We must start prioritizing the most fundamental component of athletic development.
“I’ve learned most just don’t know the value of S&C.
On top of it, they’re ‘too busy’ trying to fill the same bucket that’s already full (sport specifics).
Then, they’re left wondering why more of X isn’t actually helping X.
Then it’s over & they never touched their potential.”
-Ray Zingler on Twitter
As somebody who has lived and breathed S&C for over 20 years, I recognize my passion for the field is going to be stronger than most.
I also recognize the main objective for those I am advocating S&C to, is for team sport athletes who mainly desire to improve their skills within their sport(s).
Finally, I recognize that the common perception of most parents and athletes that I am advocating for truly don’t understand the value.
There is a disconnect to say the least.
This is why I spend copious amounts of time trying my best to use this platform to educate others on the importance of youth athlete S&C.
If you want to get better at ‘x’, do more ‘x’ right?
While the sentiment is there, in the world of athletic development, there are several components that go into making that better <insert sport> player.
What happens when the majority of our time is spent on sport specific work (practices, games, private instruction, lessons, etc.) is that athletes will rather quickly hit a skill ceiling.
Once they have the skill concepts down, they can marginally improve their skills, but without increasing strength, speed, & power to add to those skills, most kids just run around displaying the same skillsets over and over with marginal fluctuations here and there.
Instead of looking to the other development buckets (that are foundational, skipped over, and often empty) we tend to try to pour more into the bucket that is already full.
When we try to overfill a bucket, we get an overflow, right?
In youth sports, this overflow showcases itself in the form of overuse injuries, burnout, and mental turmoil.
Here’s the fact of the matter: Without prioritizing S&C, it is physiologically impossible to be the best athlete you can be.
You’re literally not allowed to be, as you’re hamstringing your performance potential from the get go.
Sure, you can be the best version of your weaker, slower, less powerful self, but as far as ‘being the best you can truly be’, it’s absolutely impossible.
So many kids are running around on untapped potential all because we aren’t prioritizing the most fundamental component of development.
I push so hard for S&C because I hate seeing kids leave the game with potential left on the table.
