With the end of the school year approaching and Summer just around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for youth athletes to develop their skills and improve their chances of playing sports at the college level.
Here are some specific tasks and objectives that young athletes at different age levels can work on this Spring/Summer:
Lower Elementary (K-2)
At this age, the focus should be on developing fundamental movement skills that are the building blocks for more advanced athletic skills. Here are some tasks that can help with this:
- Play multiple sports – Youth athletes should be encouraged to try a variety of sports to develop their coordination, balance, and agility.
- Practice basic movements – Skills like running, jumping, throwing, and catching can be practiced through games and activities that incorporate these movements.
- Learn sportsmanship – Understanding the importance of teamwork, respect, and fair play is crucial at any age, but particularly at this stage of development.
Upper Elementary (3-5)
At this age, youth athletes should begin to focus on more specific sports and skill development. Here are some tasks that can help with this:
- Join a club or team – Joining a local club or team can help young athletes learn the basics of their chosen sport and start developing their skills.
- Work on technique – Coaches can help teach proper technique for specific skills like hitting, shooting, and throwing.
- Set goals – Encouraging young athletes to set goals for themselves can help motivate them to work hard and stay focused on their development.
Middle School (6-8)
At this age, youth athletes can begin to focus on more advanced skills and strategies for their chosen sports. Here are some tasks that can help with this:
- Attend camps or clinics – Attending camps or clinics run by experienced coaches can provide youth athletes with valuable instruction and feedback.
- Play at a higher level – Joining a more competitive team or league can help young athletes push themselves and improve their skills.
- Work on physical conditioning – Developing endurance, strength, and speed can help youth athletes stay competitive and avoid injury.
Junior High School (9-10)
At this age, youth athletes should be starting to think seriously about playing sports at the college level. Here are some tasks that can help with this:
- Talk to high school coaches – Meeting with high school coaches can help youth athletes understand the expectations and requirements for playing sports at the high school level.
- Attend recruiting events – Attending recruiting events can help youth athletes connect with college coaches and learn more about the college sports recruiting process.
- Develop mental toughness – Learning to stay focused and perform under pressure is essential for success at the college level.
High School (11-12)
At this stage, youth athletes should be preparing to compete at the college level. Here are some tasks that can help with this:
- Work on college applications – Applying to colleges with strong sports programs and developing relationships with college coaches is important for success in college sports.
- Maintain physical conditioning – Continuing to develop physical skills and conditioning can help youth athletes stay competitive and avoid injury.
- Participate in summer sports programs – Participating in summer sports programs can help youth athletes develop their skills and showcase their abilities to college coaches.
Youth athletes who aspire to be college student-athletes can start working towards their goals and the specific tasks/objectives mentioned above with help of the MADE Coaches for at no cost when you book a Free Intro with us. Click the link below to help your young athlete build a the foundation for success in their sport, in the classroom, and beyond.