MEDIA REVIEW

Athletic Fitness for Kids

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 author's begin the book with an overview and rationale of their methods and overview of 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 behind 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.

Contents

Chapter 1. The Athletic Fitness Method
Chapter 2. Set Up the Program
Chapter 3. Improve Flexibility
Chapter 4. Gain Coordination
Chapter 5. Build Balance
Chapter 6. Boost Stamina
Chapter 7. Increase Strength
Chapter 8. Maximize Speed
Chapter 9. Enhance Agility

Reviewer 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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