful of the opportunities and resources already available to them.
    Takeaways from this episode:
    Sporting parents often face unfair judgment, but understanding unconditional love is key.
    Opportunity seeking in parenting can lead to financial strain and misinformation.
    Avoid the trap of competition among parents in sports, and focus on genuine development.
    Research thoroughly before investing in extra opportunities for your child's sports journey.
    Embrace the lessons and challenges within your child's current sports environment.
    Communicate with coaches and explore existing resources before seeking additional opportunities.
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    15 min
  • EP14: The misapplication of tapering in youth

    Welcome once again to the Get Down podcast, season 2. In this episode, I’m going to address the common mistake of misapplying tapering in youth sports training. I’ll begin with one of my own experiences in optimizing training schedules in school sports, focusing on the need for continuous development rather than peaking too early. The main points I’ll be talking about include the critical evaluation of training time allocation, the negative impact of tapering on long-term athlete development (LTAD), and the importance of maintaining regular training sessions to achieve compound growth. I’ll also emphasize that youth are malleable and can benefit from consistent training over premature specificity and tapering, which often leads to losing valuable training time and opportunities for growth. I would love to hear your feedback on this episode and hope to see you on the next one aimed at parents.


    Takeaways from this episode:

    • Strategic time allocation is essential when planning youth training schedules, considering the need to balance sport-specific training with other developmental aspects.

      • Premature tapering applied inappropriately in youth development programs can slow down the potential for compound growth.

        • Encouraging athletes to train through competitions at various stages of their development not only enhances their resilience but also promotes a deeper understanding of the sport's demands.

        • Societal pressure often reinforces an instant outcome mindset among young athletes.

          • Integrating competitions into youth training programs serves as a valuable opportunity to build resilience, navigate the pressures of competition and develop mental toughness.

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            12 min
          • EP13: Guest episode- What it takes to be an elite tennis player
            Welcome back to another episode of The Get Down podcast! This is our fourth episode in series 2 and today we have an insightful interview with Nicole Kriz, the newly appointed director of Tennis Australia's National Academy, who sheds light on her journey in tennis, from player to coach to administration. She discusses the challenges and achievements of her role, especially post pandemic, the philosophy behind athlete development from the ages of 16 to 23, and the importance of adapting tennis training for both juniors and adults. Kriz emphasizes the significance of multi-sport involvement for young athletes for their overall development and highlights how early specialization and the CEO-parent syndrome can impact an athlete's career and personal growth. The discussion also touches on the importance of preparing athletes for life beyond their sports careers, underscoring the need for identity development outside of one’s sport.
            Takeaways from this episode:
            International exposure is crucial for young players' development.
            A well-rounded coaching approach is vital. Blend playing experience, with coaching skills.
            Adaptation is needed in coaching approaches across different sports.
            The Importance of multi-sport approach for long-term athlete development.
            Utilising modified equipment enhances skill acquisition and enjoyment.
            Encouraging multi-sport participation helps youth develop.
            Is key to fostering independence and life skills in athletes, both on and off the court.
            Prioritizing personal development alongside athletic training.
            Cultivating a balanced identity beyond athletic achievements.
            Timestamps:
            00:00:00 Welcome to Series Two: Introducing Nicole Kriz
            00:03:24 The Role and Impact of Tennis Australia's National Academy
            00:04:57 Challenges and Adaptations through the pandemic
            00:12:14 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation in Tennis
            00:15:23 Engaging Young Athletes
            00:27:59 The Significance of Athlete Identity and Independence
            00:34:30 Wrapping Up: Insights from Nicole Kriz
            Connect with me:
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            Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-kriz-9b918166/?originalSubdomain=au 
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            36 min
          • EP12: Schools- Embracing the largest area for growth
            Welcome back to another exciting episode of Season 2 of The Get Down podcast! Today, the focus is on year 10 children within school settings, a particularly critical stage for athletic development. I’ll discuss autonomy and independence training, and the challenges and opportunities associated with this phase. Also, key points include the need for customised programming and the potential risks of external training facilities. I’ll conclude with insights on empowering students for long-term success and a teaser of our next special guest.
            Takeaways from this episode:
            - Year 10 is a crucial stage for athletic development, marked by the search for independence and transition to sport specific training.
            - Implementing an athletic development syllabus in year 10 aligns with long-term athlete development models, focusing on technical proficiency and foundational strength.
            - Providing autonomy in training choices while offering simplified, flexible programs fosters engagement and ownership among year 10 students.
            - Encouraging external gym use promotes independence but requires education to mitigate risks of unsupervised training and inappropriate programming.
            - Educating students on safe training methods and incorporating year 10 specific planning helps prepare them for sport-specific training and reduces injury risks.
            - By empowering year 10 students with education, planning, and revised programming, schools can set them up for long-term athletic success and safe training practices.
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            The Sporting Parent
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            13 min
          • EP11: Parents- Understanding the nuances of specialisation
            Welcome back to The Get Down Podcast. In episode 11 of Series 2, I focus on youth sports specialisation, catering specifically to parents. Delving into the definition, risks, and strategies to overcome them, I’ll share valuable insights into the various forms of specialisation and their impact on young athletes. I’ll offer guidance on setting up for success and advice for parents navigating the complex landscape of youth sports.
            Takeaways from this episode:
            Year-round participation in a single sport to the exclusion of others is the most commonly used definition of specialisation.
            Understanding specialisation forms, and various ways youth specialisation in sports beyond exclusivity.
            Risks of early specialisation. Injury and burnout risks associated with intense focus on one sport.
            Avoiding overcommitment, advising parents to limit sports per season to prevent burnout.
            Timing for specialisation, suggesting the optimal age range of 14 to 16 for specialisation.
            Prioritising intrinsic motivation, emphasising the importance of children's genuine interest in sports.
            Balancing risks and commitments, encouraging parents to understand risks and maintain balance.
            Stay tuned for the next episode, where I’m going to share insights into schools' impact on athletic development.
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            11 min
          • EP10: Coaches- Top 5 Coaching Mistakes in Youth
            The Get Down podcast's second series begins! I’m so glad to have you back in the show, and for those of you who are new to the podcast, welcome! This is my promise to continue providing valuable content for the youth sporting community. 
            Episode 10 is aimed at coaches, focusing on the top five programming or coaching mistakes in the youth setting, covering issues such as misapplication of training methods, reliance on quick fixes, inappropriate assumptions about youth training, misuse of tapering, and the limitations of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) models.
            Takeaways from this episode:
            Avoid assuming adult norms apply to youth training; it can be dangerous.
            Quick fix solutions can lead to more harm than good when training youth athletes.
            Grip strength and correct lifting technique contribute to long-term benefits.
            Teenagers may lack safety awareness and partake in risk taking behaviours.
            Unlike adults, youth often don't require frequent tapering due to the lower intensity and duration of sports.
            Modify training to suit circumstances rather than completely cancelling or applying frequent tapers.
            Understand that LTAD models vary, and no one particular model will suit every environment.
            Join me for an exciting journey in our second season of the Get Down podcast, where we talk about the world of youth sports and coaching excellence. Subscribe now to unlock valuable insights, and interviews with experts in the field. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this growing community of passionate coaches, parents, and athletes dedicated to fostering success and growth in youth sports. Hit that subscribe button today!
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            14 min
          • EP9: Bonus episode- The Carpenter’s a football journey

            Welcome to a bonus episode of The Get Down Podcast. In this episode I’ll share the incredible insights of one family's journey in the world of football. Both Jeremy and Ellie Carpenter (Matildas) have achieved heights in Football many aspiring athletes only dream of. These insights will share the extent it takes to turn professional whilst navigating the youth sports landscape, sharing many challenges and road bumps along the way. All the while highlighting many valuable lessons parents and families can learn from. We’ll discuss the importance of commitment, resourcefulness, and intrinsic motivation in achieving sporting success as a family, emphasising the journey of steering the hierarchy of schools, institutes, and sporting bodies to set up young athletes for success.

            Takeaways from this episode:

            • The story of Belinda Carpenter's family highlights the immense commitment and sacrifices often required in youth sports, including long-distance travel, balancing school and training commitments, and making strategic decisions for the athletes' development.

            • Belinda illustrates the complex journey of guiding pathways to success in youth sports, including interactions with schools and institutes, highlighting the challenges and decisions involved in shaping an athlete's career.

            • Beyond skill development, the script emphasizes the importance of considering athletes' emotional and mental well-being, stressing the role of supportive environments and understanding the emotional toll involved in navigating the youth sports system.

            • Motivation over external validation and the resilience needed to overcome adversity.

              • Stay around for season two. Don't miss out on future episodes and subscribe to the podcast!

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              20 min
            • EP8: Guest episode- What it takes to be an elite footballer
              This guest episode is proudly brought to you by Gymaware. In this episode I welcome Trevor Morgan, a renowned figure in football coaching. Trevor's extensive experience, from Westfield Sports High School to coaching roles with the Western Sydney Wanderers and Football Australia, shines through as he emphasizes the importance of nurturing both talent and character in players. He discusses initiatives like the targeted athlete program, which rewards commitment and dedication while ensuring equal opportunities for all players. Through his coaching journey, Trevor highlights the value of instilling life skills and resilience in athletes, transcending the boundaries of the football field. Trevor's approach underscores the broader lessons learned through football, beyond the pitch.
              To gain more insights, listen to the full episode and subscribe to the Get Down Podcast for future updates and inspiring conversations.Takeaways from this episode:
              Collaboration among coaches, supplementary staff, and other stakeholders to tailor training loads and support athletes' development.
              Young athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their development, engaging with various stakeholders and managing their environments to foster maturity and accountability.
              Elite footballers exhibit a deep love for the game, resilience in the face of failure, and intrinsic motivation to succeed, distinguishing them from others in their sporting journey.
              Seizing opportunities is crucial for athletes, whether it's breaking into a team or demonstrating mental qualities.
              Multi-sport participation fosters physical literacy and spatial awareness, enhancing overall athletic development.
              Being a great parent means prioritizing the well-being and character development of the child above sports success, and nurturing a healthy relationship and identity.
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              34 min
            • EP7: Schools- Addressing common misconceptions in athletic development
              Welcome to episode seven of the Get Down podcast. This time, we’re going to talk about athletic development in schools specifically. We'll expose misconceptions surrounding this topic and enlighten on the challenges faced across various educational institutions. We’ll discuss three key points: the contrast between teaching hours and coaching schedules, the debate between hiring for marketing purposes vs. prioritising experience, and the dilemma of casual and full-time coaching appointments. Let's explore the essential points, according to my experience, for successful athletic development programs in schools. 
              Takeaways from this episode:
              Recognise the differences in scheduling between teachers and coaches to effectively manage program delivery and adapt to student needs.
              Prioritise hiring coaches with substantial youth development experience, over high-profile figures for marketing purposes, to ensure program success and student growth.
              Emphasise the benefits of investing in full-time coaching positions to maintain consistency and stability within the athletic development program.
              Address common obstacles such as resource management, individualised programming, and accommodating diverse student cohorts to enhance program effectiveness.
              Focus on long-term outcomes by evaluating a coach's potential to evolve with the program's needs rather than only considering immediate results.
              Strike a balance between professional sports experience and an understanding of youth coaching to optimise program development and student engagement.
               
              Don't miss out on future episodes - Subscribe and tune in to our next episode with exciting new discussions and a special guest.  
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              11 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?