Is the athlete physically and emotionally mature enough to engage in a strength training program?
Players need to show the maturity, both physical and mental, to advance to these more complex exercises. Keep in mind that athletes of the same 'chronological age' can differ by as much as ?2 years physically or mentally. Also keep in mind that females mature as much as 2 years earlier than males.
If you are using machines or equipment, is it sized appropriately for a young athlete?
Most equipment in strength and conditioning facility will be sized to meet the needs of an adult, and not a young athlete. Make sure you can adjust any equipment to the size of the child. If you cannot, then do not perform the exercise until the child "grows into" the equipment.
Is the program going to be properly run and supervised?
Proper supervision and teaching is essential to running a safe and injury-free strength-training program. Strength training is more than just throwing a bunch of exercises together; a program should be carefully tailored to the needs of the athlete and the sport.
Strength training and conditioning can be an effective, and safe way to augment on-court training, and there is no reason why young players cannot engage in some form of resistance training. The positive benefits of strength training include decreased potential for injury and improved strength and motor control.
Additionally, the risk of training-related injury is reduced as long as sessions are built on sound technique and are properly supervised. Even performing simple body weight exercises will help players move better on court and adapt to the demands of today's game. It is worthwhile to make strength and conditioning work a part of every player's training plan.
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