Expert: Bob Anagnostou - 10/10/2006

Question
My daughter and her 11 year old friends have a new volunteer coach.  The coach wants two 90 minute practices on fundamentals and skills each week as well as two 90 minute seessions on strength conditioning which includes weights each week.  What is your opinion on this regiment for the age?

Answer
Dear John,
Thanks for your question,

Firstly, i have to say one more time that weight training is FORBIDDEN. Replace it with resistance band workouts as refered in my previous answer.

The 2 90(x2) minutes sessions of skills and strength enhancement is generally ok. What i mean? I don't pretty much know what kind of coach is that volunteer coach because we don't have that kind of coaching in Greece. So, i don't know what kind of drills and exercises will be included in the sessions and the intensity of them.

This training program is definitely ok as far as "safety" is concerned, but i don't thing there is any potential of real enhancement and improvement. I suggest you watch the sessions and get your own view as well as asking your daughter how she felt.(would she consider it as the best quality and quantity of training).

To end, i want to tell you that there is no reason of not letting your daughter follow her sport. I tell you so cause you seem quite upset about this. Athetisism is a way of living and not just a hobby. Isn't it better to see her training rather than seeing her around the shops and cafeterias? I mean, she will go to have a drink with her once in a while, she will study for school, but takeing up a sport is something essential too.

Don't hesitate to ask me anything else that you want. I am here for you any time.

Sincerely yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou