As the school holidays approach, youth and junior athletes find themselves in a unique position: a break from the rigours of academic life combined with the opportunity to focus entirely on their athletic development. For young athletes, particularly those involved in speed-dependent sports like football, rugby, athletics, or soccer, the summer holidays provide the perfect window to make significant gains in speed, agility, and overall performance.

This January, RevoPT is excited to launch our new Speed Training Program specifically designed for youth and junior athletes. With our expert coaches and a wealth of experience working with young athletes across various disciplines, we’ve created a program that will help them capitalise on this holiday period to accelerate their athletic development. Let’s dive into why speed training is so crucial and how your child can benefit from the upcoming program.

Why Speed Training Matters for Youth and Junior Athletes

Speed is often referred to as the “golden skill” in sports. No matter the sport, the ability to move quickly and explosively is an asset that can make the difference between success and mediocrity. But speed isn’t just about sprinting; it’s about quick reactions, agility, acceleration, and maintaining top speeds over distances.

Speed training, when done correctly, can enhance:

• Explosive Power: This refers to the ability to accelerate quickly and reach top speed in a short distance, crucial for sports like soccer, rugby, and basketball.
• Agility: Speed training also focuses on change of direction, which is necessary for dynamic sports where athletes need to navigate quickly around opponents.
• Strength and Endurance: Speed training helps build muscle strength, particularly in the lower body, which translates to better overall performance and endurance during long games or events.

The Ideal Time: Why School Holidays?

The summer holidays are a golden opportunity for young athletes to make serious gains. Without the distractions of school, assignments, and other academic commitments, athletes can fully focus on their training. Additionally, the longer days and warmer weather make it easier to spend extended periods outside working on fitness.

Maximising Gains
With several weeks of uninterrupted training, athletes have the time to implement a proper speed training program, develop the necessary skills, and gain a clear edge going into their next sports season. By starting early in January, the results will be evident as they return to their teams fitter, faster, and more confident.

What Can You Expect from RevoPT’s Speed Training Program?

At RevoPT, we’ve worked with countless junior athletes, helping them reach their potential by focusing on their specific sporting needs. Our coaches have extensive experience working with youth athletes across sports such as track and field, soccer, rugby, netball, and basketball. We understand the unique challenges young athletes face, including growth spurts, coordination development, and injury prevention.

Our Speed Training Program has been designed to:

• Enhance Speed and Agility: We focus on drills that improve acceleration, top-end speed, and agility. Whether it’s a quick first step on the football pitch or reacting to an opponent’s move in basketball, our drills are tailor-made to help young athletes move better and faster.
• Improve Strength and Power: Speed comes from strength, and our program includes strength-building exercises to develop the muscles responsible for quick, explosive movements. This ensures that athletes are not only fast but also powerful.
• Prevent Injuries: We place a significant focus on proper technique to prevent injury. Speed training, when done incorrectly, can lead to overuse injuries or strains. Our expert coaches ensure that athletes are progressing safely and efficiently.
• Build Confidence: Speed training isn’t just physical; it’s mental. Young athletes who feel faster and stronger develop more confidence in their game, leading to better performance and a more positive mindset going into their competitive season.

Sample Weekly Training Plan for the Program

To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a sample weekly breakdown from our January program. This is designed for youth and junior athletes who want to make significant gains over the summer break:

Monday: Acceleration Training

• Warm-up: Dynamic stretching and mobility exercises.
• Drills: 10m sprints, hill sprints, and sled pushes.
• Focus: Explosive starts and short burst speed.
• Cool-down: Foam rolling and static stretching.

Tuesday: Agility and Change of Direction

• Warm-up: Light jogging and ladder drills.
• Drills: Cone drills, zig-zag runs, and shuttle runs.
• Focus: Quick changes of direction, footwork, and body control.
• Cool-down: Dynamic stretches and foam rolling.

Wednesday: Strength and Power

• Warm-up: Bodyweight mobility exercises.
• Drills: Squats, lunges, and jump training.
• Focus: Lower body strength to support speed and power.
• Cool-down: Static stretching and light core work.

Thursday: Speed Endurance

• Warm-up: Jogging and dynamic stretches.
• Drills: 100m repeats, pyramid sprints, and shuttle runs.
• Focus: Developing the ability to maintain speed over longer distances.
• Cool-down: Stretching and recovery work.

Friday: Recovery and Flexibility

• Active Recovery: Light stretching, foam rolling, and mobility work.
• Flexibility: Yoga-inspired stretches to promote recovery and injury prevention.
• Mindset Work: Mental focus exercises to keep athletes sharp.

Why RevoPT’s Coaches Are the Best Fit for Your Athlete

Our coaching team has decades of experience working with athletes of all ages, including juniors who are just beginning to tap into their full potential. We understand that young athletes are at a critical stage in their development, and our approach is to nurture their growth while keeping training fun and engaging. Our tailored approach ensures that every athlete’s unique needs and goals are met.

Our coaches bring experience from:

• Working with junior athletes at state and national levels.
• Coaching athletes in multiple sports such as athletics, football, and basketball.
• Specialising in speed and strength conditioning for young athletes.

The January Speed Training Program is designed to make the most of this experience, providing a safe, structured environment where athletes can improve their speed while staying injury-free.

Get Ready for the Upcoming Season: Book Your Spot in Our January Program

Whether your young athlete is preparing for the next football season, looking to shave time off their 100m sprint, or just wanting to improve their overall athleticism, our Speed Training Program offers the perfect opportunity to gain that competitive edge.

By enrolling in our program this January, your athlete will:

• Be faster, stronger, and more agile.
• Gain the confidence they need to excel in their sport.
• Enter the new season prepared to make a significant impact.

Spots are limited, so we encourage you to secure a place early and give your child the gift of speed this summer.

Final Thoughts: A Summer to Sprint Ahead

The summer holidays are a critical time for young athletes. It’s a chance to get ahead of the competition, develop their skills, and build the strength and speed necessary to excel in their sport. Our Speed Training Program at RevoPT is the ideal way to make the most of this valuable time. With our experienced coaches and a program designed for maximum impact, your child will enter the new season faster, stronger, and more confident than ever.

Ready to take the next step? Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our Speed Training Program and how we can help your athlete sprint ahead this summer!