Weighted Vest Training

Can adolescent athletes use weighted vests for speed training during their growth and development phase?

When guiding adolescent athletes in speed training, we often consider how to use equipment appropriately for training, such as what weight of weighted vest to use and what are the benefits of using weighted vests for training?

This article will combine existing literature research and teaching experience to share the theoretical basis, risk-benefit analysis, and positive impact on athletes' speed when using weighted vests during the growth and development phase (9-17 years old) of adolescent athletes.

I. The Significance of Speed Training During the Growth and Development Period of Adolescent Athletes The growth and development period of adolescents generally begins around age 9 and ends around age 17. During this period, adolescents experience significant growth and development, with rapid development of sexual organs and rapid increases in height and weight. This period is divided into three stages: early, middle, and late.

The growth and development period for males typically occurs between ages 11 and 17, while for females, it begins slightly earlier, typically between ages 9 and 15.

In our daily training with students, we have observed that their muscle strength and volume also grow rapidly during this stage. If speed training is conducted during this period, it can better enhance neuromuscular recruitment capacity and force transmission efficiency (better utilization of joints and muscles), laying a solid foundation to achieve higher performance ceilings after the growth peak.

The "foundational skills" of outstanding athletes both domestically and internationally are largely developed during this stage. Therefore, we must seize this golden period of growth and development to enhance speed and strengthen key physical qualities.