Description of Categories In This Stage

Motor Skills

In Stage three, the game starts to get a bit more serious. Motor skills are expected to be at a certain level so that, during this stage, you can begin to progress rapidly. Also during this stage, broader development starts to trade places with sports specific development as the largest part of your motor skill time. Do not make the mistake, however, of eliminating motor skill development in all categories still, as this would effect you negatively on so many levels.

Conditioning

In Stage three, you should have already developed a solid conditioning base. This stage requires a lot more sport specific conditioning than the previous two stages. This means interval work. The intensity starts to rise as the body can handle it better. Many forums of conditioning still should be used, especially when not “in-season”. However, to get ready for your sport, it is useful to condition similar to what will be required of you during practices.

Flexibility

In Stage three, many boys become extremely tight. This is do to the body developing rapidly and lack of mobility work. To prevent or reverse this, some static stretching can be used, along with basic movement patterns. A little sport specific stretching can begin to be added here, but don’t forget to be even on both sides.

Strength & Power

In Stage three, a real formal training program should begin. Basic exercises should first be learn and then progressed. In addition, fun exercises can be added to keep it fun and motivating. This is the first stage where you can really begin to add some weight, just make sure to keep good form and maintain body weight strength. After all, it does you no good to be strong with weights if you can’t control your own body weight. Remember, controlling your own body weight is sports.

Speed

In Stage three, organized speed work starts to become important. Here speed, quickness & agility work can be done as an independent session or mixed in with sports work. The key is to try to make your work better each time, don’t just do it to get tired. Most of your energy should be put on the first few steps or moves.