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 How NIL rules differ by state and age Why NIL is more opportunity than obstacle — when you know how...
Jun 13, 2025•32 min•Season 6Ep. 364
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 shares personal stories, expert insights, and actionable tips for parents, coaches, and athletes. Le...
May 05, 2025•29 min•Season 6Ep. 363
🎙️ 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 actually work (and which ones don’t) If you're coaching youth athletes and ignoring the feet, you'...
Apr 14, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 362
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 explosiveness, speed, and coordination We’ll cover: ⚡ Broad Jump – Measure explosive power ⚡ Speed Test – Find o...
Mar 10, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 361
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 speed for young athletes ⏳ ✅ Why doing speed drills at the end of practice is a mistake 🚫 ✅ How spri...
Feb 05, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 360
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 connection between energy crashes and performance. Why speed is a skill—and how consistent training can...
Dec 02, 2024•8 min•Season 6Ep. 359
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 coach or parent eager to help your young athlete excel, don’t miss this powerful lesson on building...
Nov 04, 2024•8 min•Season 6Ep. 358
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 proper technique. Whether you're a coach or parent, this episode is packed with actionable tips to boost...
Oct 21, 2024•3 min•Season 6Ep. 357
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 crucial for young athletes. Plus, get tips on how parents and coaches can perform this simple test at...
Oct 14, 2024•6 min•Season 6Ep. 356
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 short bursts of speed training can make a big impact on their performance. Whether your child is in bas...
Oct 01, 2024•10 min•Season 6Ep. 355
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, Coach Edwards shares practical exercises and insights on why foot and ankle training is essential ...
Sep 13, 2024•27 min•Season 6Ep. 354
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 athletes, coaches, and parents.
Aug 26, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 353
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 muscle activation: eccentric, isometric, and concentric. Coach Edwards shares practical insights and re...
Aug 19, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 352
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 Tune in to discover: The critical role of technique in speed training Effective drills for enhancing ...
Jul 22, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 351
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 athletes aged 8-18, providing actionable tips to help young athletes develop mental toughness and conf...
Jul 15, 2024•28 min•Season 6Ep. 350
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 athletes. Perfect for coaches and parents seeking valuable insights to help their young athletes excel...
Jul 01, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 350
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 literacy, strength, speed, power, agility, and recovery. Learn to measure and manage progress effec...
Jun 24, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 349
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 nurturing overall athletic ability often trumps early specialization in sports. Key insights includ...
Jun 12, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 349
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 fun while learning, managing adversity, and building a resilient mindset. You'll also get practical ...
Jun 03, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 348
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 provide actionable insights on topics such as: Youth Sports Training: Effective techniques for strengt...
May 28, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 348
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 directly with a diverse range of athletes, Coach Edwards unveils the common pitfalls and consequences...
May 13, 2024•14 min•Season 6Ep. 347
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 from middle school to high school football, the importance of mental preparation, and the significan...
May 06, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 346
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 why proper strength training may actually benefit young athletes. Don't miss out on this informative...
Apr 29, 2024•18 min•Season 6Ep. 345
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.
Apr 22, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 344
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 excellence.
Apr 15, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 343
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 practices, develop team culture, and great advice on how to build confidence in basketball. Tune in as my daughter and I give some excellent applicable advice for parents and coaches based on our experiences coaching middle school girls' basketball together.
Apr 08, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 342
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.
Jul 22, 2022•14 min•Season 5Ep. 341
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.
Jul 01, 2022•13 min•Season 5Ep. 336
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.
Jun 17, 2022•15 min•Season 5Ep. 335
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.
Jun 07, 2022•37 min•Season 5Ep. 334
