Taking a long-term approach to the development of weightlifting ability in young athletes

Abstract

Despite previous misconceptions, youth participation in weightlifting is now recognizedas safe and beneficial when delivered, programed, and monitored by a qualifiedprofessional. This article explores teaching progressions to aid coaches periodizeweightlifting training for young or novice athletes, with consideration to the theoreticalconcepts underpinning long-term athletic development. It is hoped that the structuredand progressive guidelines presented in the current article will help coaches developthe weightlifting performance of their young athletes in a safe and effective manner.