2 Responses to “Athleticism vs Mechanics…what’s more important?”
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Let Them Play! 
OK, folks. I’ve had discussions with coaches from pee-wee level through high school about this and there are certainly two sides to this story. When it comes to kids and their performance, what’s more important, a kid who has the athleticism to overcome some minor mechanical flaws or a kid who is mechanically sound but might not necessarily have a true knack for the game?
There are of course pluses and minuses for each side of the argument and I’d like to get your take on both.
This week on “Let Them Play” we’ll take a look at the opinions of parents and coaches from youth level up through high school and see if we can come up with some sound advice for everyone. I challenge you to try and make a sound argument for each side of this equation and to call in to defend your position of choice but let’s see if we can get the discussion started here.
Let’s hear some stories and perhaps the evidence will speak for itself.
Thanks
Coach Tony
In the early stages athleticism makes a big difference in the performance of the child athlete.
However, I firmly believe that if a child who lacks the early athleticism who is well coached and practices and learns the fundamentals of the game, at some point will eventually overtake a child who is more athletic. That is if the more athletic child does not practice the fundamentals. If a child who is gifted with speed and quickness and a knack for the game is well coached and also perfects the fundamentals then the slower and less quicker athlete will have less of a chance to ever beat the more athletic child.
Young athletes developmental stages are different depending on the child. A good coach can teach a child
not only the fundamentals of the game but also the fundamentals of being a better athlete. It is so important for young athletes to hit the track, do speed work and also run hills to improve their speed and endurance. Weight training including pull ups and sit ups are so important to improve the athlete’s over all strength and quickness.
At the end of the day it is up to the individual athlete to work on improving all their skills when they are home by themselves and doing the drills or work outs that improves their weaknesses.
Mike
“perfect practice makes perfect”