In this insightful episode of Gettin’ Gritty with Dr. J, Dr. Julie Wiernik sits down with Dr. Gordon, founder of Ground Level Four and host of Performance Talk, to explore the evolving challenges of youth sports. They discuss the increasing pressure on young athletes to specialize early, the psychological and physical toll of overuse injuries, and the impact of societal distractions on motivation. Drawing from decades of coaching and sports psychology experience, Dr. Gordon shares actionable strategies for fostering resilience, avoiding burnout, and optimizing performance both on and off the field.

1. Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Approach: Why early specialization can hinder long-term athletic development.
2. The Power of Individualized Training: How to tailor plans to an athlete's specific sport, position, and goals.
3. Building Mental Toughness: Why effort, resilience, and adaptability are critical life skills for athletes.
4. Motivating Today’s Athletes: Overcoming modern distractions like social media and video games.
5. Parental Role in Athlete Development: Setting realistic goals and fostering accountability without burnout.

Tune in to discover how embracing grit and adaptability can transform challenges into triumphs in youth athletics!