Coach's Lab with John Murphy Should Youth Athletes Do Running Without The Ball
In this episode, we dive deep into a controversial topic in youth coaching: Should young players, particularly U14 to Minor, engage in isolated conditioning — running without the ball?
We explore:
How background and past experiences shape coaching opinions
Survey results from coaches, parents, and athletes
Why context — not tradition — should dictate your conditioning choices
The hidden cost of focusing on fitness over skill development
How to support multi-sport players without overloading them
When isolated running might be beneficial (and how to frame it positively)
Real stories from coaching mistakes and lessons learned
Why balancing fitness, skill, and tactical awareness is key to long-term success
👉 Whether you’re a GAA coach, a parent, or a sports educator, this episode will help you make better decisions that truly support young athletes' development — not just in fitness, but in their future careers too.