The Youth Travel Sports Reality Check: A Guide for Coaches AND Parents

Coaching, Education, Podcast, Sports Performance, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Youth travel sports are producing more overuse injuries, early burnout, and athletic dropout than ever before — and the research makes clear that early single-sport specialization is a primary driver. In this post, strength coach Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym breaks down what the science actually says about youth athletic development, long-term athlete development (LTAD), and how coaches and parents can work together to make better decisions for young athletes within the travel sports system. Whether you’re a parent investing in club sports or a coach training youth athletes, this is the data-driven framework you need to hear.

The TRUTH About Sport Specific Training

Education, Sports Performance, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Sports specific training is one of the most misunderstood concepts in athletic performance. Learn the truth about what actually makes athletes better, why there’s no such thing as sport-specific exercises in the weight room, and how to structure training that combines sport practice with strength and conditioning for maximum performance improvement. Discover the training specificity hierarchy that separates effective athletic development from marketing hype.

Why Strength And Conditioning Is Important For Youth Athletes

Coaching, Education, Sports Performance, UpdateLeave a comment

Why Strength And Conditioning Is Important For Youth Athletes One of the major concerns we get here at Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) is regarding health and safety of athletes training and lifting weights. Luckily, we’ve already written an article about this on our website, which you can read here. At the…