STRENGTH TRAINING
FOR YOUNG ATHLETES
Lois Webb
12 Grade Presentation
Some Benefits of ST
Muscular strength
 Increase motor learning abilities
 Help in the process of sport preparation
 Prevention of injury in high school athletes

Some other benefits include
Improve physical performances
 Enhance physiological functions
 Develop positive characteristics by giving
adolescents confidence in their physical
development and performance


One classic myth is that one can become
muscle-bound or slower as a result of
resistance training.

Marketing strategies that promote myths
of achieving fitness in six weeks.
Or that all you need to do is one set of
exercises.
 Or that using free weights produce more
injuries.


In 1979 the United States Consumer
Product Safety Commission (USCPSC)
reported that more than half of the 35,512
weightlifting injuries requiring emergency
room treatment involved 10-to 19-yearolds.

In 1987 it revealed that 8,590 children
ages 10 to 14 visited emergency rooms
because of so-called weightlifting-related
injuries.

The most common resistance-training
injuries in the NEISS reports are sprains
and strains.

Maturation
– Physical size
– Bone maturity
– Neuromuscular maturity
– Reproduction maturity
– Emotional maturity

Psychological growth is important because
it interacts with a variety of training
process factors.
– Proper interest
– Attention span
– Attitude
The psychological development of a child
influences the type of activities that
he/she perform safely and effectively.
 Dictates how much immediate supervision
will be needed for various lifts and training
methods.


Proper teaching progressions, supervision
of progress, and positive motivation of the
child are important aspects of an exercisetraining program.
Increased strength of specific muscle
groups
 Increased power of specific muscle groups
 Increased local muscular endurance of
specific muscle groups
 Increased motor performance (ability to
jump, run, or throw)
 Increased total-body mass (age
dependent)

Increased muscle hypertrophy (age
dependent)
 Decreased body fat
 Increased self-confidence
 Improved sport performance


Know proper spotting technique.

Be sure you are strong enough to assist the lifter
with the resistance he/she is using.

Know how many repetitions the lifter intends to
do.

Be attentive to the lifter at all times.

Know the plan of action if a serious injury
occurs.
Understanding the exercise movements
 Spotting techniques
 Use of collars with free weights
 Proper grips
 Properly adjusting machines to fit a lifter

Knowing how and when to make changes
in the resistance used.
 Correct breathing techniques.
 Giving lifters feedback concerning their
techniques.
 Choosing exercises that promote
symmetrical muscular development.

Choosing a Health Club
 Selecting a Training Facility
 Selecting a Supervisor

Ensuring facility safety
 Equipment Modification and Availability
 Facility Availability


Maintaining Equipment
– Cleaning and Disinfecting
– Lubricating
– Maintaining Upholstery
– Protecting the Floor
Weight Room Tool Kit
 Space Availability
 Time Availability

Credits
1.
2.
Clip Art
Fleck, Steven J., and Kraemer, William J.
Strength Training for Young Athletes.