“They already have sport”: Do young athletes really need extra strength training?

Neven Antic • July 9, 2026

A common line from Adelaide parents:


“They already train twice a week and play on weekends. Isn’t that enough?”



Sometimes it is. Often, it isn’t.


Sport teaches skills, not always strength

Three people doing dumbbell wall sits against a tan wall, indoors.

Team trainings focus on:

  • Tactics
  • Game plans
  • Skills with the ball

What often gets missed:

  • Fundamental strength
  • Running mechanics
  • Jumping and landing technique
  • Balanced development left and right

That’s why some kids try hard but still get pushed around.


Strength is the "engine" behind their skills

With better kids strength training in Adelaide and movement, kids:

  • Accelerate faster
  • Change direction more cleanly
  • Handle contact better
  • Get fewer silly overload niggles


We build this in JuniorGym Academy with small groups and structured youth strength training in Adelaide.


Volume vs quality

We’re not adding mindless load on top of a busy schedule.


We look at:

  • How many trainings and games they already have
  • Where they’re sore or struggling
  • What their goals are



Then we layer in 1–2 quality strength and movement sessions per week, not 5.


When extra strength makes sense

It’s most helpful if your child:



  • Is on the edge of higher squads
  • Gets pushed off the ball easily
  • Looks uncoordinated despite lots of sport
  • Is picking up repeat niggles

Want to know if your child actually needs extra training?

If you’re unsure whether more strength is right or “too much”:

Book a JuniorGym Assessment.



We’ll look at their movement, current schedule and goals, then give you a clear yes/no on whether JuniorGym is appropriate now.


More Posts

By Neven Antic • October 1, 2026
See the 10 questions Adelaide parents should ask before enrolling their child in a gym, and how D8's JuniorGym Academy answers each one.
By Neven Antic • September 24, 2026
Compare strength training to Pilates, yoga and bootcamps for Adelaide adults 35+, and see why strength training is the foundation of lasting results.
By Neven Antic • September 17, 2026
Help your non-sporty teen gain confidence with strength training at JuniorGym Academy. Book a session today!
By Neven Antic • September 10, 2026
Learn to balance your multisport teen's training load to prevent burnout. Book an Athlete Assessment for tailored strength training today!
By Neven Antic • September 3, 2026
Learn how couples can train together successfully at D8. Book a Strong Start fit/gameplan call for personalized training plans!
By Neven Antic • August 27, 2026
Learn safe strength training for over 60s with arthritis or joint replacements. Join ForeverStrength for tailored programs today!
More Posts

Need Help With Your Fitness or Health?

If you are stuck with your fitness or health and want to change that, then reach out to see if our 21Day KickStarter would be a good fit for you. We have helped 100's of clients improve their health and fitness and would love to find out more about your unique needs.

21-Day Kickstarter