Hot take: maybe it’s better to train hard but not grind?
have a U15 MLS Next AD player and lately I’ve been rethinking the whole “you have to outwork everyone” mentality.
For a while, I was probably pushing a little too much. Extra tournaments, extra sessions, always thinking about what more he “should” be doing. But recently I’ve stepped back a bit, and honestly, I’m starting to wonder if he actually has a healthier approach than me!
His schedule is still solid:
3 club trainings a week
usually 1 private technical session
lifts around 3x a week because he genuinely enjoys the gym
But he’s also someone who prioritizes academics, recovery, sleep, and listening to his body. If something feels off physically, he doesn’t just push through it to prove he’s working hard enough.
And when I really step back and look at that, I actually think that’s pretty mature and smart.
I used to have the whole “eventually people are going to outwork you” conversation with him. And maybe there’s some truth to that. But I’m also starting to wonder if youth sports culture sometimes overvalues constant grinding and undervalues balance, recovery, and sustainability.
His goals are realistic too, at least I think so. We’re probably talking D2/D3 potential, not “future pro” expectations.
So now I’m curious what others think. Is there something to be said for training smart, staying healthy, and keeping the sport enjoyable instead of constantly chasing more?