It’s not hard, but there is no instant gratification.
“Development 101:
-Build an ever-evolving general work capacity. Bigger base = larger output potential.
-Train specific energy systems required for your sports.
-Develop & practice skills for your sports.
-Leverage adversity from training & sports to build mental resilience.”
-Ray Zingler on Twitter
Athletic Development.
What is it?
Athletic development is the evolution of the combination of general physical preparation and sport skills within controlled and uncontrolled environments that lead to an individuals enhanced mental and physical ability to perform tasks within an athletic environment.
In order to do the above, like most things in life, there is a process involved.
And if I’ve learned anything about people, kids especially, being groomed in the instant gratification driven world that we’re living in today, it’s that most don’t like processes. They only (think they) like the byproducts of them.
But here’s the fact of the matter, unless you are in the 1% of the 1% of genetic anomaly’s (if you’re asking yourself if you are, you’re not) the only option you have to maximize your potential as an athlete is the athletic development process.
Sure, you have other choices and you’re welcome to skip steps if you want to, but just recognize by doing so, you’re disqualifying yourself from the opportunity to reach the pinnacle of your potential.
Where do we start?
With a base. Genius huh?
I consistently talk about the base because while it’s the most fundamental concept that goes into athletic development, in the modern world it is DISGUSTINGLY overlooked. Go ask a random parent at the ballpark what their definition of building an athletic base looks like. The vast majority won’t be able to tell you.
Build a base on sand, a weak wind blows it away.
Build a base on a 6” pour with rebar and additive, and you can park a fleet of excavators on it for decades.
A base is not tee ball. A base is the development of a work capacity & general athletic qualities. (That you should work on evolving, forever.)
Next up is training specific energy systems for your sports. Cross Country “isn’t a good idea to keep you in shape for baseball.” Nor is track always the answer, either. After base development, you must train how you play.
Next: Develop and practice your sports skills. Y’all got that part down lol. (Less would be more, for most.)
Finally, and most importantly, leverage all the lessons learned in training and sports to make you a more mentally robust person for LIFE.
Development: So easy, it’s hard.
