The Science of Training Young Athletes from Coursera

Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports before their high school graduation. Only 15% leave because they feel they are not good enough. Almost 70% leave because they were not having fun, or due to problems with the coach. Injuries cause 30% to give up sports. This course is packed full of practical sports science information that provide youth coaches and parents with the practical pediatric sports science insights to successfully retain young athletes and develop their sport potential while avoiding injury and overtraining. We begin by examining the multidimensional nature of coaching, the relevant sport motor performance abilities, the impact of growth and development on motor skills, the gene versus practice controversy, and briefly overview the body structures strengthened through training. Then we explore the athlete's energy supply, where this energy comes from, and how it matures along with the athlete. Finally, we examine the development of strength, power, anaerobic capacity, coordination and flexibility through the life span.

The optional text manual for this course is available at: http://www.learnitez.com/HighPerformanceScience/manuals/

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to the young athlete

Youth coaches who have a sound understanding of pediatric sports science are essential to the successful development of a young athlete’s sport potential. In this section you are introduced to the multidimensional nature of coaching, and how an athlete’s motor abilities of endurance, strength, speed, coordination and flexibility are affected by growth and maturation. The manual is available in the Resource Section.

Week 2: Strategies for maximizing the athlete’s potential

Many factors can positively and negatively impact the young athlete’s ability to optimize their sports potential. In this section we examine strategies for ensuring the athlete’s systematic long-term sports development and how to mold the correct sport-specific phenotype.

Week 3: How the body works

The coach is a microbiologist who designs training so it stimulates the body’s cells and structures to become stronger and more efficient. In this section you are introduced to key organ systems, and the energy these organ systems use to run the chemical reactions needed for a sports performance. You will also learn how diet can positively enhance an athlete’s ability to train and compete.

Week 4: Enhancing the athlete’s physical work capacity

The level of expertise with which an athlete is able to perform sports skill depends on how well the coach molds the correct ratio of endurance, strength, power and speed to meet the demands of the sport. In this section you will learn the science behind developing these important motor performance abilities as the young athlete moves through puberty.

Week 5: Enhancing the fluidity of movement

Coordination and flexibility permit movements that are precise, fluid and spatially controlled. In this section we examine current knowledge about coordination and flexibility as the young child moves through early childhood and into adolescence.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Addresses the critical needs of youth coaches and parents by providing practical pediatric sports science insights

Focuses on helping participants understand the fundamental principles of sports science as they relate to young athletes

Emphasizes the importance of developing motor skills in young athletes through physical activity and training

Provides a comprehensive overview of sports science, covering topics such as nutrition, injury prevention, and training methods

Suitable for a wide range of learners, including youth coaches, parents, and anyone interested in the development of young athletes

Reviews summary

Science of coaching young athletes: a comprehensive guide

Learners say this course is largely positive, engaging, and provides a scientific approach to training young athletes. It covers a wide range of topics including exercise physiology, periodization, recovery, and athlete development. The course is well-structured and allows for self-paced learning. However, some assessments are noted as being challenging and the course may lack practical exercises for beginners.

Instructors bring a wealth of experience to the course, adding credibility and value to the content.

"The instructors bring a wealth of experience to the course."

"Their insights and expertise add credibility and value to the content."

Delivers a deep dive into the science behind training young athletes.

"The course provides a deep dive into the science behind training young athletes."

"It covers essential concepts such as periodization, specificity, and recovery strategies, helping coaches make informed decisions."

Provides real-world examples and training program design tips that can be directly applied to coaching young athletes.

"What sets this course apart is its emphasis on practical application."

"It offers real-world examples, case studies, and training program design tips that can be directly applied to coaching young athletes."

Some quizzes and assessments are quite challenging, which may be intimidating for those new to sports science.

"Some of the quizzes and assessments were quite challenging."

"While they ensure a deep understanding of the material, they may be intimidating for those new to sports science."

Course may lack practical exercises and demonstrations for beginners.

"While the course offers valuable theoretical knowledge, more practical exercises and demonstrations could enhance the learning experience."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Science of Training Young Athletes with these activities:

Review musculoskeletal anatomy

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Reviewing musculoskeletal anatomy will help you understand the structures and functions of the human body, which is essential for coaching young athletes.

Browse courses on Musculoskeletal Anatomy

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Start by reviewing the major bones, muscles, and joints of the body.

Course Materials Review and Organization

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Establish a strong foundation by reviewing, organizing, and familiarizing yourself with all course materials, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the scope and expectations.

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Review the course syllabus, readings, and assignments.
Create a system for organizing notes, handouts, and other materials.
Identify any gaps in your knowledge or areas where you may need additional support.

Skill Refresh: Research Techniques

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Strengthen your ability to locate, evaluate, and use research effectively for this course and beyond.

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Review the basics of research methods.
Practice searching databases and finding relevant sources.
Refresh your knowledge on how to evaluate the credibility and reliability of information.

Six other activities

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Identify Mentors in the Field

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Seek out individuals with expertise and experience in youth sports science to provide guidance and support on your journey.

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Research potential mentors who align with your career goals.
Reach out to mentors and introduce yourself.
Set up regular meetings or communication channels for guidance and support.

Journaling: Tracking Key Points

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Reinforce new knowledge by taking notes, summarizing important concepts, and reflecting on personal applications.

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Identify a topic from the course material.
Write a brief summary of the topic.
Reflect on how the topic applies to your own experiences or goals.

Practice Problems: Calculations

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Test your understanding of the mathematical concepts and formulas presented in the course, improving your problem-solving skills.

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Review the relevant formulas and concepts.
Solve practice problems that apply the formulas.
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Peer Review: Presentation Practice

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Enhance your communication and presentation skills by rehearsing with peers, receiving feedback, and refining your delivery.

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Prepare a presentation on a topic related to the course.
Present your work to a group of peers.
Receive feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Action Plan: Youth Athlete Development

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Apply the principles learned in the course by creating a plan to enhance the development of young athletes, fostering their potential and minimizing risks.

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Identify the specific goals and objectives for youth athlete development.
Research and incorporate evidence-based practices into the plan.
Develop a structured training program that addresses the physical, psychological, and social needs of young athletes.
Include strategies for monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, and making adjustments as needed.

Online Tutorials: Advanced Concepts

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Deepen your understanding of complex topics by exploring online tutorials, videos, or articles that provide additional explanations and examples.

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Identify a specific topic you wish to delve deeper into.
Search for reputable online resources that provide tutorials on the topic.
Watch or read the tutorials, taking notes and practicing exercises.

Career center

Learners who complete The Science of Training Young Athletes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Strength and Conditioning Coach

Strength and Conditioning Coaches help athletes improve their strength, power, and endurance. This course can help Strength and Conditioning Coaches understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective training programs that maximize athlete potential while minimizing the risk of injury.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strength and Conditioning Coach

Sports Medicine Physician

Sports Medicine Physicians diagnose and treat injuries in athletes. This course can help Sports Medicine Physicians understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective treatment plans that promote healing and prevent future injuries.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people rehabilitate from injuries and improve their mobility. This course can help Physical Therapists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective rehabilitation programs that promote healing and prevent future injuries.

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Athletic Trainer

Athletic Trainers are healthcare professionals who work with athletes to prevent and treat injuries, as well as improve their performance. This course can help Athletic Trainers understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective training programs that maximize athlete potential while minimizing the risk of injury.

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Youth Sports Coach

Youth Sports Coaches are responsible for teaching young athletes the fundamentals of a particular sport and helping them develop their skills. This course can help Youth Sports Coaches understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective coaching strategies that maximize athlete potential while minimizing the risk of injury.

See salaries and explore the career path for Youth Sports Coach

Recreational Therapist

Recreational Therapists use recreation and leisure activities to help people improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional health. This course can help Recreational Therapists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective recreational therapy programs that promote healthy development and maximize potential in young athletes.

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Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiologists use scientific principles to develop and implement exercise programs for people of all ages and fitness levels. This course can help Exercise Physiologists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement exercise programs that are safe and effective for young athletes.

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Physical Education Teacher

Physical Education Teachers teach students about the importance of physical activity and help them develop the skills they need to participate in sports and other activities. This course can help Physical Education Teachers understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective lesson plans that promote healthy development and maximize student potential.

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Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities perform everyday activities. This course can help Occupational Therapists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective therapy programs that improve function and independence in young athletes with disabilities.

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School Counselor

School Counselors provide academic, career, and personal counseling to students. This course can help School Counselors understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them provide effective counseling to student-athletes who are struggling with academic, career, or personal challenges related to their athletic endeavors.

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Sports Psychologist

Sports Psychologists help athletes improve their mental health and well-being, which can lead to improved performance. This course can help Sports Psychologists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement effective strategies to help athletes overcome psychological challenges and reach their full potential.

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Sports Broadcaster

Sports Broadcasters provide commentary and analysis of sports events for radio and television audiences. This course can help Sports Broadcasters understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them provide more informed and engaging commentary and analysis of youth sports.

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Sports Journalist

Sports Journalists write, report, and comment on sports news and events. This course can help Sports Journalists understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them provide more informed and accurate coverage of youth sports.

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Sports Agent

Sports Agents represent athletes in contract negotiations and other business matters. This course can help Sports Agents understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them provide more effective representation to their clients.

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Sports Marketer

Sports Marketers develop and implement marketing campaigns for sports teams, athletes, and other sports-related products and services. This course can help Sports Marketers understand the science behind training young athletes, which can help them develop and implement more effective marketing campaigns that target the youth sports market.

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