Summary: This chapter written by Dr Mark Lyons and Dr Caoimhe Tiernan (PESS Department) focuses on the crucial aspects of strength and conditioning for youth athletes at the grassroots level, emphasising the importance of creating programs that are not only developmentally appropriate but also engaging and sustainable. It addresses common misconceptions and provides evidence-based counterarguments, highlighting the significance of adopting scientifically backed practices in youth strength and conditioning. The chapter recommends that such programmes be led by coaches who are not only experienced in youth resistance training but also hold recognised professional certifications. It also underlines the necessity of tailoring the progression of training—particularly in terms of volume and intensity—based on the individual experiences of players. Furthermore, it advises that plyometric exercises should prioritise teaching proper technique in jumping and landing, focusing on form over the height or distance achieved, especially for beginners.
Lyons, M. and Tiernan, C., 2023. Strength and Conditioning for Youth Grassroots Players. In Science and Practice of Youth Soccer (pp. 141-174). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781032665238-12/strength-conditioning-youth-grassroots-players-mark-lyons-caoimhe-tiernan
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