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So far Game has created 350 blog entries.

Beyond ‘Bigger, Stronger, Faster’: Why Vague Coaching Advice is Holding Athletes Back

The End of an Era: Moving Past “Bigger, Stronger, Faster”

For decades, young athletes have heard the same tired refrain from coaches after a tryout or evaluation: “You need to get bigger, stronger, faster.” It’s presented as the ultimate formula for success, a simple-sounding path to improvement. But what if this common piece of advice is actually one of the laziest, most unhelpful assessments an athlete can receive?

In a recent podcast, performance coaches Eric Johnson and Aaron Thigpen broke down why this phrase is often a conversational dead-end—a polite dismissal rather than a constructive critique. For athletes serious about their development, it’s time to demand more specific, actionable feedback and shift the focus from a vague slogan to tangible performance output.

Deconstructing the “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” Cliché

When a coach tells an athlete they need to get bigger, stronger, and faster, it’s often a way of ending the conversation without providing a real evaluation. It’s the modern equivalent of an old-school rejection: “Don’t call us, we’ll call you.”

The core problem with this feedback is its complete lack of specificity. As Coach Thigpen points out, […]

Beyond ‘Bigger, Stronger, Faster’: Why Vague Coaching Advice is Holding Athletes BackGame2026-08-29T20:23:28-07:00

The Check-In Mentality: Are You Training or Just Showing Up?

An Ask Aaron & EJ Podcast

In the world of competitive sports, there’s a pervasive and dangerous mindset that holds countless athletes back: the check-in mentality. It’s the belief that simply showing up to practice, being on the team, or going through the motions is enough to guarantee improvement and success. You checked the box, you were there. But as coaches EJ Johnson and Aaron Thigpen discuss, this approach is a recipe for stagnation.

True athletic development isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about the quality, intention, and consistency of the work you put in. If you want to move from the bench to the starting lineup, you have to ditch the check-in mentality and embrace a new way of thinking about your training.

The Illusion of Time: Four Sessions is Not a Month of Training

One of the biggest traps athletes and parents fall into is confusing the passage of time with time invested in training.

As Coach Aaron points out, an athlete who trains once a week for four weeks hasn’t been training for a month. They’ve trained for four hours. This is a critical distinction. A month of full-time training would involve 20-30 sessions, […]

The Check-In Mentality: Are You Training or Just Showing Up?Game2026-08-22T20:00:34-07:00

Why Young Athletes Lack Physical Expression & How to Fix It

An Ask Aaron & EJ Podcast

Discover why a lack of unstructured play is hindering physical expression in young athletes. Learn how to foster controlled aggression and unlock your child’s true athletic potential.

The Vanishing Athlete: Why Aren’t Kids “Getting Physical”?

There is a trend where young athletes are becoming more reserved, timid, and hesitant to fully express themselves on the field or court.

This isn’t just about the physical build of an athlete; it’s about their willingness to be aggressive, creative, and dominant. The problem, stems from a fundamental shift in how children play and train, leading to athletes who may know the techniques but lack the raw, expressive power to execute them.

The Two Worlds: Unstructured Play vs. The Modern “Structured” Athlete

Nowadays theres two types of athletes: the unstructured and the structured.

The Unstructured Athlete: This is the kid who grew up with spontaneous, self-directed play. They are the skateboarders, the kids playing tackle football without pads, or the ones who spent hours throwing a ball against a garage door. Their “play date” was a simple knock on a […]

Why Young Athletes Lack Physical Expression & How to Fix ItGame2026-08-20T12:43:59-07:00

The Modern Athlete’s Blueprint: How to Balance Training, Skills, and School for Success

The Aaron & EJ Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/6UJqzKnkml7F1tIovABR9j?si=FCgTQT4TR_ClQCKPaxq07Q

The Modern Athlete’s Blueprint: How to Balance Training, Skills, and School for Success

Are you a young athlete or parent struggling to fit it all in? Discover the expert strategies for balancing training, skills coaching, and team practices to build a successful athletic career and prepare for the collegiate level.

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# **Putting the Pieces Together: A Young Athlete’s Guide to Mastering the Schedule**

For today’s serious young athlete, the schedule is packed. Between school practice, club teams, private skills coaching, and strength and conditioning, it can feel like a constant juggling act. Many athletes and their parents wonder, “How can we possibly fit all of this in and still be effective?” The answer isn’t just about time management; it’s about building a strategic and sustainable **athletic lifestyle**.

Based on insights from Coach Eric Johnson and Coach Aaron Thigpen, this guide will break down how to create a balanced plan that fosters development, prevents burnout, and prepares you for the next level of competition.

## **A Reason for Every Season: Prioritizing Your Plan**

One of the biggest mistakes young athletes make is treating every part of the year the same. A successful athletic plan recognizes that priorities must shift. Think of your […]

The Modern Athlete’s Blueprint: How to Balance Training, Skills, and School for SuccessGame2026-08-02T15:10:42-07:00

Mastering Athlete-Coach Communication: A Guide for Modern Athletes

An Ask Aaron & EJ Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/6UJqzKnkml7F1tIovABR9j?si=FCgTQT4TR_ClQCKPaxq07Q

In the world of sports, we focus on drills, physical conditioning, and strategy. But what about one of the most critical skills for success—one that happens off the field, court, or track? We’re talking about athlete-coach communication. For many athletes, approaching a coach can feel intimidating, leading to missed opportunities for growth.

In a recent podcast, Coach Eric Johnson and Coach Aaron Thigpen explored why this communication gap exists and how athletes can bridge it to unlock their full potential. The core message is simple: effective communication is not just a soft skill; it’s a fundamental tool for development.

The “Awkward Silence”: Why Is Talking to Your Coach So Hard?

If you find it difficult to start a conversation with your coach, you’re not alone. The hosts point out that several modern factors have made social interactions, especially for young people, more challenging.

Post-COVID Social Norms: Simple icebreakers, like a firm handshake, have become less common, replaced by fist bumps or hesitant greetings. This has removed a traditional, simple way to establish an initial connection, making that first interaction […]

Mastering Athlete-Coach Communication: A Guide for Modern AthletesGame2026-08-02T15:13:06-07:00

Don’t Hit the Panic Button: A Guide to Navigating Poor Performance in Youth Sports

An Aaron & EJ Podcast

Don’t Hit the Panic Button: A Guide to Navigating Poor Performance in Youth Sports

The spring season is underway, and with it comes the excitement of competition. But what happens when the first weekend doesn’t go as planned? Your young athlete strikes out, misses a shot, or posts a disappointing time. The immediate instinct for many parents and coaches is to sound the alarm and demand immediate changes.

This “knee-jerk reaction” to a poor performance is a common pitfall. According to youth sports coaches, this approach can do more harm than good, derailing long-term progress for short-term fixes. The key is to shift the focus from a single bad day to the overarching journey of athletic development.

Why One Game is Just a “Moment in Time”

It’s easy to get caught up in the results of a single game or meet. However, it’s crucial to recognize that one subpar outing is not a definitive measure of an athlete’s ability or progress.

Look for Trends, Not Triggers

Instead of making drastic changes after one bad weekend, take a step back and observe. Is this a recurring issue or an isolated incident?

A single event: An athlete might just be finding their competitive groove for the season. […]

Don’t Hit the Panic Button: A Guide to Navigating Poor Performance in Youth SportsGame2026-04-11T21:29:02-07:00

The Training Effect; How Long Does it Take?

By Aaron Thigpen, Gamespeed Sports

Unlocking Athletic Potential: The 5 Phases of the Training Effect

“How long does it take to see results?”

It’s the most common question young athletes and their parents ask when starting a new training program. The excitement to improve is high, but it’s often paired with unrealistic expectations about the timeline for success. True athletic development isn’t an overnight transformation; it’s a structured journey.

The first step to a successful program is understanding the process. Knowing what results to expect and when they will appear can prevent frustration and keep an athlete motivated. This framework outlines the five distinct phases of athletic training, providing a realistic roadmap from day one to game-day performance.

The 5 Essential Athletic Training Phases

Phase 1: The Initial Learning Phase

This is the foundational stage—the “day one” of an athlete’s journey. During this phase, the primary focus is on introducing new exercises and establishing the core building blocks of training.

Key Focus: Athletes learn the proper techniques for new movements and may receive corrections on exercises they thought they knew.
Goal: To build the physical, technical, and mental foundations necessary for more advanced training. This isn’t about lifting heavy or running fast; it’s about learning to do things correctly […]

The Training Effect; How Long Does it Take?Game2026-04-01T10:23:59-07:00

The High School Season Trap: Why You’re Losing Progress by Only “Practicing”

The Aaron & EJ Podcast

The High School Season Trap: Why In-Season Training is Non-Negotiable

Don’t let your high school season become a 3-month setback. Discover the dangers of “detraining” and why consistent in-season training is crucial for peak performance and future opportunities.

The High School Season Trap: Why You’re Losing Progress by Only “Practicing”

The high school sports season is an exciting time. The games, the rivalries, the camaraderie—it’s what you work for all year. But a common and dangerous mindset takes over once the season hits: athletes stop training and start just practicing. They trade the weight room for the team bus and focused skill development for game prep.

This shift feels natural, but it’s a trap. While you’re competing, you could be unknowingly entering a 3-month period of “detraining,” erasing the hard-earned gains you made in the off-season.

The Danger of Detraining During the Season

Most high school seasons last anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks, which can stretch to nearly three months with playoffs. What happens when you stop your dedicated strength and conditioning work for that long?

You begin to detrain.

This means the physical qualities you worked so hard to build—strength, speed, and agility—start to decline. You’re no longer pushing your body to adapt and grow; […]

The High School Season Trap: Why You’re Losing Progress by Only “Practicing”Game2026-03-25T12:02:50-07:00

Navigating the Parent-Coach Relationship in Youth Sports: A Coach’s Guide

The Aaron & EJ Podcast

Navigating the Parent-Coach Relationship in Youth Sports: A Coach’s Guide

Discover the crucial role parents and coaches play in an athlete’s development. Learn when to step back, how to vet a coach, and how to foster a healthy parent-coach relationship for your child’s success.

The Parent-Coach Relationship: Who’s Really in Charge of Your Athlete’s Development?

In the world of youth sports, the dynamic between a young athlete and their coach is critical. However, there’s a third, often pivotal, person in that equation: the parent. The success of a young athlete often hinges on a healthy and balanced parent-coach relationship. But when challenges arise, who is responsible? Is it the parent’s approach, or is it the coach’s methods?

Let’s explore both sides of this complex dynamic to understand how to build a partnership that truly serves the athlete.

Part 1: It’s Not the Coach, It’s You (The Parent’s Crucial Role)

While it can be hard to hear, sometimes the biggest obstacle to an athlete’s growth is a well-meaning parent. A coach’s effectiveness can be significantly undermined or enhanced by the parent’s attitude and actions.

Beyond the Sidelines: Your Influence Matters

A parent’s role extends far beyond paying for lessons and driving to practice. You are […]

Navigating the Parent-Coach Relationship in Youth Sports: A Coach’s GuideGame2026-03-11T11:23:01-07:00

Bridging the Gap: Why Hard Work in Training Doesn’t Guarantee Athletic Performance

The Aaron & EJ Podcast

It’s a frustratingly common story in youth sports: an athlete puts in countless hours in the gym, on the field, and in the batting cage. They follow the training plan, attend all the showcases, and work tirelessly. Yet, when the time comes to perform in front of college scouts or decision-makers, the results are merely “okay,” not great. They see others with seemingly less work ethic getting opportunities they feel they deserve.

This raises a critical question; If you’re putting in all the work, why isn’t it translating to elite performance? The answer, lies in a fundamental disconnect between the *act* of training and the *intent* behind it.

The Disconnect: Are You Training or Just Checking a Box?

For many young athletes today, training has become a simple checkmark on a long to-do list. It’s something that is done, but not necessarily embraced.

“I think there’s a disconnect between your training and your performance,”. “People just, training is kinda just like a checkmark on a list… and they assume that okay, I did it, so I automatically should have some performance.”

This “checklist” mentality strips away the most vital component of effective training: the mental and emotional connection. If an athlete […]

Bridging the Gap: Why Hard Work in Training Doesn’t Guarantee Athletic PerformanceGame2026-03-03T12:46:52-08:00

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