Australian rules football or AFL is a great sport to play. It is intense, fast-paced, and exciting. But it can also be dangerous if you are not adequately prepared. That is why AFL athletic development training is critical for young developing players. Strength & Conditioning coaches will help you learn good habits with proper techniques and improve your overall athleticism. This will make you a better player and help keep you safe on the field. So if you want to excel at AFL, be sure to participate in athletic development training!
What is AFL athletic development training?
AFL athletic development training is a strength & conditioning program designed for physically developing players. This conditioning program develops the physical attributes that are necessary for AFL competition. Typical areas of training include speed, strength, and agility. But these types of workouts can vary depending on the specific skills needed on each team or position. Most teams also have a different regimen they follow each day to stay on top of their game.
Some employ junior weight training and junior lifting programs.
These programs help players increase muscle strength and size. For experienced players, this can also help with injury prevention. Other teams may focus more on cardio workouts, yoga, or Pilates. These are great for improving athleticism, endurance, and flexibility while helping you avoid injuries. Players who participate in intense training sessions should always give themselves plenty of rest days in-between workout days. This will help their body recover to perform at top form every time they are on the field.
To learn more about the benefits of different training methods check out our Get Better Plan YouTube playlist:
 How to get started with AFL athletic development training?
To begin athletic development training, you should find a reputable strength and conditioning coach or professional that you trust. Look for someone who has experience working with athletes your age and has a good reputation in the community. Once you find a trainer, ask about their training regimen and what they recommend for players just starting out.
 Next, set up a time to meet with them to discuss your athletic development training program. You should also establish a timetable to follow along that accommodates school, work and sport. This timetable will ensure you never miss a workout or come to a training session unprepared. Once you begin, make sure to stay consistent with your regimen and attend every training session! This will keep your body from becoming fatigued and give you better results. Plus, it is always good to have someone keeping tabs on you and ensuring that everything is going smoothly.
 What should you look for in an athletic development training regimen?
 Now that you know what AFL athletic development training is and how to get started, it is time to look at some of the qualities you should look for when designing your program. First, be sure to search around and find a trainer with excellent credentials. Make sure they have worked with athletes your age before, have a lot of experience working with kids, and are well respected in the community. Once you find someone who checks all these boxes, establish a time to meet them for an evaluation. During that session, be sure to ask about their qualifications and get examples of past clients they have worked with. Also, try asking about their training regimen and what you can expect with AFL athletic development training.Â
Last, ask them when they think you should work out and what days would be best for your schedule. Second, make sure to find a program that includes plenty of elements from all three areas of athletic development: speed, strength, and agility. These skills are essential for all players on the field.
What exercises are expected in AFL athletic development training?
You can expect to see many typical exercises in AFL athletic development training. Start by looking up examples on our YouTube channel:Â
This will start your body off on the right foot, allowing you to work out harder with less risk of injury. When it comes time to do speed drills, you should focus on running drills like the Y-drill, T-drill, and shuttle run. As you work out your strength with lower bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges, make sure to keep proper form; drop down into each squat slowly and come up explosively. Also, do not forget about mobility! Focus on doing explosive movements like box jumps, broad jumps, and obstacle courses. These movements will help to build synaptic connections in the brain and increase your coordination and speed on the field.
 What are some benefits of AFL athletic development training?
 There are many benefits to participating in AFL athletic development training. Some of the most common include injury prevention, improved coordination, better endurance, and increased overall fitness. It is also one of the best ways to improve your ability as a football player and make sure you can keep up with your teammates and opponents. And the skills you learn through AFL athletic training will help you during training, practice games, and games throughout the season!
 Whether you are a parent of an aspiring young athlete or a young football player yourself, try talking to your school’s coaches about adding AFL athletic development training to their team’s weekly workouts. This will help keep everyone in shape and ready to play at game time!
For more information on how we can help put a program in place for your school or football club, check out our website:Â
Or email Jack at Jack@preparelikeapro.com
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