Should Youth Athletes Do Running Without The Ball

In this episode, we dive deep into a controversial topic in youth coaching: Should young players, particularly U14 to Minor, engage in isolated conditioning — running without the ball?We explore:How background and past experiences shape coaching opinionsSurvey results from coaches, parents, and athletesWhy context — not tradition — should dictate your conditioning choicesThe hidden cost of focusing on fitness over skill developmentHow to support multi-sport players without overloading themWhen isolated running might be beneficial (and how to frame it positively)Real stories from coaching mistakes and lessons learnedWhy balancing fitness, skill, and tactical awareness is key to long-term success👉 Whether you’re a GAA coach, a parent, or a sports educator, this episode will help you make better decisions that truly support young athletes' development — not just in fitness, but in their future careers too.

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