Developing Young Athletes Network Podcast

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 middle school, high school — and even 8-year-old athletes. You'll learn: How athletes without big social media followings are still making money What parents need to ask before their athlete signs any deal...

We're bringing back one of our most valuable episodes from the archives — and for good reason. In this throwback, Dr. Tamara Huff, orthopedic surgeon and passionate advocate for youth health, breaks down why bone health in young athletes is often overlooked but absolutely essential. From her early days as a soccer player to performing joint replacements and educating the next generation, Dr. Huff...

🎙️ 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 cover: Why basic foot and ankle strength is non-negotiable The hidden performance benefits of lower leg training How strong feet improve sprinting, change of direction, and injury prevention What drills...

Want to know if your child is on track to reach their full athletic potential? There's a simple way to find out—right at home! 🏠💪 In this podcast, I'm breaking down key athletic tests you can do with your child right now to measure speed, power, and strength—without fancy equipment. These tests will help you:  ✅ Identify strengths & weaknesses ✅ Track progress over time ✅ Improve explosivenes...

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 mistake coaches make when training speed, when to schedule speed drills for maximum results , and why fatigue is the #1 killer of speed development ! In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ The best time to train...

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 aren't just tips; they're actionable strategies designed for parents and coaches to help young athletes thrive. Topics Covered: Identifying poor movement patterns and why they matter. The surprising co...

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' performance across sports. Coach Edwards explains why foundational movement patterns—often skipped over—are essential for building speed, agility, and strength while reducing the risk of injury. If you're a...

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 Nordic Hamstring Curl and the Hamstring Curl Bridge, explaining how they improve the posterior chain, enhance speed, and prevent common sports injuries. Learn how to progress these movements and ensure prop...

ACL injuries are a major concern in youth sports, with up to 80% being non-contact and affecting female athletes 5 times more than males. In this episode, we break down the importance of the Drop Jump Test in preventing injuries and enhancing athletic performance. Learn how improper landing mechanics, like knee valgus and trunk collapse, can lead to injuries and why screening for these issues is c...

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 how to use simple techniques like maximum effort sprints and resistance runs to tap into your young athlete's fast-twitch muscle fibers. Learn about proper dynamic warm-ups, recovery times, and why sho...

We're throwing it back to one of our most popular episodes! In this fan-favorite, Coach Edwards dives into the often-overlooked importance of foot and ankle strength in young athletes. These foundational areas are critical for speed, agility, and injury prevention, with over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting every athletic movement. From improving sprint times to enhancing jump height...

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, social media influencer and his most recent book Lead With Faith Play with Purpose. Andy shares the role of faith, family, and consistent effort in achieving his dreams, offering invaluable lessons for ath...

Unlock the full potential of your young athlete with our latest podcast episode, "Tempo Training: The Secret to Better Athletic Performance." 🎙️💪 In this episode, Coach David Edwards delves deep into the transformative power of tempo training for youth athletes. Discover how this crucial training method can enhance strength, control, and overall performance by focusing on the three phases of musc...

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 applied right now to help your young athletes improve their speed and agility. Join us as we unpack the secrets to success from our Speed School, featuring practical advice and inspiring success stories T...

In this special throwback episode, we revisit a captivating interview with Amanda Clements, a former Division I gymnast turned certified mental performance coach. Amanda shares her journey and reveals key mental performance strategies that can be applied by young athletes today to enhance their game and overall well-being. This episode is packed with valuable insights for coaches and parents of at...

 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 playing high school football in Texas to his transformative college years in Michigan. He discusses the importance of physical fitness, mental resilience, and the pivotal role of coaching in shaping young a...

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 athletes aged 8-17, this episode is packed with practical strategies and systems to elevate your athlete's performance. Discover how to create a comprehensive off-season training plan that focuses on physical...

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 athletes aged 8-18. Coach Edwards addresses a crucial question: Should we prioritize raw athleticism or sport-specific skills in young athletes? Delve into the nuances of athletic development and discover why...

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 skills with insights from a current college basketball player. Discover the importance of work ethic, strength training, and skill development at an early age. We emphasize the significance of having...

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 are also former collegiate athletes.    Diiscover the best practices in sports performance, strength and conditioning, and injury prevention, specifically tailored for young female athletes. Our episodes...

Unlock the secret to unlocking your young athlete's full potential and safeguarding their future on the field. Coach Edwards dives deep into the often overlooked yet critical movement pattern: the hip hinge. In this episode, discover why mastering the hip hinge is paramount for enhancing athletic performance and reducing the risk of injuries, even at a young age. With insights drawn from working d...

Embark on a journey through the world of youth football development as we revisit an insightful interview with Coach Donald, now one of our esteemed athlete development coaches at the DYA Network. Reflecting on his journey from player to coach, Coach Donald shares invaluable lessons drawn from his experiences on and off the field. Dive into the conversation as he candidly discusses the transition...

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 this myth head-on, separating fact from fiction. Get ready to uncover the truth behind this widely debated topic. Discover the science behind growth plates, the real causes of growth plate fractures, and...

 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 excellence. Tune in now for invaluable insights on cultivating a champion mindset in every young athlete.

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 exercises, emphasizing the importance of coordination in athletic development. Don't miss out on this valuable guidance to unlock your child's full potential! Tune in now and join the journey to athletic e...