WHY SPORTS PERFORMANCE?
When is it time to encourage your young athlete to start sports performance training? For many athletes, specialized sports performance training does not become incorporated into their regular training program until they are in high school or even in college. However, the benefits of sports performance training can be reaped far earlier.
Sports performance training is specialized training intended to boost performance in a given sport(s). This can include resistance training, cardiovascular training, corrective exercise, mobility, agility and other drills, and more. Used to supplement the athlete’s regular practices, sports performance training will help give your athlete a competitive edge by building upon the foundational skills necessary to succeed at their sport.
Even if your child is just beginning their athletic journey, sports performance can have a positive impact on their development. Coordination, agility and speed are all skills that can be developed for younger athletes, all without incorporating resistance training. The structure that a sports performance program provides also helps teach responsibility, accountability and communication skills to your athlete.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
If it’s your first time looking for a sports performance program, it is easy to be overwhelmed with wondering what to look for. First and foremost, safety is of utmost importance. You want your child to be safe as they start to engage in more technical drills and exercises, so be sure to choose a program that prioritizes the safety of its athletes. Looking for a program run by certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, or sports performance coaches is a great place to start.
Another thing to consider is the range of classes offered at the facility. Will your child be able to stay with the program as they grow as an athlete? It is a good sign to find a facility that offers classes for all ages. Next, consider the equipment your athlete might need. If your athlete is in high school and ready to start using free weights, does the facility you’re looking at have the proper equipment? Is there space to run and practice agility and speed drills? Lastly, something to look for is current athletes that are part of the program and have shown growth and progress during their time in the program. Tracking data is an important and encouraging part of training, so check in with the coaches to see how they plan to track your athlete’s progress.
If you are in the greater Baltimore/Carroll County area and looking for a program, our Merritt Sports Performance Program has all of these qualities and more. In a culture of high achievement and competition, you need a program to set your athlete apart. Merritt Sports Performance meets those demands to set your athlete up for success. Join us for our free open house on September 21st to learn how your athlete can benefit from our new program. RSVP here to attend.
