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By Isaac Leung, Athletic Skills

Hey reader,

I have seen many coaches, PE teachers and PT’s coach youth athletes and I have seen many different methods.

Here are 5 common mistakes I have noticed when working with Youth Athletes and Coaches.

Don’t be the coach who continues to make these mistakes and be the one to make a big impact in their development.

Did you miss my last 3 newsletters? Click here to read!

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• My Step By Step Process in How I Get My Athletes FASTER!

Hit reply with your thoughts and if you need any support in your coaching!

5 Common Mistakes Coaches Make in Youth S&C Training—and How to Avoid Them

When it comes to strength and conditioning (S&C) for young athletes, the right approach can make all the difference. Youth athletes are at a critical stage of development, where every aspect of training influences both their current performance and their future athletic potential. Let’s explore five common mistakes coaches often make with youth S&C and how adjusting your approach can help build stronger, healthier, and more engaged athletes.

Mistake 1: Skipping Fundamental Movements

Why it Matters: Too often, coaches jump straight into sport-specific drills or advanced techniques, skipping over foundational movements. But mastering the basics—like running, jumping, landing, crawling, bracing, rotating etc.,—is key. These core movements develop body control, balance, and coordination, which support safe and effective athletic performance in the long run.

How to Address It: Begin with these exercises, ensuring athletes have solid form before progressing but keep them fun! Use simple cues and drills drip fed over many sessions to reinforce good habits. Make it enjoyable by adding games or challenges that get them moving and learning naturally. Allow them to problem solve and figure methods for themselves.

Mistake 2: Rushing to Increase Complexity

Why it Matters: Building strength is important, but increasing intensity and complexity too soon risks injury and undermines technique. With young athletes still growing, it’s especially crucial to develop control and confidence in movement before adding high intense movements that they can’t control.

How to Address It: Focus on technique first and gradually increase complexity. Earn the right to move to those exercises.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Mobility and Flexibility

Why it Matters: Young athletes vary in their range of motion, and their bodies are growing rapidly. Without a focus on mobility and flexibility, they’re more likely to experience poor movement patterns and avoidable injuries. Good mobility builds the foundation for efficient, safe movement across all sports.

How to Address It: Make dynamic stretching and mobility work a staple in every warm-up. Include exercises that promote joint range of motion, like hip stretches and lunges. These routines build flexibility and stability, preparing athletes for more intense movements.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Recovery

Why it Matters: Youth athletes often have busy schedules with school, sports, and social activities. Without adequate recovery, they risk overuse injuries and burnout. Teaching recovery habits early is vital for maintaining performance and wellbeing.

How to Address It: Educate athletes and parents on the importance of rest, hydration, and nutrition. Factor in lighter sessions following intense training or match days, and encourage athletes to get enough sleep. A focus on recovery now builds long-term resilience.

Question for you: Do you encourage your youth athletes to play multi sports? When do you think is an age where they should prioritise a sport?

Mistake 5: Forgetting to Make it Fun

Why it Matters: Keeping training fun is essential for maintaining motivation and engagement. We want the kids to come back next week and have a positive relationship with fitness. Rigid, repetitive drills can wear down enthusiasm, but varied, enjoyable sessions help create a positive experience with training that keeps young athletes engaged.

How to Address It: Use games, relays, or team challenges to make sessions engaging. Mixing up activities not only builds skills but also allows athletes to explore movement, work together, and enjoy training. Sessions should be something they look forward to. I am a big fan of obstacle courses with any age group!

Coach’s Checklist

The goal of youth S&C is more than just getting stronger—it’s about building habits for a lifetime of athletic development. Here’s a checklist to help you remember the essentials:

• Start with Fundamentals: Develop strong basics like run, jump and land.

• Progress Gradually: Focus on technique before adding complexity.

• Prioritise Mobility: Incorporate flexibility exercises in every session.

• Encourage Recovery: Emphasise rest, hydration, and good nutrition.

• Make it Fun: Engage athletes with varied, enjoyable drills and games.

By keeping these principles front and centre, you’ll be helping your athletes develop safely and positively, with a focus on skills that last.

Final Thoughts

Youth S&C should be a journey, not a race. By focusing on fundamentals, you’re laying the foundation for safe, effective growth that benefits both their athletic and personal development.

Want support adding more fun and effective S&C to your coaching? Reply to this email, and let’s chat about creating sessions that build strength and enjoyment for your young athletes.

Speak soon,

Isaac 🙂 

Need help? Reply to this email and tell me your story...

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