Sports-Specific Training vs. Athletic Development
Parents often search for sports-specific training when they want their child to improve.
A soccer parent may want soccer speed training. A basketball parent may want vertical jump training. A baseball parent may want rotational power.
However, sports practice and athletic development serve different purposes.
Sports Practice Develops Skills
Sports practice teaches the techniques used directly in competition, such as:
- Dribbling and passing
- Batting and fielding
- Shooting
- Serving
- Throwing
- Route running
These skills should be developed during team practice or with a qualified sports coach.
Athletic Development Builds the Athlete
Sports performance training develops the physical qualities behind those skills, including:
- Strength
- Speed
- Power
- Balance
- Coordination
- Agility
- Conditioning
- Deceleration
- Body control
An exercise does not need to look exactly like the sport to help the athlete.
A stronger lower body can help an athlete produce more force. Better landing mechanics can improve control. Improved acceleration can help an athlete reach the ball faster.
At Elite Edge, we do not try to recreate sports practice inside every workout.
Instead, athletes develop the physical qualities that transfer to the field, court, track or diamond.
Velocity classes develop speed and power. Force classes develop strength. Endure classes improve conditioning and recovery.
This approach benefits soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, football, volleyball, lacrosse, track and many other sports.
Sports practice develops the skill. Athletic development strengthens the athlete performing that skill.
Schedule a free athlete assessment at Elite Edge Sports Performance in Valencia to learn which program is right for your child.
