Speed and Agility Training for Young Athletes
Young athletes don't need fancy ladders or pro-style workouts to get faster. They need the right foundation at the right stage. Here's how we build speed and agility at Char Sports Performance in Montclair, NJ, where we train youth to college athletes.
Speed starts with movement
Before a child can cut sharply or accelerate explosively, they need to understand how their body moves and how to control it. That's why our programs build stage by stage, and the earliest stage focuses on movement, not intensity.
Youth: build the foundation
Our Youth program focuses on the building blocks of athletic movement:
- Running mechanics: running faster and more efficiently.
- Core strength: the base for balance, power and body control.
- Body awareness: understanding how their bodies move.
- Healthy habits: showing up, working hard and having fun doing it.
Sessions are coached and adapted to each child's abilities.
Junior High: add strength, power and plyometrics
Our Junior High program builds on that foundation with:
- Resistance training, done safely: introduced in a safe, controlled environment.
- Speed, power and strength: sport-specific movements that build overall athleticism.
- Running mechanics: continued work on moving faster and more efficiently.
- Plyometrics: an introduction to jumping and explosive drills.
What young athletes don't need
- Adult-style workouts. Training should match their stage.
- More of the same sport. Many of our athletes play several sports, and we think about their overall health, not just one season.
- Training that leaves them exhausted. Progress comes from consistency, not overdoing it.
It carries over to every sport
Faster, more efficient running, quicker cuts, better balance and controlled landings help in every sport our athletes play. Building general athleticism first gives kids a base for whatever comes next and helps multi-sport kids handle a busy year.
Thinking long-term
When athletes move up to High School + College, training becomes individualized and aimed at high-level performance in high school and college athletics. Our College Pathway page explains how we build toward it. For one-on-one or team training, see Personal & Team Training.
Parent FAQs
Is lifting weights safe for my child?
We introduce resistance training in a safe, controlled environment and adapt every workout to the athlete's abilities, focusing on their goals without overexerting them.
How often should kids train?
We generally recommend two to four sessions a week, depending on whether they're in or out of season. See the class schedule for current times.
What should they wear?
Athletic shoes or turfs. No cleats, please. Training is on our indoor turf at 180 Bloomfield Ave, Floor 3, Montclair, so weather never cancels a session.
What does it cost?
Pricing depends on the program. Book a Free Consultation and we'll walk you through the options.
Not sure which program fits your child? Tell us about your athlete and we'll help you find the right starting point.
