This episode discusses the critical importance of nutrient timing for young athletes. It stresses that when an athlete eats is just as vital as what they consume. Strategically timed meals optimize performance and recovery, while poor timing leads to sluggishness. Key concepts covered include specific timing for pre-workout fueling (2-3 hours prior) and the post-workout recovery window (within 30 minutes after training), often involving a combination of carbs and protein. It also helps dispel the "carb myth," repositioning carbohydrates as essential fuel, and emphasizes the crucial role of hydration before, during, and after exercise.

Drills? Check. Skills? Check. However, strength training is often overlooked for younger players. Sometimes, there is a misconceived idea of the potential negative effects of strength training. Here we debunk a few myths regarding youth strength training, specifically within soccer players.

Have you ever been ready to go and suddenly, you get out of the plane or car ride and boom! Nothing! All your hard work and effort somehow leave you with a less-than-desirable performance, not to mention disappointment and frustration. Here, we break down the keys to managing and avoiding these from happening again.

More is not always better. Better is always better. There is a current trend of increased volume and intensity and pushing athletes beyond injury-causing, possibly irreparable damage to their future. Here, we discuss increasing awareness and prevention.

Do you notice a change in your child's attitude towards their chosen sport? Change in energy? Enjoyment? There might be something other than fatigue. We discuss something deeper and its underlying cause. What is normal, or is there something we might have to do as parents?

Being a sports parent involves significant challenges, including the financial costs, the emotional toll, and the demanding necessity of juggling schedules for practices and games, which are all usually overlooked or taken for granted. Here we discuss several strategies to help mitigate this stress and for parents to be able to continue to enjoy their children's journey.

The ability to manage feelings like stress, excitement, and disappointment is as crucial to success as physical ability. Effective emotional regulation is necessary for athletes to maintain focus, enhance performance, and build resilience against setbacks during competition. The content by our friend and collaborator from Elite Mind Body Optimization, coach Brian LeFeve, details several practical techniques offered to athletes, including Mindful Breathing, Mental Imagery, and Cognitive Restructuring.

If you’re a sports parent like us, you know the joy of watching your kid light up on the field or track. That burst of speed down straightaway. That powerful kick. The way they live for the game. But you probably also know the look they give when something isn’t quite right. The slow limp off the field. The quiet “my knee hurts” on the ride home. That’s why understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can actually do about it matters.