Age-appropriate fitness and development
Movement quality, confidence and fun come before speed.
For coaches and parents
Ages 3-5
Play, balance, running, jumping, catching, simple directions and fun.
Ages 6-8
Movement skills, coordination, body control, short activities and broad sport exposure.
Ages 9-12
Supervised technique, body-weight strength, landing skills, mobility and gradual skill development.
Ages 13-18
Progressive supervised strength and power training, individualized workload and recovery habits.
Good practice at every age
- Use qualified supervision.
- Teach technique before load or speed.
- Progress gradually.
- Stop painful movements.
- Do not use exercise as punishment.
- Keep training positive.
Parent rule: young athletes should not copy adult lifting, weighted-ball or velocity programs.
Primary guidance: NSCA youth training and long-term athletic development
Seeing SLMA Sports Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine & Family Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD is a physician specializing in family medicine and sports medicine. Fellowship trained in sports medicine at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, residency at LSU – Alexandria, and board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He cares for athletes of every age — injury evaluation, non-surgical treatment, concussion care, sports physicals, and return-to-play planning.
Call to be seen985-262-1639
SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Houma605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, Houma, LA 70360
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SLMA Sports Medicine | 985-262-1639 — General education only. Follow stricter league rules and your clinician's instructions. Coaches do not diagnose or treat injuries.
