How Skipping Recovery Affects Performance

Training hard is great,

But there’s one ingredient parents and athletes overlook: 

Recovery

Think about it…

Without enough rest, our bodies can’t reap the reward of the work we are putting in

Recovery is more than just an off day…

It’s the time when muscles get a chance to repair and rebuild.

Here are 4 essentials that every young athlete needs to make recovery count:

Sleep

Young athletes need 8-9 hours of sleep for full recovery.

This is when the body repairs, builds strength, and recharges energy.

Quick tip:

Set up a nightly routine that’s screen-free.

It will help your child get the rest they need to keep making progress.

Nutrition

Recovery isn’t just about resting,

It’s about consuming the right nutrients in the right amounts, especially protein when it comes to recovery

Proper nutrition can help your child recover faster and feel better going into their next session.

Mental Recovery

Training nonstop can be overwhelming for youth athletes, and sometimes even lead to burnout.

And again, like I said at the beginning of this email, training hard is great,

But youth athletes also need breaks from organized training. It’s ok to have an off-season or other activities beyond their main sport.

Hydrate Beyond Game Days And Practice

Dehydrated muscles are never a good thing for athletic performance,

Not drinking enough water can leave young athletes ill-prepared.

Make hydration part of your child’s everyday routine, not just during workouts or training. 

A good rule of thumb: drink enough to keep urine a pale yellow color.

The right recovery plan is your child’s best secret weapon.

It’s what lets them stay strong, avoid burnout, and keep improving.

Have a great day,

Liam.

If you’re interested in learning more about youth athletic developement you can check out my podcast below!