When it comes to improving your child’s athletic performance, especially in areas like speed, strength, and power, parents often overlook one of the simplest and most effective strategies for success: getting around others chasing the same goals. As we say “Birds of a feather flock together.”
This principle isn’t exclusive to sports—it’s a proven strategy for personal and professional growth across all walks of life. Let’s explore why the company you keep dramatically influences your outcomes and how youth athletes can use this to their advantage.
The Science of Social Influence
Humans are inherently social creatures. Research has consistently shown that the people around us significantly shape our habits, behaviors, and aspirations. Psychologists call this phenomenon social facilitation—where simply being in the presence of others striving for excellence pushes you to perform better.
For example:
- In fitness: A study published in Nature Human Behaviour revealed that people who exercise in groups are more likely to stick to their routines and achieve better results than those who work out alone.
- In academics: Students who spend time with high-achieving peers are more likely to develop stronger study habits and improve their grades.
- In business: Entrepreneurs who join mastermind groups often see accelerated growth, thanks to the collective accountability, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration from their peers.
Why This Works for Youth Athletes
1. Shared Energy and Motivation
Training alongside others creates an environment of positive competition. When one teammate sets a personal best in a sprint or lifts heavier in the gym, it inspires others to push harder. This shared energy becomes contagious, turning every session into an opportunity for growth.
2. Accountability
When you’re part of a group, skipping a workout or slacking off isn’t just letting yourself down—it’s letting down the team. This accountability keeps young athletes consistent, which is key to long-term progress in speed, strength, and power development.
3. Faster Learning Through Shared Knowledge
Training groups provide a built-in feedback loop. An athlete struggling with a particular movement or skill can learn from others who’ve already mastered it. This collective problem-solving accelerates learning and avoids the pitfalls of going it alone.
Lessons from Other Fields
The Power of Bands and Music Groups
Musicians who practice in bands often improve faster than solo artists. Why? In a group setting, each member’s performance impacts the whole. This dynamic fosters discipline, collaboration, and creativity—qualities equally essential for athletes striving to reach their peak.
The Surge of Co-Working Spaces for Entrepreneurs
The rise of co-working spaces like WeWork highlights the benefits of working alongside like-minded individuals. Entrepreneurs thrive in environments where they can network, exchange ideas, and feed off each other’s drive. Similarly, youth athletes surrounded by peers chasing excellence are more likely to adopt the habits needed for success.
How to Leverage This for Youth Athletes
- Join a Team or Training Group
Seek out clubs, academies, or even informal groups where athletes with similar goals train together. The camaraderie and collective energy can be transformative. - Engage in Friendly Competitions
Track your progress — not in a cutthroat way, but to motivate each other. Celebrate wins collectively, whether it’s a faster sprint time or a new strength milestone. - Find Role Models Within the Group
Surround yourself with peers who exemplify discipline, work ethic, and positivity. Being close to these role models creates a natural pull toward better habits.
Conclusion
In life and sport, success is rarely a solo endeavor. As the saying goes “No man is an island.” By surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals—whether teammates, training partners, or coaches— you tap into a powerful support system that fuels growth, consistency, and resilience.
For youth athletes striving to increase speed, strength, and power, this is more than a hack—it’s a cornerstone of success. So, step into environments where greatness is the goal, and watch how far the collective momentum can take you.
Ready to train smarter and stronger together? Join The Athlete Academy and experience the power of a like-minded community firsthand!
Yours in sport,
Rob Anderson
2024 UKSCA Strength & Conditioning Coach of the Year for Youth Sport
