The youth athlete development podcast you've been waiting for
Developing Young Athletes
Network Podcast
Discover one of the best podcasts for athletes, coaches, and sports parents! Coach David Edwards interviews leading sports experts, coaches, youth athletes, sports physicians, and others helping young athletes take their performance to the next level — covering youth sports training, coaching tips, sports nutrition, injury and concussion prevention, strength and conditioning, long-term athlete development, college recruiting, and much more.
Podcast Episodes
60 episodes and counting — search the archive below.
The Athlete’s NIL Playbook: What Every Family Needs to Know to Protect and Profit
Think NIL is just for college athletes? Think again. In this episode of the DYA Network Podcast, we talk with Kristi Dosh , author of The Athlete’s NIL Playbook , about the rise of NIL deals for…
Listen Now »Why Bone Health Matters for Young Athletes (More Than You Think)
Listen to this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast.
Listen Now »Why Foot & Ankle Training Is the Missing Link in Youth Sports
In this episode, we break down why your young athletes must train below the knee. The foot and ankle are the foundation of movement — skip this and you're risking injury and missed potential. We…
Listen Now »How to Test & Improve Your Child’s Athleticism at Home (Simple & Effective Drills!)
Listen to this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast.
Listen Now »When’s the BEST Time to Do Speed Drills? Here’s What Coaches Get Wrong (and How to Fix It)
Speed training for young athletes is often done at the wrong time , preventing them from getting faster, more explosive, and improving sprint speed . In this episode, we break down the biggest…
Listen Now »5 Warning Signs Your Athlete is Falling Behind (And What To Do)
In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, Coach Edwards breaks down 5 critical warning signs that your young athlete might be struggling—and how to turn things around. These…
Listen Now »How to Develop Athleticism in Youth: The #1 Overlooked Tip for Improving Youth Sports Performance
In this episode, Coach Edwards brings you a critical insight into youth athletic development that many coaches and parents miss. We revisit a game changing approach to improving young athletes'…
Listen Now »Best Hamstring Strengthening Exercises Young Female Athletes
In today’s episode, we dive into the two best exercises to help young athletes strengthen their hamstrings—especially important for preventing ACL injuries in female athletes. We break down the…
Listen Now »Why Screen Drop Jump Test: ACL Prevention
In today’s episode, we dive into the two best exercises to help young athletes strengthen their hamstrings—especially important for preventing ACL injuries in female athletes. We break down the…
Listen Now »How to Improve Speed and Acceleration for Young Athletes at Home: Simple, Effective Tips
In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, Coach Edwards dives into actionable strategies for parents looking to improve their child's speed and acceleration at home. Discover…
Listen Now »The Foundation of Athletic Performance: Why Foot and Ankle Strength Matter for Young Athletes
In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, Coach Edwards dives into actionable strategies for parents looking to improve their child's speed and acceleration at home. Discover…
Listen Now »Andy Dooley’s Journey: Faith, Family, and the Path to Purpose
In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network, Coach David Edwards chats with Andy Dooley about his remarkable journey from college sports to becoming a Seattle Seahawks in game host,…
Listen Now »Tempo Training: The Secret to Better Athletic Performance
In this episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network, Coach David Edwards chats with Andy Dooley about his remarkable journey from college sports to becoming a Seattle Seahawks in game host,…
Listen Now »Mastering Speed and Agility: Tips for Young Athletes
Today, we're revisiting the highlights from our winter and early spring Speed School program. Even though we're in the midst of summer, the tips and techniques we'll share are timeless and can be…
Listen Now »Unlocking Peak Performance: The Mental Edge for Young Athletes
Today, we're revisiting the highlights from our winter and early spring Speed School program. Even though we're in the midst of summer, the tips and techniques we'll share are timeless and can be…
Listen Now »Mastering Football Development: Essential Tips for Aspiring High School Offensive Linemen
On today's episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Tyrone Bruce Jr., a former college football player and current high school football coach. Tune in and listen to his experiences, from…
Listen Now »Throwback Episode: Essential Off-Season Training Tips for Young Athletes
In this special throwback episode of Network Nation, we revisit an insightful conversation on the critical importance of off season training for young athletes. If you're a coach or parent of…
Listen Now »Unlocking Young Athletes' Potential: Athleticism vs. Sport-Specific Skills
In this throwback episode of the Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast, we revisit a timeless discussion that sparked significant interest among our listeners—coaches and parents of young…
Listen Now »Youth Basketball Development
Are you a coach or parent of a budding basketball player eager to see them excel? Tune in to today's episode of Network Nation, where we dive into key strategies to enhance young athletes' basketball…
Listen Now »Top Tips for Developing Young Female Athletes | Coaching & Parenting Advice
What's up, everyone? Coach Edwards here with the new show version of our Network Nation podcast called "Coaches Corner." In this episode, we're excited to introduce two of our own team members who…
Listen Now »Mastering the Hip Hinge: Essential for Every Young Athlete's Success
Are you a coach or parent of a budding basketball player eager to see them excel? Tune in to today's episode of Network Nation, where we dive into key strategies to enhance young athletes' basketball…
Listen Now »Youth Football Development
Are you a coach or parent of a budding basketball player eager to see them excel? Tune in to today's episode of Network Nation, where we dive into key strategies to enhance young athletes' basketball…
Listen Now »Does Strength Training Stunt Growth
Welcome to the Developing Young Athletes Network podcast, where we're diving into the age old question: Does strength training stunt the growth of young athletes? Join Coach Edwards as he tackles…
Listen Now »The POWER of mastering the SIMPLE Things
Join Coach Edwards as we explore the power of SIMPLICITY in sports development, offering expert advice and practical tips to nurture passion, build resilience, and guide young athletes toward…
Listen Now »How to Improve Athleticism
Welcome back to the Developing Young Athletes Network Coach Edwards is back with expert advice on enhancing your child's athleticism. In this episode, he breaks down age specific strategies and…
Listen Now »Coaching Girls Middle School Basketball
How do you coach girls' middle school basketball? Especially if you are a first time basketball coach. Today, we will provide great tips for coaching youth girl's basketball. How to structure…
Listen Now »Tempo Training For Young Athlete Development
Tune in today to learn why every young athlete MUST know how to tempo train. Listen as I explain the benefits and how this can make any young athlete a better performer.
Listen Now »Top 3 Ways Coaches Can Build Athletes Trust
Building trust is critical to having success in coaching and developing young athletes. Today I will provide you with the top 3 things you must do to build trust and team cohesion as a coach.
Listen Now »The POWER of Building Self-Confidence
Today I bring back to you one of our top episodes on ways to improve your athlete's self confidence. This comes from a TED talk speaker who will provide you with some invaluable information.
Listen Now »How to Improve Top End Speed Development
How can I increase my top end speed? What are some good speed drills I can use with my athletes this summer? Today I discuss a proven method that has made young athletes faster.
Listen Now »Off-Season Training For Young Athletes
Do you want to make sure your young athlete has a productive off season. What is a key age to start and what are some key goals I should focus on and what to avoid.
Listen Now »Having a Off-Season Plan
Having a plan in the off season is not only important but is necessary. How do you manage it and know that your plan is truly working? Tune in to learn critical information you don't want to miss.
Listen Now »Neuromuscular Training Off-Season Benefits
Neuromuscular training. How can it help my child or athletes in the off season? And why is it a critical piece to all athletes reaching their optimal performance? Tune in to learn the answer to these…
Listen Now »Off-Season Training For Athletes
Off Season Training. What is it? Why is it important? And how can it help any young athlete be a better athlete? Tune in today to learn this and more great advice.
Listen Now »Easy ACL Injury Risk Home Test
Want to learn a simple test that can be done at home in less than 2 minutes to tell you if a female athlete is at potential risk of an ACL injury. Tune in to find out.
Listen Now »How Does Stability Improve Sports Performance
How does stability improve sports performance? What is stability? Why is it important? What can I do right now to improve my athlete's stability? Tune in today to learn critical advice for athletes,…
Listen Now »How Can Learning Proper Movement Prevent Sports Injuries
Can learning proper movement help prevent sports injuries? Today I’m going show you how with a SIMPLE method that can be used by coaches or parents anywhere at any time without equipment. And learn…
Listen Now »3 Most Common Youth Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them
According to the CDC, approximately 50% of youth sports injuries are preventable through education and awareness. Today's episode focus is on answering these questions. Can you avoid common sports…
Listen Now »Top 10 ways to prevent sports injuries with young athletes (2022)
The month of April is National Sports Safety Month. Tune in to learn Top10 ways to keep your athlete injury free. Every week this month, we will provide you with great information to keep your…
Listen Now »Life Lessons and Young Athlete Development
Tune in today to learn some great advice from one of the best athletes in the history of sports, the late great Kobe Bryant, about how life lessons helped him be a great athlete and a great…
Listen Now »Top Exercises And Drills That Can Improve Acceleration
Today we go over key exercises and drills that can improve speed and acceleration. Tune in to learn a great strategy that you can use to train your athletes.
Listen Now »Why Acceleration is Important in Field and Court Sport
Certain skills are crucial to helping young athletes reach their fullest potential when it comes to field and court sports. Today I will go over why the SKILL of Acceleration is essential. Tune in…
Listen Now »How To Find The Right Coach
How do you know if a coach or trainer is a good fit for your athlete(s) or child? Today I discuss some essential tips that can help with this process. Tune in to hear what is sometimes overlooked,…
Listen Now »Strength Training For Young Athletes Part 2
Tune in to part 2 of our final series on strength training for young athletes. Learn why strength plays a significant role in improving speed and power as we go over various types of strength and a…
Listen Now »Strength Training For Young Athletes Part 1
Today is part of a 2 part series on strength training for young athletes. Tune in to learn how strength plays a critical role in young athletes' development and performance. Learn why every athlete…
Listen Now »Improve Athletic Performance With the Athletic Stance
When giving an athlete a slight edge in performance, some key components have to be developed. The athletic stance is a critical position that is used in every sport. Tune in to learn why it has to…
Listen Now »How Can Athletes Overcome Obstacles
Sometimes learning a new skill or task can seem like an insurmountable obstacle, especially when there is a sense of urgency to achieve a goal or dream. Today I bring you a great analogy of how to…
Listen Now »Self Image and Athlete Performance
How does self image impact athlete performance? How do we improve it? Learning why this is a crucial component to a young athlete's long term development is critical to their success. Tune in as I…
Listen Now »Total Body Awareness
To watch an athlete change their body position in the air to take a shot or to keep their feet in bounds to make a catch is fun to watch. It sometimes leaves us asking ourselves how did they do that?…
Listen Now »Eccentric Muscle Training
Eccentric strength training is an essential strength training component that is often overlooked with young athlete development. Tune in to learn why it is important and some key exercises that can…
Listen Now »Is it best to learn a skill or multiple skills at once?
Is it better to focus on one skill or have several skills to focus on at once? Today I answer this question and provide key proven steps necessary for all athletes to reach their optimal level of…
Listen Now »The Power of Words in Athlete Development
Have you ever wondered how words can impact athlete development and performance? Tune in today as I discussed the power of two words and how these words have affected the lives of many around the…
Listen Now »How to Develop a Better Athlete
What do you do if your child is not that talented at a sport? Please tune in to hear my answer to a great question a father asked me of a young athlete.
Listen Now »Fun Easy Drill to Improve Hand-Eye Coordination
I bring back a great training tip to improve hand eye coordination on today's throwback Friday. This simple drill can be done with athletes of all ages using a tennis ball.
Listen Now »The Power of Words With Young Athlete Development
Do words truly have power? Is there something you can say to every athlete that is often neglected to help with their mental and physical performance? Today I talk about a powerful word that has been…
Listen Now »Great Core Exercise For Young Athletes
Tune in today to learn about a great core exercise for young athletes that is a whole body exercise that works the core and involves limb coordination and postural body control.
Listen Now »Importance of Being Action Oriented
Why is it important for a young athlete to be action oriented? How is this necessary for their success? This episode is a must for everyone. Find out answers to these questions plus some advice on…
Listen Now »Athlete Shin Splints
What are shin splints? How long do shin splints usually last? Today I will answer these questions based on my experience coaching young athletes this season. Learn some great tips on how to prevent…
Listen Now »Soccer Player Attributes
I revisit a great interview with a former professional soccer player and current Division I head soccer coach on today's episode. We discussed five critical attributes of a good soccer player. Tune…
Listen Now »Youth Coaching Tips
How can I improve my coaching skills? How can I be a better athlete? One thing that I have learned is that the path of success always leaves clues. I bring back a great episode that offers excellent…
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