Drafted with the No. 20 pick overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Nick Schmaltz made his professional debut on Oct. 12, 2016. Q&A With Chicago Blackhawks forward Nick Schmaltz At a young age, Nick Schmaltz knew he wanted to play college hockey. The Madison, Wisconsin, native grew up idolizing players at […]

How to clarify expectations, establish realistic goals, and set a positive tone for the season

Parents, coaches, and trainers are constantly debating the pros and cons of early specialization among youth athletes. Many parents believe that if their children are going to have any chance of earning an athletic scholarship to college one day they simply have to become a master of one sport as soon as possible. Having an […]

A few weeks ago we came across this New York Times story about a high school soccer player who was being recruited for a college team. Now obviously high school athletes get scouted and recruited every day, but the real crux of this story is that this soccer player is only 15. She’s a freshman but, “Before […]

If you don’t have access to a gym or performance training coach, there are still ways to improve at home. Take your game to the next level with this equipment-free home workout to improve your vertical jump. Warm Up (3 Rounds): 5 Burpees, 10 Air Squats, 12 Lunges Lateral Hops: First cycle to be performed […]

It seems crazy that a fear of failure could actually lead to more failure, right? But sometimes athletes are so afraid of making mistakes they freeze on the field and actually end up making mistakes they would never make otherwise. A little pressure is good because it forces athletes to step up their game, but if you […]

High school football season is just around the corner and that means teams are ramping up their practice schedule. Some high school football players might have been attending camps all summer, working on their strength and conditioning in the high school weight room, playing another summer sport to stay active and more. But once football […]

Junior beach coaches need to do their part to continue challenging their athletes and finding ways to incorporate technical training, as well as strength and agility training into each practice. Transitioning from high school to college is no easy feat. Competing in varsity collegiate beach volleyball is a goal that many junior beach athletes work […]

One of the most valuable life lessons that youth sports can teach children is that when you want to win you have to work hard; and that those who work hard will be rewarded. Showing up to practice on time, always giving your best and playing well as a team will ultimately result in success. But […]

Verbal abuse from parents and coaches attributed as one of the causes