YOUTH ATHLETE LAB

Questions about teenage athletes, answered from the research. Every paper read in full.

2 answered13 on the way11 not yet

01Getting picked, getting better

  1. Do late bloomers make it in sport?read
  2. Does birth month decide whether you get picked?read
  3. Is playing one sport the fastest way to the top?on the way
  4. Same age, different bodies: has my kid fallen behind?not yet
  5. Does winning at 14 predict anything at 25?not yet

02Training

  1. Should a teenager lift weights?on the way
  2. Why am I sore but not faster?on the way
  3. Does strength training make runners and swimmers faster?on the way
  4. Do girls need to train differently?on the way
  5. Do you need to train to failure?not yet
  6. Laps or games: which gets a team fitter?not yet
  7. How many sessions a week keep you strong through exams?not yet

03Sleep and recovery

  1. How much sleep does a teenage athlete need?on the way
  2. Should the phone be in the bedroom?on the way
  3. Do ice baths help or hurt?on the way
  4. Does stretching after training help recovery?not yet
  5. Does foam rolling do anything?not yet

04Fuel

  1. Does breakfast matter on a training day?on the way
  2. Do you need a protein shake straight after training?not yet
  3. Water or sports drink?not yet

05Mind

  1. Are nerves before a game a bad sign?on the way
  2. Should you scroll before training?on the way
  3. Does what you say to yourself change how you play?not yet

06Injury

  1. Why do injuries follow a big week?on the way
  2. Does a warm-up actually prevent injuries?on the way
  3. Is training more hours a week than your age a problem?not yet

Who's behind this

I teach PE and lead a school athlete development programme. These are the questions I get asked. I read the papers in full and write up what they say.

Scott Bain · sports science trained, twenty years coaching from junior to senior men's level, former professional rugby player. About

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