Help needed to improve my Son's speed and agility
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27th Sep '09, 9:03pm
Hello Everyone,
My son is 7 years old and is is a healthy and happy lad. He is very keen on his football here in England as most lads are and is developing into a fine footballer.
However he lacks speed and agility which is now beginning to show and frustratingly prevents him from displaying his skills. He's well built for his age and heavy. As a baby he was a bum-shuffler which probably resulted in certain muscles not being strengthened as much as they should. How do guy’s with bigger heavier physiques (like my son's) improve and acquire good speed and agility?
Are there certain muscle groups that need to be strengthened?
Can anybody recommend an exercise that we can do to improve my son's speed and agility. Alternatively can you recommended and expert in this field who may be able to help and advise us.
Any help will be appreciated
Son - speed and agility
22nd Oct '09, 2:08am
I am fortunate enough to work with many athletes and also kids in my daily work. One thing I've learned is that a kids life today, is so different than even my own 20 some-odd years ago. It's always go, go, go and constantly having scheduled events/sports to go to.
With your son being 7 years old, my advice is - be patient. He has plenty of time to develop. The big thing for him at this age is to PLAY. Have fun in the backyard, go to the park, play football... be a kid. The more active he is with those things the better. Athleticism, speed, coordination, agility will all develop, and you won't scare him away from conditioning at an early age.
My other suggestion is you could try some balance exercises with him as well. Kids love to be challenged with some fun balance activities... The balance will increase body awareness, control, and boost his self-confidence (all helping to improve speed, agility and quickness). Hope this helps.
Derek Arsenault(CSEP-CPT)
Personal Trainer/Conditioning Coach
ONE TO ONE Health & Fitness Centre
Belleville, ON
www.mylivingenergy.com
www.onetoonefitness.ca
Tag games!
29th Dec '09, 9:22pm
To further Derek's comments!
I would imagine that when you were your son's age you were out playing most days... and in the summer holidays - from dusk till dawn! I would imagine that most of this time was spent playing football but you would also play British Bulldog and other tag games! Tag games are excellent for developing agility, so if you can get your son's coach to incorporate some of these in into the warm ups every session it will help! See 'Fun and Games' and 'More Fun and Games' for lots of ideas! If you can sign your son up to summer, easter and half-term football or sports camps it will also help as he will be active lots and keep fit while having fun, maybe when you are at work!
When I was 16/17 I joined the sprint group at my local athletics club to try and develop my own speed! They have groups of various ages and I am sure they are 'fun-based' for children at your sons age.
There is nothing wrong with doing some training with him, as long as you don't go overboard and intergrate this with your normal kick-around or practice! If you need any further advice, drop me a message and I can give you a few more details.
Tony