MEDIA
REVIEW
Target Audience/Purpose: The target audience
is parents and/or coaches of young aspiring athletes ages
8-14 that desire to improve their overall athletic fitness.
The author's purpose is taking the seven areas of athletic
fitness (flexibility, balance, stamina, coordination, strength,
speed, and agility) and presenting creative, fun, and non-traditional
training methods that help young athletes improve and stay
engaged.
Content: The authors begin the book with
an overview and rationale of their methods and the book. The
authors also explain what is needed for the parent and/or
coach to start implementing this training program. Next, the
authors independently cover each of the components constituting
athletic fitness (flexibility, balance, stamina, coordination,
strength, speed, and agility). These chapters make up the
bulk of the book. Each chapter contains the component's definition,
rationale of importance, and progressive training program
that includes drills and competitions.
Strengths: There are a number of strengths
in this book. First, the authors clearly explain the rationale
of their program. Second, the authors lay out the training
drills for each component in a progressive manner that is
easy to follow. Third, photos of many of the drills help give
clarity. Fourth, there is definitely variety in the training
drills, as well as abundance, in order to keep interest among
young athletes.
Limitations: Limitations are part of any
publication. For this book, it would be helpful for a book
so rich in nontraditional training methods to have a dvd that
accompanies it, so that the reader can see a drill in action.
The photos and diagrams are helpful, but seeing a drill in
action may give clarity to readers.
Summary: On the whole, the book is well
written for several reasons. First, it is concise and easy
to understand. Second, the chapters covering each component
of athletic fitness are well designed. By providing definition
and rationale for each component, the authors lay a strong
foundation. Building upon that, the authors provide a creative,
comprehensive, fun, and progressive training program for each
component.
Recommendation: For a parent and/or coach
serious about enhancing the athletic fitness potential of
a young athlete, this is a book worth reading. Note, the book
is written for those serious about improving athletic fitness
because, as the authors clearly point out, time and resources
are needed to follow the program.
Biography
 After
graduating from Northwestern College Minnesota in May of 1991
with a B.S. in Physical Education, David Erickson began a
thirteen year career as a physical educator. David has taught
middle school, elementary, and K-12 Physical Education in
a wide variety of schools. These various types of schools
include: suburban public, rural private, inner-city charter,
and international schools in Singapore and China. Currently,
David is pursuing a PhD in Physical Education Pedagogy at
Arizona State University. David and his wife are best friends
and together have four children. They reside in Gilbert, AZ.
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