Off-topic Q re: kids and strength training

[EdYip]

Hello Colleagues,

My friend's 8yr old son plays competitive soccer and his coach wants to start running them with ankle weights to improve their strength.

Needless to say, the parents are not happy about this.

Aside from the obvious additional stresses on their feet, can anyone provide me with any research or info regarding the plusses and minuses of this kind of training?

What are your thoughts?

Ed

[Craig Payne]

Not sure this helps, but this is what I wrote in manual I give students:
Strength training for children:
Despite initial earlier concerns, guidelines from a number of sports medicine organisations suggest that strength training for children is safe and worthwhile activity provided that the program is supervised and designed appropriately – it should be only a component of a wider program to enhance fitness and skills. In children strength training can increase bone mineral density, improve motor skills and enhance sports performance. Strength training must be at a level that is equated with their ability – the volume and intensity must not exceed their capability. Education as to safe lifting techniques is important at a young age.
I wrote that a year or so ago and do not have the references used still. I am sure it was based on guidelines either from the American Academy of Pediatrics and/or the American Colege of Sports Medicine - maybe check their websites.

[HeelShields]

On the box of every ankle weight I have ever purchased is the warning - DO NOT WEAR FOR RUNNING OR WALKING - ANKLE WEIGHTS ARE TO ONLY BE USED FOR FLOR EXERCISES, i.e., LEG LIFTS.

[Kevin Kirby]

Hello Colleagues,

My friend's 8yr old son plays competitive soccer and his coach wants to start running them with ankle weights to improve their strength.

Needless to say, the parents are not happy about this.

Aside from the obvious additional stresses on their feet, can anyone provide me with any research or info regarding the plusses and minuses of this kind of training?

What are your thoughts?

Ed


Ed:

I coached 8-9 year old boys in soccer for four years and both my sons played competetive soccer. I wouldn't think of having 8 year old boys using ankle weights to run since I believe there is too much risk for injury and, at this age, general running endurance and lack of ball skills is a much greater problem. I would have no problem with a coach who used ankle weights part time in high school age kids (14+ years), but not in children. It's not worth the risk of injury.

You have my permission to use my statement to show the parents and coach of the team.