GUIDES

Guides

Straight answers to the questions parents of young athletes actually ask, written by coach Marian Pitel, grounded in the science of long-term athletic development.

Training Load

Is my child training too much?

Injury is a load-versus-capacity problem, not bad luck. Three things you can track at home to keep your young athlete on the safe side, from coach Marian Pitel.

Marian Pitel6 min read

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Latest guides

Published 13 June 2026 6 min read

How much sleep does a young athlete really need?

Published 13 June 2026 5 min read

Do child athletes really need rest days?

Published 13 June 2026 5 min read

Is strength training safe for kids, or does it stunt growth?

Published 13 June 2026 6 min read

Why your daughter's strength programme should not be your son's, scaled down

Published 13 June 2026 5 min read

Why has my child suddenly got clumsy after a growth spurt, and should they keep training hard?

Published 13 June 2026 6 min read

Is my child behind? Biological age vs the birth certificate

Published 13 June 2026 5 min read

How do I support my child in sport without pushing too hard?

Published 13 June 2026 5 min read

Why your teenager isn't being difficult on purpose

Published 13 June 2026 5 min read

The 3 Cs of mental performance: what actually builds a lasting athlete

Last reviewed 29 May 2026 6 min read

Should my child specialise in one sport, or play several?

Published 13 June 2026 6 min read

What are the real chances my child becomes a professional athlete?

Last reviewed 29 May 2026 5 min read

My child has knee pain after sport. Should I worry?

Published 13 June 2026 6 min read

What to do the moment your child gets injured (it's not ice and ibuprofen)

The Coach's Note

One note a fortnight. The one I'd want as a parent.

A tip you can use, a myth worth binning, and one resource I recommend. Written by me.