ACL injuries are a major concern in youth sports, with up to 80% being non-contact and affecting female athletes 5 times more than males. In this episode, we break down the importance of the Drop Jump Test in preventing injuries and enhancing athletic performance. Learn how improper landing mechanics, like knee valgus and trunk collapse, can lead to injuries and why screening for these issues is crucial for young athletes. Plus, get tips on how parents and coaches can perform this simple test at home to improve force absorption and reduce injury risks.

Join us as we explore practical exercises to help athletes land safely, improve core control, and maximize performance. Perfect for coaches, parents, and anyone passionate about long-term athlete development!

In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, Coach Edwards dives into actionable strategies for parents looking to improve their child's speed and acceleration at home. Discover how to use simple techniques like maximum effort sprints and resistance runs to tap into your young athlete's fast-twitch muscle fibers. Learn about proper dynamic warm-ups, recovery times, and why short bursts of speed training can make a big impact on their performance. Whether your child is in baseball, football, or any other sport, this episode provides a step-by-step guide to boost their speed in just a few weeks. Plus, hear how resistance training using household items like sleds or tires can enhance acceleration without the need for complex drills or equipment. Tune in for expert insights on building a faster, stronger athlete!

Don't miss out on the latest research-backed tips and send in your child's progress! Reach out via DM with their sprint times or videos, and Coach Edwards will help you refine their training.

To Get our Simple Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for young athlete beginners on our Youtube Channel at Developing Young Athletes Network. 

We’re throwing it back to one of our most popular episodes! In this fan-favorite, Coach Edwards dives into the often-overlooked importance of foot and ankle strength in young athletes. These foundational areas are critical for speed, agility, and injury prevention, with over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting every athletic movement. From improving sprint times to enhancing jump height, Coach Edwards shares practical exercises and insights on why foot and ankle training is essential for any young athlete’s development.

Whether you’re tuning in for the first time or revisiting this impactful episode, get ready for science-backed tips that will help elevate performance from the ground up

In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network, Coach David Edwards chats with Andy Dooley about his remarkable journey from college sports to becoming a Seattle Seahawks in-game host, social media influencer and his most recent book Lead With Faith Play with Purpose. Andy shares the role of faith, family, and consistent effort in achieving his dreams, offering invaluable lessons for athletes, coaches, and parents.

Unlock the full potential of your young athlete with our latest podcast episode, "Tempo Training: The Secret to Better Athletic Performance." 🎙️💪

In this episode, Coach David Edwards delves deep into the transformative power of tempo training for youth athletes. Discover how this crucial training method can enhance strength, control, and overall performance by focusing on the three phases of muscle activation: eccentric, isometric, and concentric. Coach Edwards shares practical insights and real-world applications, demonstrating how tempo training can significantly reduce injury risk and improve athletic outcomes.

• Master Movement Control: Learn how tempo training teaches young athletes to manage their body through different phases of movement—eccentric (lengthening), isometric (static), and concentric (shortening).
• Enhance Strength and Performance: Understand how managing force during these phases can lead to better strength gains, improved body mechanics, and superior athletic performance.
• Reduce Injury Risk: Find out how tempo training helps in injury prevention by improving control during dynamic movements and landings.
• Practical Tips for Coaches and Parents: Get actionable advice on implementing tempo training into your athlete's routine, including simple exercises and progression tips.

Whether you’re a coach looking to refine your training programs or a parent seeking the best ways to support your child’s athletic development, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies. Tune in now to explore why tempo training might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for!

Today, we're revisiting the highlights from our winter and early spring Speed School program. Even though we're in the midst of summer, the tips and techniques we'll share are timeless and can be applied right now to help your young athletes improve their speed and agility. Join us as we unpack the secrets to success from our Speed School, featuring practical advice and inspiring success stories

Tune in to discover:

• The critical role of technique in speed training

• Effective drills for enhancing speed and agility

• The significance of neuromuscular development in young athletes

• Motivational strategies to keep young athletes engaged

• Real-life success stories from our Speed School program

Don't miss out on these expert tips to boost your young athlete's performance. Subscribe, listen, and share with your community today!

In this special throwback episode, we revisit a captivating interview with Amanda Clements, a former Division I gymnast turned certified mental performance coach. Amanda shares her journey and reveals key mental performance strategies that can be applied by young athletes today to enhance their game and overall well-being. This episode is packed with valuable insights for coaches and parents of athletes aged 8-18, providing actionable tips to help young athletes develop mental toughness and confidence.

• Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: Learn about the critical role of mental training in sports and how it can boost athletic performance.

• Building Confidence: Discover techniques to help young athletes build self-confidence and stay focused during competitions.

• Emotional Intelligence: Understand the importance of emotional awareness and how it impacts performance.

• Self-Talk Strategies: Explore effective self-talk methods to foster a positive mindset and reduce performance anxiety.

• Controlling the Controllables: Learn how to focus on controllable factors to improve mental resilience and game outcomes.

Join us as Amanda Clements takes us beyond the game, providing practical advice and tools that coaches and parents can use to support their young athletes' mental and emotional development. Don't miss out on this valuable episode that continues to be relevant and transformative today.

 On today's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tyrone Bruce Jr., a former college football player and current high school football coach. Tune in and listen to his experiences, from playing high school football in Texas to his transformative college years in Michigan. He discusses the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and the pivotal role of coaching in shaping young athletes. Perfect for coaches and parents seeking valuable insights to help their young athletes excel on and off the field.

In this special throwback episode of Network Nation, we revisit an insightful conversation on the critical importance of off-season training for young athletes. If you're a coach or parent of athletes aged 8-17, this episode is packed with practical strategies and systems to elevate your athlete's performance.

Discover how to create a comprehensive off-season training plan that focuses on physical literacy, strength, speed, power, agility, and recovery. Learn to measure and manage progress effectively, ensuring your athlete is ready to excel in the upcoming season. Key components include:

• Dynamic Warm-Up Techniques: Enhance movement, flexibility, and stability.
• Power Development: Improve force application and deceleration mechanics.
• Speed Training: Master technical and physical components for better acceleration and agility.
• Strength Training: Focus on big movement patterns to build functional strength.
• Conditioning: Develop efficient energy system pathways with metabolic conditioning.
• Recovery: Implement effective recovery strategies including rest, nutrition, and soft tissue work.

Whether you're looking to boost your athlete’s speed, power, agility, or overall performance, this episode provides the answers. Tune in and transform your approach to off-season training with proven methods and expert advice.

Don't miss out on these essential tips for developing young athletes!

In this throwback episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, we revisit a timeless discussion that sparked significant interest among our listeners—coaches and parents of young athletes aged 8-18. Coach Edwards addresses a crucial question: Should we prioritize raw athleticism or sport-specific skills in young athletes? Delve into the nuances of athletic development and discover why nurturing overall athletic ability often trumps early specialization in sports. Key insights include:

• The importance of athleticism over sport-specific skills in youth sports.
• Examples of sports requiring early specialization, like gymnastics and figure skating.
• Real-life stories highlighting the long-term benefits of prioritizing athletic development.

Join us as we explore how fostering a "superhero" mentality in young athletes can lead to exceptional performance and a lifelong love for sports.

Are you a coach or parent of a budding basketball player eager to see them excel? Tune in to today's episode of Network Nation, where we dive into key strategies to enhance young athletes' basketball skills with insights from a current college basketball player.

Discover the importance of work ethic, strength training, and skill development at an early age. We emphasize the significance of having fun while learning, managing adversity, and building a resilient mindset. You'll also get practical advice on how parents and coaches can support their young athletes in a balanced and effective manner.

Whether your child is just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help them improve. Don’t miss out on these essential basketball training tips from someone who’s been through it all.