What are age-appropriate strength and conditioning exercises for young athletes?
As an athletic coach, I always recommend age-appropriate strength and conditioning exercises for young athletes. These exercises should focus on developing overall strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. Here are some examples of exercises based on different age groups:

6-8 years old:
1. Squat jumps
2. Plank hold
3. Lunges
4. Wall push-ups
5. Bear crawls

9-12 years old:
1. Box jumps
2. Plyometric push-ups
3. Single-leg deadlifts
4. Side plank with hip lifts

For young athletes, age-appropriate strength and conditioning exercises should focus on developing proper form, balance, and coordination, while minimizing the risk of injury. Here are some exercises that can be used with young athletes:

1. Bodyweight exercises: Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are great exercises that can be done without any additional equipment. They help build strength and stability in the upper and lower body.

2. Running drills: Incorporate various running drills such as sprints, agility ladder drills, and cone drills to improve speed, agility, and coordination.

