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Yes—young athletes should generally continue strength training during their sports season, with the program adjusted to their practices, games, and recovery needs.  The goal is to maintain the physical qualities they worked to develop and continue making progress when their schedule allows. For many families, the start of a season means training becomes the first thing removed from the calendar. Between practices, games, school, and travel, that decision is understandable. Bu

Athletes often ask a simple question: What exercises will make me more explosive, faster, and better at changing direction? The honest answer is that no single exercise creates athletic performance by itself. A bigger squat does not automatically produce a faster sprinter, and doing more box jumps does not guarantee a higher vertical jump. The best results come from training the physical qualities that each athletic action requires—and then teaching the athlete to apply those

Parents regularly ask whether their athletes are old enough to lift weights, whether speed can actually be improved and whether more training will interfere with their sport. The short answer is that young athletes can improve strength, speed, coordination and confidence when training is age-appropriate, progressive and properly coached. Training children like miniature professional athletes, however, is not the answer. At FAST Athletics, we train youth, middle-school, high-s

The start of the season is exciting—new teammates, new goals, more games. It’s also when a lot of athletes start making the same trade-off: “I’ll keep my stickhandling and skills.” “I don’t have time for strength and speed right now.” At FAST Athletics (www.getfastmn.com), we see what happens next way too often. Athletes spend months building strength and speed, then once games begin, they stop training those things completely. They do skill work during the season—because it’

Every athlete is unique. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we understand that a one-size-fits-all training plan does not help athletes reach their full potential. Instead, we start with testing. Testing reveals what an athlete needs most, allowing us to build a training program that fits them perfectly. Two athletes might play the same sport, be the same age, and even play the same position. Yet, their physical strengths and weaknesses can be very different. This is why testin

Strength training is a key part of becoming a better athlete. But the way you train changes as you grow and develop. What works for a middle school athlete is very different from what a pro athlete needs. I want to share how strength training should evolve from middle school through college and into the professional level. This approach helps young athletes build a strong foundation, avoid injury, and reach their full potential. Eye-level view of a young athlete practicing s

Rotational power is a game-changer for hockey players. It’s the secret behind explosive shots, quick turns, and powerful body checks. When you learn to move your body like a coiled spring, you unlock incredible torque that can take your game to the next level. In this article, I’ll break down the science of rotation, explain how your body activates during these movements, and share three key exercises that build rotational power. These moves target the muscles hockey players

Athletes often wonder why their speed doesn’t improve during the in-season, despite all the running and sprinting they do in practice. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we see this issue regularly. The main reason is that in-season practices focus more on conditioning for the sport rather than true speed development. Conditioning is crucial, but it doesn’t always help athletes get faster. Let me explain why and how you can fix this problem. Understanding Why Speed Doesn’t Impr

Athletes who want to move faster, change direction quickly, and stay injury-free need strong hips. One muscle stands out as a key player in all these movements: the glute medius. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we focus on developing this muscle because it supports balance, power, and control in every sport. Why the Glute Medius Matters in Sports The glute medius is a small but mighty muscle on the side of your hip. It plays a huge role in movements that involve lateral cha

Speed is a game-changer in almost every sport. Whether you’re sprinting down the field, chasing a ball, or making a quick break, faster movement can give you the edge you need to outperform your competition. I’ve spent years studying and applying speed development techniques, and I’m excited to share practical, actionable advice that can help athletes at any level improve their speed. This post will guide you through the essentials of speed training, from foundational exercis

Hannah Baskin’s story is one of dedication, growth, and success in girls’ hockey. Starting as an eighth grader training at FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, she has climbed the ranks to become a key player for the Duluth Bulldogs in Division 1 hockey. Now, she is making her mark in the professional world with the Toronto team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Let’s explore her path, the role of early training, and how her hard work has shaped her career. Eye-level

Training for sports is not just about working hard every day. It’s about working smart throughout the year. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we focus on planning your training so you can perform your best when it counts. This plan is called periodization. It helps you know when to work hard, when to rest, and when to peak for competitions. Why Having a Competition Calendar Matters The first step in planning your year is to know your competition dates. These are the days you w

Minnetonka hockey standout Rory Guilday built an elite career from Minnesota high school hockey at Minnetonka High School Skippers to NCAA Division I at Cornell Big Red women's ice hockey, winning a World Championship with Team USA, being drafted by the Ottawa Charge, and earning a spot on the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team.

Paige Kalal’s journey from a high school standout in Minnesota to a key player for Penn State’s women’s soccer team shows how focused off-season training can shape an athlete’s career. One important part of her development came from FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, where she honed her skills and physical fitness during crucial off-season periods. This post explores how FAST Athletics contributed to Paige’s growth, highlights her impressive soccer achievements, and shows how her

Speed is one of the most critical attributes in soccer. Whether you are sprinting down the wing, chasing a loose ball, or closing down an opponent, your ability to move quickly can make all the difference. Over the years, I have seen countless athletes transform their game by focusing on the speed training we do at FAST Athletics in Minnetonka. This post will dive deep into how you can enhance your soccer performance by improving your speed, with practical tips and proven met

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are a significant concern in soccer, especially among female athletes. These injuries can sideline players for months and sometimes even end promising careers. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we focus on a comprehensive approach that combines strength training with specific nervous system movements to reduce the risk of ACL injuries. Understanding the role of the hips, ankles, and feet in stabilizing the knee is crucial to this proce

When I first started sprinting, I quickly realized that raw speed alone wasn’t enough to excel. Sprinting is a science, a blend of power, precision, and technique. Mastering sprint mechanics is essential to unlock your full potential and avoid injury. Over the years, I’ve learned that expert sprint techniques coaching can transform your performance, no matter your age or experience level. In this post, I’ll share practical insights and actionable tips to help you master sprin

When it comes to unlocking your full athletic potential, the right training environment makes all the difference. I’ve seen firsthand how a focused, well-structured athletics training center can transform raw talent into refined skill and explosive performance. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to compete at the highest levels, the journey to peak performance demands dedication, expert guidance, and a supportive community. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to e

When it comes to youth sports performance training, Fast Athletics in Minnetonka offers some of the best opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills, speed, and coordination. As someone deeply invested in athletic development, I’ve seen firsthand how the right training environment can transform a young athlete’s potential into real results. FAST Athletics in Minnetonka is a prime example of a facility that combines expert coaching, tailored programs, and a suppor

When it comes to hockey, speed is not just an advantage - it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a youth athlete just starting out or a college-level player aiming to optimize your performance, developing explosive speed and agility can transform your game. At FAST Athletics in Minnetonka, we specialize in tailored speed training programs designed specifically for hockey players. I’m excited to share how our approach can help you or your athlete reach new heights on the ice. Why Sp