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JOIN NOWResistance Training for U14
I am curently helping coach an U14 team, my focus being on forward play and conditioning. As a general rule, for conditioning I only get the lads to work against body weight for resistance training. Some players (and parent?)are eager to get into the gym and start to use weights as means of resistance. Obviously at this age the level of physical maturity of players is vast, boys to men, hence each individual must be assessed. I have done some reseaech which would indicate that the use of weights for 14-15 year old is to be encouraged (Irish RFU), but I am keen not to get the lads into the gym to early. Does any one have and ideas on this subject or can point me to any research to support either idea.
Rugby CoachCoach
ANSWERS
Rugby CoachCoach
Hi, My name is Barb Becker and I have been a fitness professional since 1983. There are many articles on what is appropriate for a growing teenager concerning weight bearing activity. My personal thought is that you can do most training activities bearing their own body weight safely but once you do go into the variances of different body shapes and maturity levels per athlete that's when it gets into a safety issue to make one canned program for all an unsafe option. We have an organization that certifies trainers in the states called ACE (California based) which have set guidelines for training and may be your first best stop for information. However, I do love Paul Chek who is the owner of C.H.E.K. institute as one of my most inspiring and well researched "Doctor" "Author" "world Presenter" on all matters concerning wellness and exercise. There is no topic untouched by him and I have yet to see him equalled in his research and development programs for all levels of fitness related injuries and corrective programs on total body wellness. You can go on his website [link removed] and he has a "CHEK Connect" area that you can sign up for to access his articles, videos, forums, and blogs. Thank you for being a caring enough coach to investigate prior to subjecting your athletes to possible long-term injury as their bodies and growth plates are in a delicate position.
Rugby CoachCoach
Hi, We have a high perfromance fitness centre in Lancashire. The guy who is in charge of performance is Dave Bell who's eldest son Chris plays for Sale Sharks and youngest son Tommy has just been capped for England U18's. His philosphy on weight training is to teach the movement patterns first before you go anywhere near loading with resistance. email me anytime ...link in profile... and I will put you in touch with him and he will be more than willing to help
