The E3 Rehab Podcast 245. Training Youth Athletes w/ Chad Wesley Smith
Mar 24, 2026
Chad Wesley Smith, strength coach, powerlifter, and founder of Juggernaut Training, shares his approach to developing youth athletes. He breaks down a field-first focus prioritizing speed, sprint and drill progressions, and deceleration work. He also outlines streamlined weight-room structure, in-season maintenance, coaching logistics, and applying the model across sports.
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From Shot Put To High School Performance Director
- Chad described his journey from collegiate shot putter to powerlifter, strongman, Juggernaut founder, and high school director of player performance.
- He returned to coaching high school football because he values impact on teenagers' physical and cultural development.
Prioritize Speed Then Strength
- Do prioritize field speed work before weight-room volume because football is primarily a movement game and weights should support speed.
- Chad measures and times sprints daily to drive intent and uses VBT in the weight room to keep lifts fast and purposeful.
Build Tissue Tolerance Before Max Velocity
- Prepare novices with high-repetition contact and lower-leg drills before exposing them to max-speed sprints.
- Use pogos, rolling hops, toe/heel walks, then progress to sleds, hills, and constrained med-ball drills to teach posture and angles.