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Hydration Tips: Before, During, and After Exercise

Hydration isn’t just about water breaks. NATA guidelines reveal why timing matters: 2-3 cups pre-exercise, regular sips during, and replacing lost weight post-activity. Tailor strategies to your athlete’s needs—weather, sport, and sweat rates matter.

Sleep for Youth Athletes

October, 2023
Sleep isn’t just downtime—it’s a game-changer. Research shows youth athletes sleeping under 8 hours face 1.7x higher injury risk and slower performance. Science-backed guidelines recommend 8-10 hours for teens (9-12 for younger athletes) to boost recovery, immunity, and resilience.

Overcoming Competition Anxiety in Young Athletes

October, 2023
It is estimated that 6-20% of adolescents have anxiety. Parents and coaches play a significant role in reducing anxiety and helping athletes overcome competition anxiety to perform their best.

Early Sport Specialization

July, 2023
Early Sport Specialization is becoming increasingly common among young athletes. Research has shown it may not be the best way to enhance skills and leads to increased risk of injury.

Resistance Training for Youth

July, 2023
Stronger youth start with smart resistance training. Science shows proper strength training (using weights, bands, or bodyweight) builds muscle, strengthens bones, and reduces sports injuries for ages 7-17. Under expert guidance, it also boosts confidence and long-term health. Learn how to train safely for maximum benefits.

Parent-Child Communication in Youth Sports

November, 2023
Parents play an essential role in youth sports. How parents communicate with their children might play a key role in encouraging youth to stay in organized sports and receive the benefits youth sports bring.

Take a Leap in Performance with Plyometric Exercises!

April, 2024
Boost speed, power & agility with plyometrics! Jump training (like box jumps and squat jumps) helps youth athletes run faster, jump higher, and move sharper—with benefits seen in just one weekly session.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries In Young Athletes

November, 2023
Reducing injuries in youth athletes may be one fo the greatest ways you can help young athletes. The number of ACL injuries in young athletes increased by approximately 150% between 2005 and 2015. Read here for some tips on how to avoid ACL injuries.

Small Sided Games Increase Athlete Participation

November, 2023
Soccer match analysis shows that players are in possession of the ball for only 2% of the game duration. By using small sided games in practice, you increase the experience of each player and help athletes have fun while playing.

Bone Health for Young Athletes

November, 2023
Strong bones contribute significantly to endurance and athletic performance. They provide a stable framework, enhance balance, agility, and overall physical capabilities.

What Training for Youth Athletes Should Look Like

January, 2024
Youth athletes need more than just practice - they need smart training. Research shows proper strength and plyometric work can boost performance by 30-50% while cutting injury risk, with benefits starting in just 8-12 weeks of supervised training.

Children and Energy Drinks

November, 2023
Energy drinks pose serious risks for kids - from heart issues to sleep disorders. Yet 62.8% of teens drink sugary beverages daily. Discover healthier ways to boost energy through sleep, exercise and nutrition instead.

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Everything published by Strong Youth Project has been found from reliable scientific sources published by scientists. In addition, our amazing team of scientists reviews this information to give you the most accurate information. Read about some of our amazing team members here!