Coaching & Teaching
Hey Coaches, Let’s Talk Politics
Whether you live in the United States or not, I'm sure you've witnessed the internal political turmoil we've been facing. Instead of a unified country, it seems everyone has taken a "side". This polarization has made even the simplest initiatives within our country...
Navigating the Virtual World of Coaching Physical Activity with Kids: Overcoming Equipment Challenges
Having access to equipment while coaching or training kids lends not only to variety, but to our ability as coaches to modify activities to make them more level-appropriate and/or engaging. That being said, many youth coaches and teachers have been thrust into...
What is Pitcher’s Elbow and What Can We Do About It?
Throwing is one of the fundamental movement skills, a natural movement pattern all humans develop at an elementary level by 5 years of age. With proper instruction and practice a fully mature throwing pattern can be achieved as early as 6 to 8 years old. ...
A Simple How-to Guide for Teaching Push Ups to Kids
Decreases in activity and increases bodyweight have created a strength-to-weight ratio challenge for kids. As a coach, you know how many kids struggle with bodyweight movements like the push-up. Push-ups are an important stationary movement control skill that...
5 Steps to Starting (And Growing) A Youth Fitness Program in Your Community
The #1 question we receive at SPIDERfit Kids is... How do I start a youth fitness program in my community? In my nearly 25 years of experience in the youth fitness industry, I have worked for youth sports and fitness programs all across the US. Most recently, I...
When A Sports Coach Becomes a Sports Parent: Here’s What I Will Pay for in a Coach
Dear Coach, I am so appreciative or your willingness to devote your career to helping empower kids through physical activity and sports. I myself have been a youth coach for almost 25 years. About 6 years ago, I become a parent and now my daughter is...
Concussions in Youth Sports and What We Can Do About It
Zackery's Story It was 2006, and as the first half of a junior high school football game was coming to a close, 13-year-old Zackery Lystedt tackled an opponent and hit the ground head first. Lying face down, he clutched the sides of his helmet in agony, but did not...
Age-Related Training Goals for Young Athletes (Part 3: Prime Time for Coordination)
In the 3rd installment in our series, you will learn that coordination is not one skill, but rather a combination of many specific elements of physical development. As with other skills, there are unique times during development in which there are increased...
Age-Related Training Goals for Young Athletes (Part 1: The Long Build)
In this 4-part series we answer the question about the optimal ages young athletes should learn the skills that will translate into better movement, coordination, sports skills, and overall physical literacy. This guide will make the case for a strategic, progressive...
Improving Vertical Jump with Young Athletes
Gravity does it’s best to hold athletes down to the ground. The ability to jump well is a serious advantage in most sports. Not only does this skill move athletes closer to the clouds to hit, catch, or shoot, it helps with other skills like first step quickness...
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