17/02/2026
Most of the athletes I coach are junior, developing athletes and coaching the developmental athlete requires restraint. This was something I’ve always taken into consideration but was recently highlighted in a course from I completed on how to more effectively develop junior athletes so that they can reach their potential.
It can be challenging at times with pressure from parents, athletes or peers to include certain types of training or drills in the pursuit of short-term results.
But, this course really highlighted the importance of ensuring that there is still room to grow so athletes can eventually reach their full potential later, when they are ready for high performance and are working toward the peak of their athletic ability (likely >20yo).
This is important for athletes and parents to understand…The best programs protect potential, not just chase short-term results.
A junior athlete dominating early doesn’t signal or predict elite performance or success later.
Most young athletes don’t need advanced tools, pro-level volume, or every “cool” drill on Instagram. In fact, giving them everything too early can take away the very thing they’ll need most later, room to grow.
The goal isn’t just to make them good now and get results
The goal isn’t to empty the toolbox to maximise them at 16.
It’s to protect the 25yo they might become.
