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Back to the Basics: Four Ways Youth Athletes Can Increase Performance

By Jeanne Goodes, Breaking Muscle, 12/07/17, 12:00PM PST

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Coaches and trainers can help mitigate societal stressors and keep young athletes healthy through education and encouragement to get adequate sleep, to cross train, to practice good nutrition and to properly hydrate with water

In today's society, young athletes are inundated with daily stress that can adversely affect their sports performance. From over-scheduled days and decreased physical activity, to fast foods and electronics, young athletes are suffering from imposed societal pressures. As parents, we want the best for our child, and coaches and trainers are no different. How can we, collectively, mitigate societal pressures and influences on our young athletes, while keeping them healthy? Back to basics.

Basic #1: Sleep 

There does not seem to be enough hours in the day for adolescent athletes to accommodate long school days plus activities. With homework and studying, commute time to and from school, and commitments to sports programs and activities, something has to give.