Do Young Athletes Need Extra Training ? Pros and Cons
Do Young Athletes Need Extra Training? Pros, Cons, and How to Decide
Many parents wonder whether their child should be doing extra training outside team sessions.
Private coaching, additional sessions, and individual programmes are increasingly common in youth sport.
But more training is not always better.
This guide explains the benefits, risks, and how families can decide what is right for their child.
For age-specific guidance, explore the Development Guides.
For long-term progression models, visit Sports Pathways.
For holistic support, see the Performance Support Guides.
What Is “Extra Training”?
Extra training usually refers to any additional work outside normal team sessions.
This may include:
• Private coaching
• Small group sessions
• Individual practice
• Specialist academies
• Online programmes
• Extra fitness work
When used well, it can support development.
When misused, it can cause harm.
The Potential Benefits of Extra Training
Extra training can be valuable when applied correctly.
1.Individual Attention
Team sessions must focus on groups.
Extra training allows:
• Personalised feedback
• Targeted skill development
• Individual goal setting
• Faster technical correction
This can accelerate learning.
2. Building Confidence
Extra practice improves familiarity.
This often leads to:
• Greater self-belief
• Reduced anxiety
• Better match confidence
• Increased motivation
Confidence grows through preparation.
3. Addressing Specific Weaknesses
Some players have clear gaps.
Extra training can help with:
• Technical skills
• Movement patterns
• Fitness limitations
• Tactical understanding
Targeted work can be efficient.
4. Supporting Highly Motivated Athletes
Some children genuinely want more training.
When motivation is internal, extra work can:
• Deepen commitment
• Improve discipline
• Build strong habits
• Support progression
Motivation must come from the athlete.
5. Exposure to Different Coaching Styles
Working with different coaches can:
• Broaden understanding
• Improve adaptability
• Encourage independent thinking
• Reduce over-reliance on one voice
This helps long-term growth.
The Risks of Too Much Extra Training
Extra training becomes harmful when it is poorly managed.
1.Increased Injury Risk
More sessions increase physical load.
This raises the risk of:
• Overuse injuries
• Fatigue-related injuries
• Growth-related problems
• Chronic pain
Young bodies need recovery.
2. Burnout and Loss of Enjoyment
Too much training can remove fun.
This leads to:
• Mental fatigue
• Loss of motivation
• Reduced confidence
• Dropout risk
Enjoyment is essential for consistency.
3. Reduced Learning Quality
Fatigued athletes do not learn well.
Excessive training causes:
• Poor concentration
• Slower skill development
• Increased mistakes
• Lower engagement
Rest improves learning.
4. Dependence on Constant Coaching
Some athletes become reliant on instruction.
This limits:
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Creativity
• Independence
Great athletes think for themselves.
5. Pressure and Expectations
Extra training can create pressure.
Children may feel
• They must justify the investment
• Fear of disappointing adults
• Anxiety around performance
• Stress around selection
Development should never feel like a burden.
6. Imbalance in Life
Too much sport reduces time for:
• School
• Friends
• Family
• Recovery
• Other interests
Balance supports longevity.
When Extra Training Can Be Helpful
Extra training is most effective when:
• The athlete asks for it
• The child enjoys it
• Recovery is prioritised
• School and life are balanced
• Sessions are purposeful
• Load is monitored
It should complement, not replace, core training.
When Extra Training Is Not Needed
Extra training is usually unnecessary when:
• The athlete is already fatigued
• Motivation comes from adults
• Injuries are present
• Enjoyment is declining
• School stress is high
• Progress is already strong
Sometimes, rest is the best option.
How Much Extra Training Is Appropriate?
There is no single rule, but general principles include:
Ages 6 to 8
Focus: Play, fun, basic skills
Extra training: Rarely needed
Priority: Enjoyment and movement
Ages 9 to 11
Focus: Skill development, learning
Extra training: Occasional, light
Priority: Balance and variety
Ages 12 to 14
Focus: Consolidation, habits
Extra training: Targeted and controlled
Priority: Recovery and growth management
Ages 15+
Focus: Performance preparation
Extra training: Structured and monitored
Priority: Quality, not volume
The Development Guides provide detailed age-specific guidance.
Questions Parents Should Ask Before Adding Extra Training
Before committing, ask:
• Does my child want this?
• Is recovery protected?
• Will this improve learning?
• Is school balanced?
• Is enjoyment high?
• Is progress being monitored?
If any answer is “no”, reconsider.
Signs Extra Training Is Becoming Harmful
Watch for:
• Constant tiredness
• Frequent injuries
• Loss of enthusiasm
• Irritability
• Declining school focus
• Increased anxiety
These are warning signs.
The Role of Communication
Extra training works best when adults communicate.
Parents, coaches, and athletes should align on:
• Weekly load
• Development priorities
• Rest periods
• Long-term goals
Poor communication leads to overload.
Quality Over Quantity
High-quality training includes:
• Clear purpose
• Focused practice
• Feedback
• Rest
• Reflection
One good session beats three poor ones.
Building Sustainable Development
Long-term success comes from:
• Patience
• Consistency
• Balance
• Health
• Enjoyment
• Strong foundations
Extra training is a tool, not a requirement.
Supporting Long-Term Development
At Sports Progression Hub, our development guides are designed to support this process.
They provide:
• Age-appropriate expectations
• Clear priorities
• Balanced progression
• Practical guidance
• Long-term perspective
Our resources help families and young athletes make informed decisions throughout their development journey.
Explore:
to find the right support for your stage.