Feb 23, 2018A Warm Welcome
When new athletes join your program, it’s an exciting time for everyone. Whether they’re freshman coming up from the middle school, junior varsity players joining varsity, or a transfer student, these new athletes will have to be integrated into your training system. There are some key considerations to keep in mind that will make this transition as smooth as possible.
Analysis:
According to Brad Leshinske of the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA), the first step is to analyze what each athlete needs. This will help you determine where an athlete should start and will provide markers to look back on when you assess or test them later in the season. An initial assessment should include biological vs. training age, physician clearance, level of athletic development, previous injury history, and single sport vs. multiple sport status.
You won’t have to adjust your entire training focus for any one individual, but collecting this information will help you identify key factors that will play a role in their athletic development. Some athletes are at different training ages then others, and this doesn’t always correspond to their biological age. Similarly, some athletes are more athletically developed than others, and knowing these things will guide you in how to push them during training.
Other key factors, such as injury history and single sport vs. multiple sport participation, can provide guidance as to whether you need to incorporate specific exercises that will correct muscle imbalances or strengthen previously injured muscles. This is crucial for keeping athletes healthy and building up the strength they need to perform their best.
Evaluations:
Physical evaluations are the next step to integrating new athletes. Not only will this show you the physical status of your athlete, it will also give them an opportunity to be introduced to your coaching style. These evaluations should include movement screens and sport specific training in the areas of speed, agility, endurance, strength, and power.
Movement screens examine the movement of the body and provide a good indicator of where athletes need to improve. Consider the demands of the sport, training goals, and the biological and training ages of the athletes when designing these evaluations. On top of the numbers, Leshinske also recommends look for any movement flaws or areas where an athlete seems to struggle. After establishing baseline testing in speed, agility, endurance, strength, and power, you will be able to start properly integrating them into your overall training program.
Goal Setting:
Setting goals with your athletes is a great way to gauge their level of determination and to set a marker to strive for. Some should be long-term and others short-term, so there is something specific to work towards every day. Help them establish realistic training goals and keep those in mind as you work with in the weight room and at practice. You are an important motivator and guide when it comes to helping athletes be successful. Further, by showing that you are invested in an athlete’s personal goals, they will be more likely to buy into your coaching philosophy.
