If you are an athletic coach, it is most likely that resistance bands are an integral part of your program. If you are handling young athletes, you appreciate the need to mix up your training with these bands. However, not all professionals out there use this tool effectively. Ultimately, the objective of your training program might not be achieved; an eventuality every coach dreads.

If you want to optimize your coaching program, here are some ideas of mixing up training using resistance bands:

  1. Ricochet – Dealing with young athletes requires specialized training. One key area is deceleration and you can incorporate resistance bands into your program to achieve this. Using these bands, the athletes will compete against each other while also learning deceleration positions required. Ricochet is also perfect as a competitive game where strength training is also achieved.
  2. Partner Zigzag – This game is perfect to hone direction and achievement of target in young athletes. A resistance band is used by a pair of athletes who then have to shuffle or back peddle in and out of cones strategically placed on the ground. Zigzag drills help athletes master easy transition techniques. One athlete works in one direction and the partner in the other. The drills also help in mastering deceleration, stabilization or body control.
  3. Partner Reaction Drills – The emphasis in this drill is 2-step deceleration and the partners take the role of offensive and defensive player respectively. This technique practiced on a lateral plane helps sharpen reactions to the opponent once in the field.
  4. One-Minute Partner Challenge – There are myriad challenges you can incorporate into this drill using resistance bands including assisted and resisted pushups, front squats, squat jumps, overhead, turn and go among others. The challenge can involve a number of teams with each team taking up one challenge or every athlete doing their own exercise.
  5. Fun Drills – If you want your athletes to take the program seriously, get ready to incorporate some fun. Resistance bands are ideal because the coaches and the young athletes can all participate in these games.

Resistance bands are some of the most flexible and versatile training tools; make sure you think creatively when applying them in your young athlete coaching program.