Every week I get questions from Coaches and Parents asking for guidance on training their son, daughter, nephew, etc who is in middle school.
Often times, these kids are in 6th grade and around age 11.
If you're training kids before middle school, I believe the best guy to learn from is Jeremy Frisch. We did a podcast together HERE so make sure you listen and see some of his Videos below.
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As we move into the 6th and 7th grades, we start incorporating some strength work but these younger kids need more movement than anything else.
You disguise and sprinkle in the strength work and hence, you play the long game.
I've had athletes leave The Underground Strength Gym because Dad insisted they back squat and deadlift. OK, peace out 🙂
If I train an athlete in middle school, it is very common for them to stay and train with us all the way until college. That is often times 6 years together, there is NO need to rush with barbell training.
You must play the long game with these kids.
See my tips below for the middle school athlete.
Below is a collection of videos from my YouTube channel. I simply used the search bar and typed in "middle school" or "youth" and came up with lots of videos.
I always suggest you do the same on my website and YouTube, use the search button.
In this video below, you see some of our advanced middle school kids, most are 8th grade and have been training for over a year, some over 2 years. Hence, they have earned the right to squat light and use light barbell work.
Below is a sample "Animal Warm Up" which we did at The Underground Strength Coach Cert. The warm up / prep portion is where we really utilize a variety of movement patterns.
We will often get outside and play a game as part of our warm up. This game is usually Ultimate Football or pick up Basketball.
Keep in mind, these videos are small excerpts from what we do.
Often times the best stuff we do is NOT on my IG or YouTube.....
In addition, do not conform to training only inside a gym. Get outside. Many of our best training is done outside because of the freedom it allows.
Here's a sample of a playground workout:
For more information on training athletes, check out our 2 certifications:
The USC Cert (Underground Strength Coach Cert)
The SSPC Cert
(Strength & Sports Performance Coach Cert)
