Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast

Think NIL is just for college athletes? Think again. In this episode of the DYA Network Podcast, we talk with Kristi Dosh, author of The Athlete's NIL Playbook, about the rise of NIL deals for middle school, high school — and even 8-year-old athletes. You'll learn: How athletes without big social media followings are still making money What parents need to ask before their athlete signs any deal How NIL rules differ by state and age Why NIL is more opportunity than obstacle — when you know how to approach it If you're a parent, coach, or mentor of a young athlete, this is one conversation you don't want to miss. 📘 Find Kristi's book: The Athlete's NIL Playbook 🔗 Subscribe to the DYA Network Podcast for more episodes that educate and empower the youth athlete community.

We're bringing back one of our most valuable episodes from the archives — and for good reason. In this throwback, Dr. Tamara Huff, orthopedic surgeon and passionate advocate for youth health, breaks down why bone health in young athletes is often overlooked but absolutely essential. From her early days as a soccer player to performing joint replacements and educating the next generation, Dr. Huff shares personal stories, expert insights, and actionable tips for parents, coaches, and athletes. Learn how bones develop, what habits actually build strong bones, and why the teenage years are the most important time to create a lifelong foundation for strength and injury prevention. If you care about long-term athlete development — don't skip this one.

🎙️ In this episode, we break down why your young athletes must train below the knee. The foot and ankle are the foundation of movement — skip this and you're risking injury and missed potential. We cover: Why basic foot and ankle strength is non-negotiable The hidden performance benefits of lower leg training How strong feet improve sprinting, change of direction, and injury prevention What drills actually work (and which ones don't) If you're coaching youth athletes and ignoring the feet, you're missing a huge piece of the puzzle. Let's fix that.

Want to know if your child is on track to reach their full athletic potential? There's a simple way to find out—right at home! 🏠💪 In this podcast, I'm breaking down key athletic tests you can do with your child right now to measure speed, power, and strength—without fancy equipment. These tests will help you:  ✅ Identify strengths & weaknesses ✅ Track progress over time ✅ Improve explosiveness, speed, and coordination We'll cover: ⚡ Broad Jump – Measure explosive power ⚡ Speed Test – Find out how fast they really are ⚡ Push-Ups – Build upper body strength ⚡ Single-Leg Balance – Assess coordination & control ⚡ Bonus: Chin-Ups – The underrated test for total body strength 💥 Ready to test your child's athleticism? Try these drills and let us know their results in the comments! 📌 Resources & Step-by-Step Guides: ⚡Broad Jump Test Tutorial-https://youtu.be/T2pfyXfDja4?si=SyxRKGOKYXtVZfzt ⚡Push-Up Test Tutorial- https://youtu.be/GQCV6qqxv0Y?si=RwrczIp0lnEoWJsN ⚡Chin-Up Test Tutorial-https://youtu.be/HyRtfI0ktoc?si=lp2r9st83PC6n7Pj  ⚡When's the BEST Time to Do Speed Drills? Here's What Coaches Get Wrong (and How to Fix It): https://youtu.be/JBUkZeSJzpQ?si=vot2mbMUdf2ljj-3 📩 Want expert coaching? Contact us at: https://dyanetwork.com/dya-interest-form/ 🚀 Join the 1% who actually test and train their kids properly! 📎 Free Downloadable Resource: Ready to take your athleticism to new heights? Access our complimentary guide featuring seven additional exercises to elevate your performance. Download now: https://dyanetwork.com/#:~:text=ELEVA... 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and share if this helped!  See the entire vidoe episode on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/yafD9b9wyqo?si=CIsStO_fxHu_xOj4  

Speed training for young athletes is often done at the wrong time, preventing them from getting faster, more explosive, and improving sprint speed. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistake coaches make when training speed, when to schedule speed drills for maximum results, and why fatigue is the #1 killer of speed development! In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ The best time to train speed for young athletes ⏳ ✅ Why doing speed drills at the end of practice is a mistake 🚫 ✅ How sprint mechanics and power development are affected by fatigue ✅ The biggest coaching mistake in youth speed training ✅ How often should kids do speed training? 💡 Want a plan to help your young athlete get faster? Download our free Guide: 7 Exercises to improve Athleticism Click Here:   👉 Dynamic Warm-Up Video: Click Here 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and SHARE with other parents and coaches!

In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, Coach Edwards breaks down 5 critical warning signs that your young athlete might be struggling—and how to turn things around. These aren't just tips; they're actionable strategies designed for parents and coaches to help young athletes thrive. Topics Covered: Identifying poor movement patterns and why they matter. The surprising connection between energy crashes and performance. Why speed is a skill—and how consistent training can make all the difference. Spotting inefficiencies in movement and preventing injuries. How confidence grows through competence—and what that means for your athlete. Ready to take action? Download our FREE guide: 7 Exercises to Improve Athleticism in Young Athletes. https://dyanetwork.com/#:~:text=ELEVA... Key Resources for Your Athlete's Success: 💪 Teaching the Hip Hinge – https://youtu.be/3dj2CddHi-4?si=5f4P6cjz3kulKdx7 ⚡ Dynamic Warm-Up for Speed Development – https://youtu.be/845SQAAn2Rw?si=xFK3ofMHlBIu5jnJ 🏃 2 Best Drills for Running Faster – https://youtu.be/Rc0ym0NKpwU?si=eEbs3bC4G20GutCT 🏋️ Squat Screening for Young Athletes – https://youtu.be/T9NNa97dtSI?si=uUsR4ngpk_uTkpOg 🛠️ Developing Athletic Stance – https://youtu.be/7Bx9BXLurfQ?si=MATqzsC6uczNu4-K  

In this episode, Coach Edwards brings you a critical insight into youth athletic development that many coaches and parents miss. We revisit a game-changing approach to improving young athletes' performance across sports. Coach Edwards explains why foundational movement patterns—often skipped over—are essential for building speed, agility, and strength while reducing the risk of injury. If you're a coach or parent eager to help your young athlete excel, don't miss this powerful lesson on building a resilient, high-performing foundation for sports success!

In today's episode, we dive into the two best exercises to help young athletes strengthen their hamstrings—especially important for preventing ACL injuries in female athletes. We break down the Nordic Hamstring Curl and the Hamstring Curl Bridge, explaining how they improve the posterior chain, enhance speed, and prevent common sports injuries. Learn how to progress these movements and ensure proper technique. Whether you're a coach or parent, this episode is packed with actionable tips to boost your athlete's performance. Check out the video which further explains the exercises on our Youtube channel Developing Young Athletes Network

ACL injuries are a major concern in youth sports, with up to 80% being non-contact and affecting female athletes 5 times more than males. In this episode, we break down the importance of the Drop Jump Test in preventing injuries and enhancing athletic performance. Learn how improper landing mechanics, like knee valgus and trunk collapse, can lead to injuries and why screening for these issues is crucial for young athletes. Plus, get tips on how parents and coaches can perform this simple test at home to improve force absorption and reduce injury risks. Join us as we explore practical exercises to help athletes land safely, improve core control, and maximize performance. Perfect for coaches, parents, and anyone passionate about long-term athlete development!

In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, Coach Edwards dives into actionable strategies for parents looking to improve their child's speed and acceleration at home. Discover how to use simple techniques like maximum effort sprints and resistance runs to tap into your young athlete's fast-twitch muscle fibers. Learn about proper dynamic warm-ups, recovery times, and why short bursts of speed training can make a big impact on their performance. Whether your child is in baseball, football, or any other sport, this episode provides a step-by-step guide to boost their speed in just a few weeks. Plus, hear how resistance training using household items like sleds or tires can enhance acceleration without the need for complex drills or equipment. Tune in for expert insights on building a faster, stronger athlete! Don't miss out on the latest research-backed tips and send in your child's progress! Reach out via DM with their sprint times or videos, and Coach Edwards will help you refine their training. To Get our Simple Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for young athlete beginners on our Youtube Channel at Developing Young Athletes Network. 

We're throwing it back to one of our most popular episodes! In this fan-favorite, Coach Edwards dives into the often-overlooked importance of foot and ankle strength in young athletes. These foundational areas are critical for speed, agility, and injury prevention, with over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting every athletic movement. From improving sprint times to enhancing jump height, Coach Edwards shares practical exercises and insights on why foot and ankle training is essential for any young athlete's development. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this impactful episode, get ready for science-backed tips that will help elevate performance from the ground up

In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network, Coach David Edwards chats with Andy Dooley about his remarkable journey from college sports to becoming a Seattle Seahawks in-game host, social media influencer and his most recent book Lead With Faith Play with Purpose. Andy shares the role of faith, family, and consistent effort in achieving his dreams, offering invaluable lessons for athletes, coaches, and parents.

Unlock the full potential of your young athlete with our latest podcast episode, "Tempo Training: The Secret to Better Athletic Performance." 🎙️💪 In this episode, Coach David Edwards delves deep into the transformative power of tempo training for youth athletes. Discover how this crucial training method can enhance strength, control, and overall performance by focusing on the three phases of muscle activation: eccentric, isometric, and concentric. Coach Edwards shares practical insights and real-world applications, demonstrating how tempo training can significantly reduce injury risk and improve athletic outcomes. Key Takeaways: Master Movement Control: Learn how tempo training teaches young athletes to manage their body through different phases of movement—eccentric (lengthening), isometric (static), and concentric (shortening). Enhance Strength and Performance: Understand how managing force during these phases can lead to better strength gains, improved body mechanics, and superior athletic performance. Reduce Injury Risk: Find out how tempo training helps in injury prevention by improving control during dynamic movements and landings. Practical Tips for Coaches and Parents: Get actionable advice on implementing tempo training into your athlete's routine, including simple exercises and progression tips. Whether you're a coach looking to refine your training programs or a parent seeking the best ways to support your child's athletic development, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies. Tune in now to explore why tempo training might be the game-changer you've been searching for!

Today, we're revisiting the highlights from our winter and early spring Speed School program. Even though we're in the midst of summer, the tips and techniques we'll share are timeless and can be applied right now to help your young athletes improve their speed and agility. Join us as we unpack the secrets to success from our Speed School, featuring practical advice and inspiring success stories Tune in to discover: The critical role of technique in speed training Effective drills for enhancing speed and agility The significance of neuromuscular development in young athletes Motivational strategies to keep young athletes engaged Real-life success stories from our Speed School program Don't miss out on these expert tips to boost your young athlete's performance. Subscribe, listen, and share with your community today!

In this special throwback episode, we revisit a captivating interview with Amanda Clements, a former Division I gymnast turned certified mental performance coach. Amanda shares her journey and reveals key mental performance strategies that can be applied by young athletes today to enhance their game and overall well-being. This episode is packed with valuable insights for coaches and parents of athletes aged 8-18, providing actionable tips to help young athletes develop mental toughness and confidence. Key Areas Covered: Mental Performance Coaching for Athletes: Learn about the critical role of mental training in sports and how it can boost athletic performance. Building Confidence: Discover techniques to help young athletes build self-confidence and stay focused during competitions. Emotional Intelligence: Understand the importance of emotional awareness and how it impacts performance. Self-Talk Strategies: Explore effective self-talk methods to foster a positive mindset and reduce performance anxiety. Controlling the Controllables: Learn how to focus on controllable factors to improve mental resilience and game outcomes. Join us as Amanda Clements takes us beyond the game, providing practical advice and tools that coaches and parents can use to support their young athletes' mental and emotional development. Don't miss out on this valuable episode that continues to be relevant and transformative today.  

 On today's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tyrone Bruce Jr., a former college football player and current high school football coach. Tune in and listen to his experiences, from playing high school football in Texas to his transformative college years in Michigan. He discusses the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and the pivotal role of coaching in shaping young athletes. Perfect for coaches and parents seeking valuable insights to help their young athletes excel on and off the field.

In this special throwback episode of Network Nation, we revisit an insightful conversation on the critical importance of off-season training for young athletes. If you're a coach or parent of athletes aged 8-17, this episode is packed with practical strategies and systems to elevate your athlete's performance. Discover how to create a comprehensive off-season training plan that focuses on physical literacy, strength, speed, power, agility, and recovery. Learn to measure and manage progress effectively, ensuring your athlete is ready to excel in the upcoming season. Key components include: Dynamic Warm-Up Techniques: Enhance movement, flexibility, and stability. Power Development: Improve force application and deceleration mechanics. Speed Training: Master technical and physical components for better acceleration and agility. Strength Training: Focus on big movement patterns to build functional strength. Conditioning: Develop efficient energy system pathways with metabolic conditioning. Recovery: Implement effective recovery strategies including rest, nutrition, and soft tissue work. Whether you're looking to boost your athlete's speed, power, agility, or overall performance, this episode provides the answers. Tune in and transform your approach to off-season training with proven methods and expert advice. Don't miss out on these essential tips for developing young athletes!

In this throwback episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, we revisit a timeless discussion that sparked significant interest among our listeners—coaches and parents of young athletes aged 8-18. Coach Edwards addresses a crucial question: Should we prioritize raw athleticism or sport-specific skills in young athletes? Delve into the nuances of athletic development and discover why nurturing overall athletic ability often trumps early specialization in sports. Key insights include: The importance of athleticism over sport-specific skills in youth sports. Examples of sports requiring early specialization, like gymnastics and figure skating. Real-life stories highlighting the long-term benefits of prioritizing athletic development. Join us as we explore how fostering a "superhero" mentality in young athletes can lead to exceptional performance and a lifelong love for sports.

Are you a coach or parent of a budding basketball player eager to see them excel? Tune in to today's episode of Network Nation, where we dive into key strategies to enhance young athletes' basketball skills with insights from a current college basketball player. Discover the importance of work ethic, strength training, and skill development at an early age. We emphasize the significance of having fun while learning, managing adversity, and building a resilient mindset. You'll also get practical advice on how parents and coaches can support their young athletes in a balanced and effective manner. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to take their game to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help them improve. Don't miss out on these essential basketball training tips from someone who's been through it all.

What's up, everyone? Coach Edwards here with the new show version of our Network Nation podcast called "Coaches Corner." In this episode, we're excited to introduce two of our own team members who are also former collegiate athletes.    Diiscover the best practices in sports performance, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention, specifically tailored for young female athletes. Our episodes provide actionable insights on topics such as: Youth Sports Training: Effective techniques for strength, speed, and agility to enhance athletic performance. Injury Prevention: Strategies to prevent ACL tears and other common sports injuries among young female athletes. Building Confidence: Methods to boost self-esteem and mental resilience through sports. Holistic Athlete Development: Emphasizing physical literacy, body awareness, and proper movement techniques. Join us as we share real-life success stories, expert advice, and innovative training methods. Whether you're a coach seeking advanced training tips, a parent wanting to support your child's athletic journey, or an organization aiming to foster talent, "Coaches Corner" is your ultimate resource. Tune in  and take the first step towards empowering the next generation of female athletes!  

Unlock the secret to unlocking your young athlete's full potential and safeguarding their future on the field. Coach Edwards dives deep into the often overlooked yet critical movement pattern: the hip hinge. In this episode, discover why mastering the hip hinge is paramount for enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of injuries, even at a young age. With insights drawn from working directly with a diverse range of athletes, Coach Edwards unveils the common pitfalls and consequences of neglecting this fundamental movement. From improper form leading to chronic back issues to diminished power output, the repercussions are far-reaching. But fear not, Coach Edwards provides practical solutions for coaches and parents alike. Learn a simple yet effective exercise, the waiter's bow, that can be implemented at home or in a group setting, making the learning process engaging and fun for young athletes. Don't miss out on this educational episode that goes beyond sports performance, offering invaluable lessons for lifelong movement health. Share this episode with fellow coaches and parents, and empower the next generation of athletes to move better, perform better, and thrive both on and off the field.

Embark on a journey through the world of youth football development as we revisit an insightful interview with Coach Donald, now one of our esteemed athlete development coaches at the DYA Network. Reflecting on his journey from player to coach, Coach Donald shares invaluable lessons drawn from his experiences on and off the field. Dive into the conversation as he candidly discusses the transition from middle school to high school football, the importance of mental preparation, and the significance of understanding the game beyond physical prowess. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode offers timeless insights to unlock youth football potential. Tune in to discover actionable advice that transcends time, paving the way for success in the world of youth athletics.

Welcome to the Developing Young Athletes Network podcast, where we're diving into the age-old question: Does strength training stunt the growth of young athletes? Join Coach Edwards as he tackles this myth head-on, separating fact from fiction. Get ready to uncover the truth behind this widely debated topic. Discover the science behind growth plates, the real causes of growth plate fractures, and why proper strength training may actually benefit young athletes. Don't miss out on this informative episode that sets the record straight on weight training for youth. Tune in now and arm yourself with knowledge to help your young athlete thrive.

 Join Coach Edwards as we explore the power of SIMPLICITY in sports development, offering expert advice and practical tips to nurture passion, build resilience, and guide young athletes toward excellence. Tune in now for invaluable insights on cultivating a champion mindset in every young athlete.

Welcome back to the Developing Young Athletes Network! Coach Edwards is back with expert advice on enhancing your child's athleticism. In this episode, he breaks down age-specific strategies and exercises, emphasizing the importance of coordination in athletic development. Don't miss out on this valuable guidance to unlock your child's full potential! Tune in now and join the journey to athletic excellence.

How do you coach girls' middle school basketball? Especially if you are a first-time basketball coach. Today, we will provide great tips for coaching youth girl's basketball. How to structure practices, develop team culture,  and great advice on how to build confidence in basketball. Tune in as my daughter and I give some excellent applicable advice for parents and coaches based on our experiences coaching middle school girls' basketball together.  

Tune in today to learn why every young athlete MUST know how to tempo train. Listen as I explain the benefits and how this can make any young athlete a better performer.

Building trust is critical to having success in coaching and developing young athletes. Today I will provide you with the top 3 things you must do to build trust and team cohesion as a coach. 

Today I bring back to you one of our top episodes on ways to improve your athlete's self-confidence. This comes from a TED talk speaker who will provide you with some invaluable information.

How can I increase my top-end speed? What are some good speed drills I can use with my athletes this summer? Today I discuss a proven method that has made young athletes faster.

Do you want to make sure your young athlete has a productive off season. What is a key age  to start and what are some key goals I should focus on and what to avoid.

Having a plan in the off-season is not only important but is necessary. How do you manage it and know that your plan is truly working? Tune in to learn critical information you don't want to miss.

Neuromuscular training. How can it help my child or athletes in the off-season? And why is it a critical piece to all athletes reaching their optimal performance? Tune in to learn the answer to these questions, plus much more.

Off-Season Training. What is it? Why is it important? And how can it help any young athlete be a better athlete? Tune in today to learn this and more great advice.

Want to learn a simple test that can be done at home in less than 2 minutes to tell you if a female athlete is at potential risk of an ACL injury. Tune in to find out.  

How does stability improve sports performance? What is stability? Why is it important? What can I do right now to improve my athlete's stability? Tune in today to learn critical advice for athletes, coaches, and parents.

 Can learning proper movement help prevent sports injuries? Today I'm going show you how with a SIMPLE method that can be used by coaches or parents anywhere at any time without equipment. And learn how proper movement can decrease the chance of injury and improve their performance.

According to the CDC, approximately 50% of youth sports injuries are preventable through education and awareness. Today's episode focus is on answering these questions. Can you avoid common sports injuries with youth? What are some of the common sports injuries that occur in youth sports?

The month of April is National Sports Safety Month. Tune in to learn Top10 ways to keep your athlete injury-free. Every week this month, we will provide you with great information to keep your athlete healthy.

Tune in today to learn some great advice from one of the best athletes in the history of sports, the late great Kobe Bryant, about how life lessons helped him be a great athlete and a great individual beyond the sport of basketball. 

Today we go over key exercises and drills that can improve speed and acceleration. Tune in to learn a great strategy that you can use to train your athletes.

Certain skills are crucial to helping young athletes reach their fullest potential when it comes to field and court sports. Today I will go over why the SKILL of Acceleration is essential. Tune in and learn how it can be a key to improving performance.

How do you know if a coach or trainer is a good fit for your athlete(s) or child? Today I discuss some essential tips that can help with this process. Tune in to hear what is sometimes overlooked, which is a key in making this decision. 

Tune in to part 2 of our final series on strength training for young athletes. Learn why strength plays a significant role in improving speed and power as we go over various types of strength and a progression strategy.

Today is part of a 2 part series on strength training for young athletes. Tune in to learn how strength plays a critical role in young athletes' development and performance. Learn why every athlete has to develop strength and the benefits it offers.

When giving an athlete a slight edge in performance, some key components have to be developed. The athletic stance is a critical position that is used in every sport. Tune in to learn why it has to be a  part of every young athlete's training and development.

Sometimes learning a new skill or task can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, especially when there is a sense of urgency to achieve a goal or dream. Today I bring you a great analogy of how to deal with overcoming these obstacles based upon a simple method used by Holywood actor Will Smith that has helped him construct one of the most successful careers in Hollywood history.

How does self-image impact athlete performance? How do we improve it? Learning why this is a crucial component to a young athlete's long-term development is critical to their success. Tune in as I provide tested and proven methods and resources.

To watch an athlete change their body position in the air to take a shot or to keep their feet in bounds to make a catch is fun to watch. It sometimes leaves us asking ourselves how did they do that? These athletes have excellent body awareness, and is a skill that can be developed. Today we will review this skill and how you can improve it.

Eccentric strength training is an essential strength training component that is often overlooked with young athlete development. Tune in to learn why it is important and some key exercises that can improve young athlete performance.