Youth Athlete Development

Youth sports should build athletes—and people—for the long haul. But too often, families are left navigating a maze of tryouts, schedules, misinformation, and hype with no real guide. That’s where this blog comes in.

I started Youth Athlete Development to give parents, coaches, and community leaders real tools—not clickbait, not pressure. Just evidence-backed strategies, local league breakdowns, and development tips rooted in how kids actually grow and learn.

From choosing the right program to tracking real progress, this is where we cut through the noise and focus on what works. For your athlete. For your family. For the long run.

Benefits and Best Activities: 3 Year Old Sports

Benefits and Best Activities: 3 Year Old Sports

I get the same question from parents with young children all the time. It goes something like, "What's the best sport for my 3 year old?" The short answer, I'm...

Benefits and Best Activities: 3 Year Old Sports

I get the same question from parents with young children all the time. It goes something like, "What's the best sport for my 3 year old?" The short answer, I'm...

What Age to Start Basketball?

What Age to Start Basketball?

A Science-Backed Answer for Parents Who Want to Do It Right If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “What’s the best age for my child to start basketball?”  You're not alone....

What Age to Start Basketball?

A Science-Backed Answer for Parents Who Want to Do It Right If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “What’s the best age for my child to start basketball?”  You're not alone....

Youth Basketball Teams in Encinitas, Carlsbad, and North County

Youth Basketball Teams in Encinitas, Carlsbad, ...

Over the years, I have become extremely familiar with most of the basketball club teams in San Diego, let alone Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Oceanside, and San Marcos...

Youth Basketball Teams in Encinitas, Carlsbad, ...

Over the years, I have become extremely familiar with most of the basketball club teams in San Diego, let alone Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Oceanside, and San Marcos...

How to Choose the Right Youth Basketball Club in San Diego: A Parent’s Guide

How to Choose the Right Youth Basketball Club i...

A couple years ago, I wrote an article on another blog covering this topic. I wanted to reemphasize what parents should think about when looking for a basketball club in...

How to Choose the Right Youth Basketball Club i...

A couple years ago, I wrote an article on another blog covering this topic. I wanted to reemphasize what parents should think about when looking for a basketball club in...

Rec Basketball Near Encinitas and Carlsbad: Where to Play K–8 Youth Hoops

Rec Basketball Near Encinitas and Carlsbad: Whe...

When I first moved backed to north county San Diego seven years ago, I was looking for recreation sports options for my three children. I did what most parents do...

Rec Basketball Near Encinitas and Carlsbad: Whe...

When I first moved backed to north county San Diego seven years ago, I was looking for recreation sports options for my three children. I did what most parents do...

What Makes a Good Coach? (Hint: It's Not the Playbook)

What Makes a Good Coach? (Hint: It's Not the Pl...

In nearly every coaching workshop I lead, I start with a simple but powerful exercise. I hand each coach a sticky note and ask them to write down the name...

What Makes a Good Coach? (Hint: It's Not the Pl...

In nearly every coaching workshop I lead, I start with a simple but powerful exercise. I hand each coach a sticky note and ask them to write down the name...