Training young athletes part 2: Vern Gambetta, Roy Headey

In order to become a successful athlete, each individual needs to take responsibility for their own actions, whilst gaining the support of coaches, team mates, teachers and parents. This week we are looking at advice for young athletes looking to get better.

Yesterday’s guest blog by Frank Dick set the bar high.

Today Vern Gambetta and Roy Headey offer some insights into what a young athlete needs to do to prepare.

Vern Gambetta is an Athletic Development coach based in the USA, his book “Athletic Development” is a must read for aspiring coaches in this field. He also runs the GAIN programme for coach development.

• “Be consistent.
• Have a routine.
• Know your body so that you can test your limits.
• Work smart.
• Be great for 24 hours, not just the two hours you train because great people make great great athletes.”

Vern Gambetta

Roy Headey is the head of Sports Science for the England Rugby Football Union

“Elite athletes are different – everyone knows that, but it’s difficult to define why and in what way. One difference though, has been proven; during their teens, developing elite athletes consistently get more out of their training than their less successful counterparts. They prepare for training, mentally and physically; they set demanding goals for themselves and work on their weaknesses, however painful or frustrating; they demand accurate, honest feedback from their coaches then reflect and learn from it.

So my tip is this: make your coach work hard for you, by setting demanding goals for yourself and turning up to train with an intensity that means your coach has no choice but to be at the top of his or her game”

 Roy Headey

If you wish to have an easy to follow guide to training young athletes, then click on the book cover to the right.I wrote it standing on the shoulders of giants.