Athlete Development

Athlete Development

Do your athletes trust you?

Trust - It’s Not A Coach's Right It’s easy to think that an athlete’s trust is your right. But it’s not. It must be earned. Please...

It feels better when it’s raining

Ever been for a run in the rain? I’m talking about when it’s really raining. Like when jumping in puddles and taking a shower...

Quantity vs. Quality: doing more gets in the way of learning

The way in which many of our youth sport environments are st ructured creates an environment which leads athletes to believe that just doing more is...

Creating Environment: How can Coaches learn from the All Blacks?

“If you play for something bigger than yourself you play a bigger game.” The All Blacks are one of the most successful sporting teams on...

Environment is Everything

The smell of the first XV training room on game day is distinct. Peppermint infused heat rub, lynx scented deodorant and old mud all...

Stone Skipping and Youth Sport: What can it teach us?

When I was 12 we took a family vacation to New Zealand’s South Island. We flew into Christchurch, picked up a rental car and...

Talk less. Listen more. The Importance of Family Support in Athlete...

“They didn’t really push me. They didn’t force me to do anything. But they still supported me in everything I did”. - World Champion...

Four Ways to Develop Better Athletes

The best coaches take the time to understand their athletes so that they can provide the best environment to help them succeed. 1) Understand your...

Learning About Movement: The Squat

Previously I’ve introduced the concept of fundamental movement skills as a critical cog in the athlete development wheel. The requirements of physical sports performance are unpinned...

Why every young athlete should train less and play more

When I reflect on my fondest sporting memories of my childhood, not one involved organised trainings or games I participated in. Instead, my best times...

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Debunking a common myth: Youth weight training

There are these common generational myths that have been passed down to us and it would be fair to say that we really don’t...

AD Alumni: Anna Steven

We're shining the spotlight on some of Athlete Development's alumni who are doing great things in their chosen sport. Meet sprinter Anna Steven, who...

Preparing for school and club sport

Now that school and club sports teams trainings and games are gearing up again, what can your young athletes do to better prepare for...

Pat Chat: Sleep enhancement for youth athletes

In the second of our three-part series,  AD Academy Programme Manager and Lead Coach Patrick Davenport focuses on the importance of sleep for the...

How can you build psychological safety?

When it comes to pursuing excellence, moving from where we are now to a place that is more effective, how we behave is what...