Quote:
Originally posted by Bill Hartman:
Dad,
Your son is 13. His performance is an issue certainly but his weight is not. Please don't treat this as an issue, and it is unfortunate that the coaches may be making it one. The bottom line for an athlete of that age is learning to give his best effort...period. It doesn't matter how much he weighs.
You may also be placing an unnecessary stress on your son by forcing weight gain. Again he should be preparing to play his best not worrying about "making weight".
You should not be worrying about him making weight. Your job as Dad is to be supportive of him giving his best effort. If he gets to play where he wants, great. If he doesn't, still great as long as he gave his best.
That being said. In the 13-15 age group relative strength rules and is highly correlated with all forms of success in athletic activities requiring strength or speed or endurance. Attempting to artificially elevate his weight without the ability to concurrently increase relative strength levels (which he lacks) is a huge mistake as his performance will suffer (in other words...he will lose speed, guaranteed. And speed kills!).
He should perform at the weight that it optimal for him when the season rolls around. Over the next 2 years his adaptability will increase dramatically as will his ability to perform. Let it happen, don't force it.
Developing an athlete is a process which takes place over a period of years. Forcing such issues at this stage of development is mistake. When it comes time for him to work toward a college scholarship in 3-5 years, then he can drive himself and manipulate such things safely with a greater range of adaptability.
The concerns now are developing age-appropriate training habits under proper supervision, supportive nutrition, and developing/nuturing a love for the game and competition. The weight takes care of itself.
This was not meant to be harsh or sound like a lecture. It's just important to remember to let just let him play.
Bill Hartman
Board of Directors, International Youth Conditioning Association
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Bill...
First of all...thanks for the info and I didn't take it as a lecture.....
Second...I beleive what you say above is all true....
BUT
There are outside influences that are causing us to worry about his weight.
- He plays in a weight limit league where if he does not gain weight he could be outweight by the other players by as much as 40 pounds....hence I worry about his safety. I dont think the coaches would ever think of playing him at a corner position because he is very very strong for his size and age.....so I am concerned of the position he would be placed into.
- The other thing is that we have one youth football program in our town and the hypocracy and politics are overwhelming....he is strong like a OL/DL but not as big....blocks as well as any fullback, has great hands, and doesnt fumble but has been deemed "too slow" by his coaches...hence the work he put in this offseason.....