Summary:

In this conversation, Kevin Carr shares his extensive experience as a strength and conditioning coach, focusing on the development of young athletes. He discusses the importance of general physical development, setting standards for training, and the need for effective communication with both athletes and their parents. Kevin emphasizes the significance of plyometric progressions, managing training volume, and the long-term benefits of instilling a love for exercise in young athletes.

Chapters

Training Young Athletes: Goals and Approaches

Managing Overconfident Young Athletes

Movement Screens and Exercise Selection

Strength Training Progression for Youth

Bilateral vs. Unilateral Training: Finding Balance

Adapting Training During Growth Spurts

Plyometric Training: From Landing to Elasticity

Advanced Techniques: Incorporating Depth Drops

Managing Training Volume for In-Season Athletes

Conditioning: Timing and Implementation

The Benefits of Low Volume Training

Evolution of Training Practices at MBSC

Underrated Exercises for Young Athletes

Links:

IG: @kev_in_carr

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

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In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I speak with Joe Pedulla, a strength coach at the University of Oklahoma, about his journey from working as a physical therapy aide to coaching collegiate athletes. Joe shares insights on balancing strength training with skill development, understanding an athlete's training age, and the misconceptions about strength’s impact on performance. We dive into topics like rotational power in softball, shoulder health, and innovative testing methods like the Ash test. Packed with practical advice for coaches, athletes, and parents, this episode offers valuable takeaways to elevate athletic performance.

00:00:18 - Guest Introduction: Joe Pedulla

00:01:27 - Joe's Background and Journey to Strength Coaching

00:02:44 - Experiences at NJ FAST and Kansas City Royals

00:04:50 - Differences in Training Ages Among Athletes

00:06:18 - Baseball and Early Specialization

00:08:08 - In-Season Training and Athlete Development

00:10:36 - Criteria for Assessing New Athletes

00:12:42 - Understanding Motor Preferences

00:13:42 - Force Plate Testing and Its Application

00:17:03 - Speed and Power Development in Softball

00:19:32 - Maximal Strength as a Foundation

00:22:09 - Rotational Power and Its Importance

00:25:55 - Shoulder Health and Injury Prevention

00:31:51 - Misconceptions About Strength and Conditioning

00:40:13 - The Role of Strength Coaches in Athlete Success

00:42:45 - Advice for Young Athletes and Coaches

Links:

IG: @pedullaperformance

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.

In this episode of the Athletic Edge podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with strength coach Ray Zingler, who shared his insights on youth athletic development and the importance of prioritizing the holistic growth of young athletes. Ray emphasized that the happiest and most successful athletes often have supportive parents who allow them to enjoy the game without pressure. He advocates for a generalized training approach over sports specialization, focusing on building a strong foundation of skills that will serve athletes well in their chosen sports.

Ray also discussed the significance of humanizing athletes, helping them understand that their worth is not solely defined by their performance. He shared his unique assessment methods, which prioritize observation and trust-building over overwhelming corrections. Throughout the episode, Ray debunked myths about strength training for young athletes, highlighting its crucial role in improving overall performance and fostering a lifelong love for movement. This conversation is packed with valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents alike.

Chapters

00:00:00 - The Emotional Landscape of Sports

00:01:44 - Introduction to the Athletic Edge Podcast

00:02:21 - Meet Ray Zingler: A Unique Journey

00:03:56 - Training Schedule and Structure

00:04:48 - Building a Coaching Team

00:05:49 - The Zingler Strength Experience

00:08:00 - General vs. Specific Training for Youth Athletes

00:10:20 - The Importance of Identity Beyond Sports

00:12:25 - Preparing Athletes for Life Beyond Sports

00:14:06 - The Dangers of Sports Specialization

00:16:04 - Communicating the Value of General Training

00:20:04 - Understanding the Consumer Perspective

00:22:10 - The Role of Strength in Athletic Development

00:24:01 - Addressing Parents' Concerns About Running Form

00:27:35 - The Importance of Movement Diversity

00:30:41 - Evaluating New Athletes: A Unique Approach

00:34:42 - Building Trust and Confidence in Young Athletes

00:36:45 - The Balance Between Theory and Practice in Training

Links:

IG: @zinglerstrength

Connect with me:

IG: Follow @evans.performance for additional insights and content.

Newsletter: Join my newsletter (https://theathleticedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe?_gl=1*dpt3zl*_ga*MTM0MTIxOTI1Mi4xNzA3NDk3MzM0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcwODIwNDE2MC4yMi4xLjE3MDgyMDQyMjIuNjAuMC4xODMwODIwMjUw*_gcl_au*MTkyMDc5ODQ3NC4xNzA3NDk3MzM0) for a deeper dive into the episodes and to keep up to date on the release of new episodes!

Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more valuable discussions on strength and conditioning with industry experts. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more listeners.