This document outlines principles and priorities for youth athletic programming. It emphasizes establishing general athleticism goals like hip hinge, squat, push, pull and land. Programs should assess athletes frequently. Coaching should involve visual cues, teach skills rather than just drills, and have high standards while avoiding yelling. Safety, fun, success and competition should be absolutes in youth programming.

1. Youth Appropriate
Programming
Dr. Josh Funk, DPT, CSCS
@Josh_Funk

2. General vs. Sport-Specific
• Remember your
strengths
• Ideally a part of a
team
• Youth Athletes have
similar needs
• KISS
• Think big picture

3. Principles
• Joint by Joint
• Joint Centration
• PRI

4. Program Priorities
• Establish General
Athleticism Goals
-Hip Hinge, squat, push,
pull, carry, land, scapular
control, etc.
• Establish Non-
Negotiables
-Handshake Water Break
-No asking for breaks or H20
-No talking when coach is
-Shoes tight
• Assess, Assess, Assess
•Point A to Point B
•Program Considerations
•Off Limits
•If you don’t assess, you are
guessing
•Are you training or are you
exercising?
•Huge selling point for parents
and coaches
• Strength
•Foundation
•Empty bucket for most kids
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5. Coaching
• Cueing
• Learning Styles
•Visual
•Kinesthetic
•Auditory
• Teach
•Don’t just be a drill surfer
• Awareness of
regressions and
progressions
• Love Tough
•No yelling
•No loose threats
•Don’t over praise
•Kids soft? Are coaches soft
too?
• Have High Standards
•Rome wasn’t built in a day
•Helping kids do their times
tables every day
• Teach
•Don’t be a drill surfer
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6. Absolutes
• Safe
• Fun
• Success
• Competition
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7. Extras
• MS to HS
• Injury History
• Long Term Athlete
Development
• Daily Habits
• Emphasize multi-
sport
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8. Thank You!
• Rob Taylor
• Eric Cressey
• Mike Boyle
• Gray Cook
• Charlie Weingroff
• Ron Hruska
• Jeff Cubos
• Patrick Ward
• Mike Mullin
• Cal Dietz
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