When weight training is too young?

[rickerred]

ok my son is 11 yrs old and plays competitive AA hockey, he is i think small for his age 4'2" and 55 lbs, but he is fast and strong on his skates. This year he will start PeeWee (contact). Is it too early to start him on light weights for mass and plyometrics training for speed?

[Delt King]

Many guys will disagree but I think it's perfectly fine as long as it's done properly. That being said, the average gym member doesn't know proper/safe exercise form and would pass this onto their kids. In fact most of the personal trainers don't know much better. Once an injury occurs, they'll be prone to it from then on (shoulders).
Personally i started at 7 yrs old and loved working out with my dad. My own sons 9 and 10 have mentioned working out, and I'll probably start with them this summer.

[cog]

Higher rep ranges at first.

[Praetorian]

There is alot more evidence now that strength training can begin at a much earlier age then most used to think.
P

[olddawg]

It's about forming a habit, the earlier the better. Only at earlier ages it should come in the form of play, and later more structured. Heavy reps only once the body is done growing.

[rickerred]

Thanks for the input,
I am og the same frame of mind as long as it is safe and correct he should be ok.

[#8]

Get a hold of a hockey specific training camp in your area. Some of these places have very good strength / conditioning programs for youngsters. They do in the GTA anyway, not sure what you have access to out there. If the coach / training staff is reputable and knows what they are doing your son will be fine and his game will improve dramatically. I was also VERY small for my age / competitive level but my parents had no idea about anything outside of power skating classes. Nutrition should play a huge factor in your sons regimen as far as his potential growth / skill development is concerned.

[cog]

Do coaches and trainers for hockey believe in weight traing yet?When I was a kid nobody believed in it.

[olddawg]

training using bodyweight only until about 14 ish.

[Talo]

I'd agree with old dawg and say body weight training until form is solid. Lots of BW exercises can be effective.

[Praetorian]

http://www.charlespoliquin.com/Blog/tabid/130/EntryId/1536/Tip-425-Don-t-Wait-to-Train-Train-Strength-at-a-Young-Age-for-Better-Sport-Performance.aspx

P

[Delt King]

http://www.charlespoliquin.com/Blog/tabid/130/EntryId/1536/Tip-425-Don-t-Wait-to-Train-Train-Strength-at-a-Young-Age-for-Better-Sport-Performance.aspx

P

Agreed. I'm glad someone did some research into this.

[rickerred]

thanks for all the info, so it looks like I will start plyo and light weights for the boy this summer.

[cog]

I think I was 12 when I got a heavy iron puck,one that I could barely get to skip across the ice at first,no problems.Had been doing pushups,chins and situps for a few years,expander springs for a year or so.

[kawikaratekid]

In addition to all of the comments, ensure that he maintains and increases flexibility. This will greatly aid in the prevention of injury.

[TT Eric]

This young one is pretty much ahead :


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZM3IuWYg_Y

Eric

[rickerred]

that's pretty cool, this guy may give some of you a run for your money in the future.