Should young athletes strength train?

Young athletes can and should get stronger. The version of strength training that worries parents — maximal loading, ego lifting, copying older gym videos — is not the version sports science uses with developing athletes.

What strength is for

• Producing force so acceleration and jumping improve.
• Absorbing force so landings and decelerations are more robust.
• Balancing left and right where it is relevant.
• Giving the athlete a body that can handle more of their sport.

We do not replace the sport coach. We do not turn children into powerlifters. We use strength as one of the qualities that makes a faster, more confident athlete — after we know what that athlete actually needs.