Much of what is true for youth training programs also applies to training high school athletes. Their parents play a large role in the decision-making process, and you will still have a great deal of competition for clients. Once again, you will need liability waivers and medical history forms completed and signed prior to participation. If you enjoy working with this age group, you may consider whether you would like to work in a school setting or develop programs outside of the school.

Special Considerations for This Age Group

There are several differences between training youth and adolescents. One obvious difference is a higher level of athletic ability. High school athletes are more physically developed and can be pushed harder than younger athletes. At the adolescent age, you may also have to discipline more frequently. It is helpful to clearly explain the rules and consequences of non-compliance from the start to minimize disruptions and decrease distractions.

At this age, athletes become increasingly aware of the immense amount of hard work, dedication, and time that true athletic success requires. Some will be willing to rise to the challenge, and others will have more of an, “I want results now” mentality. This latter group may become interested in all kinds of performance-enhancing aids. Be prepared to be bombarded with questions pertaining to ergogenic aids both legal and illegal. Educating yourself on the benefits and risks of commonly used performance enhancers will help you have productive conversations, and will increase the athletes' respect for you. You might use this as an opportunity to discuss and promote natural supplements such as protein powders, energy drinks, and vitamins. If you have a specific product line you find effective, you can sell and earn passive income.

Employment in a School System

High school strength coaches are typically employed as physical education teachers. They are then given a stipend to work as a strength coach after school. Because of unions, it is difficult to become a high school strength coach if you are not also a teacher. However, in private or parochial schools, it is more likely to be an option. High schools offer nice benefits if you are lucky enough to be employed full time, including extensive vacation time and relatively short work hours.

If there are schools in your area that do not yet use the services of a strength coach, you can approach them as an independent contractor. You can present to them the services you may offer, and remind them that as an independent contractor they will save money by not paying your benefits.

Offering Services Outside of Schools

If you wish to work with the high school population but not be employed in the school system, you may do so in a couple of different ways. You can market yourself to the athletes themselves and work with them individually to improve performance. This is great if you can accomplish it, but again, it may be a tough sell due to financial considerations. Another option is to approach coaches and sell team strength and conditioning programs designed specifically for their sport.

You may choose to offer a variety of services, including but not limited to, strength programs, conditioning programs, testing, lecturing, pregame agility warm-ups, and off-season, in-season, or preseason workouts. Contact the athletic directors at each school and make them aware of the services you are offering. Start with a letter, then follow up with a phone call. They may promote you to their coaches or provide you with a way to contact them. The coaches may, in turn, use money in their budgets to hire you or promote you to the parents of their athletes.

Scheduling

Scheduling time to work with high school athletes can be quite challenging. The only time you can train them is after school, on the weekends, or during school vacations. Even then, chances are they will have other commitments such as practices and games that you will have to work around. Remember that most of your athletes will not be able to drive themselves, so they will need to rely on their parents or older siblings. Many student athletes are already overbooked and exhausted, so you will really have to demonstrate to them and their parents why your services are necessary.

Most of your business will be generated during after-school hours, 2:30–8 P.M. Remember that students will also need time to complete homework, and will likely be relying on their parents for rides.