How to Choose the Right Athletic Training Program

A comprehensive guide to evaluating and selecting the best training program for your athlete.

Choosing the right athletic training program is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your athlete's development. The right program accelerates performance, builds confidence, and creates foundation for long-term success. The wrong program wastes time and money, or worse, creates injury risk or burnout.

This guide provides a systematic approach to evaluating training programs and making an informed decision. Whether you're a parent choosing for a youth athlete, a teen athlete selecting your own program, or an adult/professional seeking performance optimization, these steps will help you choose wisely.

9 Steps to Choosing the Right Program:

1

Identify Your Athlete's Age and Development Stage

Different age groups require different training approaches. Youth athletes (7-12) need foundational development. Teen athletes (13-18) can handle more intensive training. Adults and professionals require specialized programming. Choose programs designed specifically for your athlete's age group.

2

Define Clear Goals and Objectives

Determine what you want to achieve: general athletic development, sport-specific performance, college recruiting preparation, professional edge, or injury prevention and recovery. Clear goals help you evaluate whether a program matches your needs.

3

Evaluate Training Methodology

Research the program's training philosophy. Look for science-based approaches (like nervous system training) rather than trendy workouts. Ask about the rationale behind exercise selection and progression systems. Quality programs can explain why they do what they do.

4

Check Trainer Qualifications and Experience

Verify that trainers have relevant certifications (CSCS, performance training credentials) and experience with your athlete's age group and sport. Ask about trainer-to-athlete ratios and supervision levels during sessions.

5

Assess Facility Equipment and Environment

Quality facilities have appropriate equipment: speed turf for agility work, proper weight equipment, testing systems for tracking progress. The environment should be focused on training (not a social club) but positive and supportive.

6

Review Testing and Progress Tracking Systems

Good programs objectively measure progress through regular testing. Ask what metrics are tracked, how often testing occurs, and whether you'll receive performance reports. Avoid programs that don't measure results—they can't prove effectiveness.

7

Consider Schedule and Location Logistics

The best program is worthless if your athlete can't attend consistently. Evaluate training session times, location convenience, and scheduling flexibility. Consistent attendance (2-3 times per week) is more important than the 'perfect' program you can't consistently access.

8

Try a Free Assessment or Trial Session

Quality programs offer trial sessions or free assessments. Use this opportunity to evaluate coaching quality, training environment, and whether your athlete responds well to the coaching style. Watch how trainers interact with athletes and handle corrections.

9

Evaluate Results and Make Informed Decision

After your trial period, assess: Does your athlete enjoy training? Are you seeing measurable improvements? Is communication with trainers good? Does the investment match the value received? Use objective criteria to make your final decision.

Red Flags to Avoid

❌ No Credentials or Inexperienced Trainers

Athletic training requires expertise. Avoid programs where trainers lack relevant certifications or experience with your athlete's age group and sport.

❌ No Progress Testing or Measurement

If a program doesn't measure results objectively, they can't prove effectiveness or adjust when approaches aren't working.

❌ One-Size-Fits-All Programming

Quality programs individualize training based on age, sport, goals, and current fitness level. Generic programs ignore individual needs.

❌ Unrealistic Promises

Be skeptical of programs promising dramatic results in impossibly short timeframes. Real athletic development takes consistent effort over weeks and months.

Why Athletes Choose NST Sports

NST Sports was founded specifically to provide the highest level of athletic training to athletes at all levels. Here's how we meet every criterion for a quality training program:

  • Age-Specific Programming: Separate programs for youth (7-12), young adults (13-18), and professionals
  • Science-Based Methodology: NST is grounded in neuroscience, biomechanics, and sports performance research
  • Certified Trainers: All trainers hold relevant certifications and have extensive experience
  • Professional Testing: Laser timing, force plates, video analysis, and computer-based testing
  • Proven Results: Over 5,000 athletes trained with documented improvements
  • Four Ohio Locations: Convenient access throughout the state
  • Free Assessment: Try before you commit with no-obligation evaluation

Ready to Make an Informed Decision?

Schedule a free assessment and evaluate NST Sports using the criteria in this guide.

Schedule Free Assessment