Strength vs. Skill: What's Best for Athlete Development? - Cedar Park Athlete Training
- Ben Lustig
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
As parents, we all want to give our kids every opportunity to succeed — whether it's making the team, standing out on the field, or earning a college scholarship down the line.
But one of the biggest questions I hear from parents here in Cedar Park is: “Should we be focusing more on developing their skills for their sport, or should they be working on strength and athleticism?”
The honest answer? It’s not an either-or — but strength is often the missing piece that holds athletes back.
Skill Gets Them Noticed. Strength Keeps Them There.
There’s no denying that technical skills — shooting, serving, dribbling, swinging — are critical. But here’s what most parents (and even some coaches) overlook:
The fastest, strongest athletes learn new skills faster.
The most durable athletes stay on the field/court longer.
Strength builds confidence, which translates directly to better performance.
In other words, your child’s skills can only take them as far as their body will allow.
Here’s What Happens When Strength Is Neglected:
Recurring injuries that never seem to go away
Slower speed and poor explosiveness
Struggles with confidence and physical presence
Difficulty keeping up as competition levels rise
Unfortunately, I’ve seen talented kids across Cedar Park, Leander, and Round Rock lose their love for the game because their bodies weren’t prepared for the demands of higher-level sports.
Strength Training Is the Foundation — Skill Builds on Top of It
When your athlete develops strength the right way, you’ll notice:
Faster sprint speed and better agility
More powerful throws, jumps, and swings
Fewer injuries and quicker recovery
Increased confidence during competition
It’s not about turning your young athlete into a bodybuilder — it’s about making them strong, resilient, and ready to thrive in their sport.
What Should Parents Do?
If your child is serious about sports, don’t leave their development up to chance.
Your athlete should continue to practice their sport and hone in on their sport-specific skills, but it's imperative that strength & conditioning is part of the equation.
This approach develops and improves long-term development, the answer to a long and successful athletic career.
Our Training Brings Cedar Park & Leander Athletes to the Next Level in Sport Performance
At Barbell Coalition, our training helps local Cedar Park & Leander athletes build strength, confidence, and resilience — without sacrificing their sport skills.
Whether your child plays baseball, volleyball, soccer, or swims competitively, we can help them lay the foundation for success.
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