My nephew, who is going to be 14 in a few weeks, has football practice every day for 2 1/2 hours.
He also is expected to lift before practice. He’s already a hard worker, and has potential to be good in football.
My question, how often are football players at his age lifting? Are they lifting every day before practice, especially a 2 1/2 hour practice? This seems like a lot for a 14 year old. In fact, he mentioned he’s running out of gas during practice and his coach has called him out for this.
I’m thinking he should be lifting on off days. Thoughts?
might be hard to lift weights while running around and throwing a football. hands too busy
Hmm, I’m actually in football season right now aswell, practice everday for 2 1/2 hours. We dont lift but its highschool football and i’m a starter linebacker so i’m constantly working my ass off. I still try to get into the gym 4x a week just to atleast maintain the size i have if not gain muscle.
Giving him simple supps like BCAAS Complex carbs and advanced multi vits+fish oils+ plenty of sleep and food should make it not a problem for him, at 14 lifting twice a day and football, seems pretty harsh. I know i’m constantly sore and tired, but it’s part of the game 
IN ANSWER to your question for that age, it may be too much, definitely shouldn’t be lifting 2x a day+ footballs. Unless he’s eating 3 cows and sleeping 15 hours a night.
I would avoid lifting before practice if I could, but it doesn’t sound like he can avoid it. If I could I would lift before school and/or on Saturdays. He should be able to adjust eventually, though.
Keep him lifting strong in the offseason. It will pay off if he has the dedication.
It’s tough to say because times have changed. I went to high school 16 yrs ago and we used to lift before practice. Looking back now, it just drained us and was counter productive. You can’t run fast when you just squatted a shitload. I don’t think it’s the best approach but it is what is known to be old school.
sounds stupid and counter-propductive… better off lifting in the morning and allowing time to pass and food to be consumed before a 2nd workout
[quote]Mouldsie wrote:
stupid and counter-productive…[/quote]
Agreed.
In addition, I think food is paramount at this stage, and lots of it.
Lifting is probably a good idea, but I wouldn’t do too much of it. Short sessions with basic movements… And based around times that don’t conflict too heavily with practice. I might suggest 2 morning sessions during the week, Friday after practice and Saturdays. Sunday completely off.
Of course, this is all based on the theory that this kid knows how to lift properly at this age.
As his Uncle, I think it’s your responsibility to make sure this is so, and to feed the kid every time you see him.
And then I’d wish I had an Uncle like you when I was a kid.