In the world of high school athletics, varsity sports often serve as the culmination of years of training, sacrifice, and dedication. From early youth leagues to junior varsity (JV) and travel programs like AAU basketball, every level is ultimately geared toward preparing athletes for one goal: varsity competition. While it’s easy to view each stage as a separate entity with its own milestones and victories, the truth is that these developmental phases are interconnected steppingstones. Whether you're a coach, player, or parent, it's crucial to recognize that everything leading up to varsity competition should be considered part of a grand design to build stronger, smarter, and more competitive athletes.
In this article, we'll explore how youth sports, junior high programs, freshman teams, JV squads, and even travel/select/club/AAU leagues are all part of a larger system designed to produce high-performing high school varsity athletes. We'll also look at the important roles coaches, parents, and players have in this process and why a long-term vision is key to athletic success.
See more on the Long Term Athlete Development Plan in the resources below.
The Pyramid of Athletic Development: Youth Sports as the Foundation
Youth sports provide the initial building blocks for athletic skills, teamwork, and understanding the game. It's at this level that young athletes first learn the importance of discipline, practice, and cooperation. For most parents and young athletes, the primary focus at this stage is enjoyment and fostering a love for the game. However, the seeds for future success in varsity sports are planted early. Kids who are introduced to fundamentals, proper technique, and good sportsmanship in their early years have a far better chance of flourishing in later, more competitive stages.
There is NO NEED for 8U travel/select/AAU teams.
Earlier and more is not better at this level.
Coaches at the youth level play a vital role in this development. Their job isn’t just to teach the mechanics of the game, but also to instill values such as perseverance, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that are essential for varsity athletes. And they sure ensure the sport is FUN!
It’s important for coaches and parents to maintain perspective: while winning is certainly nice, the ultimate goal is to prepare these athletes for what’s to come in middle school, high school, and beyond.
As famed sports psychologist Dr. Jim Taylor suggests, youth sports should focus on "building a foundation of physical, mental, and emotional skills." He argues that early specialization and the 'professionalization' (putting winning over fun and development) of youth sports can often harm an athlete's long-term potential, underscoring the need for a more holistic approach at the youth level.
Junior High and Freshman Sports: Sharpening Skills and Developing Game IQ
As athletes move into junior high and freshman sports, the focus shifts from purely learning the game to refining skills and developing a deeper understanding of strategy and game dynamics. At this stage, athletes should still be encouraged to experiment with different positions, styles of play, and even different sports. Multisport athletes often develop a broader skill set and are less likely to experience burnout or overuse injuries, which are common in young athletes who specialize too early.
One thing to emphasize is the role of freshman and junior high sports as a preparatory phase for high school athletics, particularly varsity sports. Coaches and parents should encourage athletes to focus on development rather than immediate success. For instance, a freshman basketball player might not make the varsity squad their first year, but the experience gained during their freshman season is invaluable in preparing them for that higher level of competition in the future.
Moreover, this is a critical period for developing what is often called "game IQ"—the ability to read plays, understand complex game strategies, and make split-second decisions on the court or field. According to the Positive Coaching Alliance, building game intelligence is key to long-term success, as it often separates good athletes from great ones. Junior high and freshman teams are an ideal environment to cultivate this intelligence, as the pressure to win is typically lower, and athletes have more freedom to make mistakes and learn from them.
Parents and coaches - it's better to focus on athlete development at the expense of winning a junior high contest.
The Critical Role of Junior High Sports in Shaping High School Athletes
In the world of competitive athletics, we often look to high school sports as the proving ground for future athletes. However, the foundation of a successful high school sports program is laid long before athletes step onto a varsity field. Junior high or middle school sports play an undeniably crucial role in shaping the athletes who will one day compete at the high school level. While it's easy for coaches to get caught up in the thrill of winning, the true value of junior high sports lies in the development of the athlete, both physically and mentally. When the emphasis is placed on growth rather than immediate success, athletes are far more likely to excel when they reach the high school varsity stage.
Here's a fantastic quote from a 30-year varsity basketball coach regarding the importance if junior high development: "Some of the most important coaches in my program are my middle school coaches. It's what I think about every year."
Development vs. Winning: The Long-Term View
There is no denying that competitive success feels great for both coaches and athletes. But in the context of junior high sports, this short-term gratification should never overshadow long-term athlete development. The junior high years are a critical time for athletes to learn essential skills, develop their bodies, and understand the mental aspects of competition. Coaches who prioritize winning at the expense of development often miss the bigger picture—preparing athletes for success at the high school level and beyond.
This emphasis on winning can lead to early specialization, burnout, and even injury, as young athletes are pushed to compete at levels that are beyond their physical maturity and cognitive development level. On the other hand, coaches who focus on skill development, team play, and fostering a love for the game provide athletes with the tools they need to succeed in the long run.
According to Dr. Amanda Stanec, a renowned expert in physical education and youth sports, “Early sports specialization often leads to overuse injuries and burnout. Coaches who promote multi-sport participation and developmentally appropriate training ensure their athletes stay healthy and engaged long term” (Stanec, 2021).
Building a Foundation of Skills
Junior high sports should be about building a foundation of skills that athletes can build upon as they move through their sports careers. This includes not only the physical skills required for a specific sport but also the mental resilience, teamwork, and leadership abilities that are so critical at the varsity level.
When coaches focus on skill development rather than winning, they create an environment where athletes feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. This is key in helping athletes develop the confidence and mental toughness they will need to succeed in high-pressure varsity games. High school varsity coaches often cite mental resilience as one of the most important traits an athlete can possess. Athletes who have been nurtured in a developmental environment during their junior high years are much more likely to arrive at the high school level prepared to handle the challenges of varsity competition.
Junior Varsity: The Final Preparatory Stage
By the time athletes reach the JV level, the transition toward varsity competition is well underway. JV sports serve as the last crucial phase where athletes refine their skills, improve their athletic conditioning, and learn the intricacies of varsity-level play. At this stage, athletes are not only honing their physical abilities but also mastering the mental and emotional aspects of competition. Here, the emphasis shifts more explicitly to preparing athletes for varsity roles.
Coaches at the JV level must strike a delicate balance between winning games and preparing players for the varsity level. It’s tempting to prioritize victory, especially in competitive districts or leagues, but the true measure of a successful JV program is how well it prepares athletes for the varsity stage. That includes teaching players how to handle pressure, overcome adversity, and adopt a team-first mentality.
As noted in research conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), high school sports are a critical period in adolescent development, and JV teams provide the structured environment where athletes can learn how to handle both the physical and emotional demands of high-level competition.
Travel Sports and AAU Basketball: Enhancing Skills Outside of School Programs
In addition to school-based sports, travel leagues like AAU basketball and club teams for sports like baseball, volleyball, and soccer offer athletes opportunities to compete at a higher level and often against teams with rosters full of more talented opponents. While these leagues are sometimes seen as separate from the high school sports system, they actually play a critical role in preparing athletes for varsity competition.
See more on the relationship between school sports and these external leagues in this article - Positive and Negative Effects of AAU Basketball.
One key advantage of travel sports is the level of competition. Athletes who participate in these leagues often face stiffer competition than they might in their local high school conferences. This exposes them to different styles of play, a higher level of skill, and faster game speeds—valuable experiences that they can bring back to their high school teams.
However, it’s important to view these opportunities as complementary to high school sports, not replacements for them. The ultimate goal of travel sports should be to enhance an athlete's skills so they can excel at the varsity level. Coaches and parents need to work together to ensure that athletes are not overextending themselves by trying to juggle multiple commitments. Burnout and injury are real risks when athletes are pushed too hard in too many directions, particularly during their formative years.
Furthermore, AAU and travel leagues can sometimes place too much emphasis on individual success at the expense of team development. High school sports, particularly at the varsity level, rely heavily on teamwork and cohesion. Athletes who spend too much time in individual-focused environments may struggle to adjust to the team-first mentality that is critical for varsity success.
The Payoff at the Varsity Level
The benefits of a developmental approach in junior high sports are evident when athletes reach the varsity level. Athletes who have been well-coached in the fundamentals, who understand the importance of team play, and who have been given the opportunity to develop at their own pace are far more likely to contribute meaningfully to their high school teams. Not only do they have a better grasp of the technical aspects of their sport, but they are also more resilient and mentally prepared for the pressures that come with varsity competition.
An athlete who has been encouraged to play multiple sports, learn various positions, and develop a diverse skill set is much more adaptable. According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, “Athletes who played multiple sports during adolescence were more likely to achieve success at the high school and collegiate levels due to their diverse skill sets and reduced risk of burnout and overuse injuries” (Jayanthi et al., 2022). This adaptability is key in high school sports, where athletes are often asked to fill multiple roles or make quick adjustments based on team needs.
The Role of Coaches: Building for the Long-Term
Coaches are at the heart of this entire developmental system, and their role evolves as athletes move through the various stages of their athletic careers. At the youth level, coaches are teachers who focus on FUNdamentals. In junior high and freshman sports, they are strategists, introducing athletes to more complex game dynamics. At the JV level, they are both motivators and tacticians, preparing athletes for the physical and mental rigors of varsity competition.
For varsity coaches, the challenge is to mold a group of individual athletes into a cohesive, high-performing team. This is where all the lessons learned in youth sports, junior high, and JV come together. The varsity coach must be a master at blending talent with teamwork, as well as managing the egos and expectations of athletes who have often been stars at lower levels of competition.
Coaches must also be educators, helping athletes navigate the complexities of balancing academics, athletics, and social lives. The pressures of varsity sports can be overwhelming, and athletes who aren’t mentally and emotionally prepared are at risk of burnout. Varsity coaches should work closely with their counterparts at the JV, freshman, and Junior High levels to ensure that athletes are not just physically prepared for the demands of varsity sports, but mentally and emotionally ready as well.
The Role of Parents: Supporting the Journey, Not the Destination
Parents play an equally critical role in this developmental journey. From the earliest days of youth sports, parents should be focused on long-term development rather than short-term victories. This means encouraging children to play multiple sports, supporting them through both victories and defeats, and keeping the ultimate goal—varsity success—in mind.
As athletes move through junior high, freshman, and JV sports, parents should maintain a focus on development rather than immediate success. It can be tempting to push for playing time or to advocate for varsity spots before an athlete is truly ready, but this can be detrimental in the long run. Trusting the coaching staff to make decisions in the best interest of the athlete and the team is crucial.
Moreover, parents need to be aware of the risks of burnout and overuse injuries, particularly if their child is involved in travel or AAU sports. Balancing high school sports with outside leagues is a delicate act, and parents should work closely with coaches to ensure that their child is not overextended.
An athlete SHOULD NOT participate in two sports during the same season. For example: a high school basketball players SHOULD NOT participate in club volleyball during basketball season. It drastically increases the athlete's risk of injury due to overuse and lack of appropriate rest and recovery. It also extends their time away from academic studies, and often over-stresses the athlete physically and mentally. And there will likely be times where the athlete is required to miss an event for one of the teams to attend an event for the other team. What message does this send to the rest of the team?
Coach’s Final Thoughts: Varsity at Your School is the Ultimate Goal
High school varsity sports represent the pinnacle of a young athlete’s development, but getting there is a long and challenging journey. From youth sports to JV competition, every stage plays a crucial role in preparing athletes for the rigors of varsity play. Coaches, parents, and athletes themselves must recognize that each phase is part of a larger process designed to build not just talented athletes, but well-rounded individuals who can handle the pressures and demands of high-level competition.
By maintaining a long-term vision and focusing on development rather than immediate success, athletes are far more likely to achieve their goals and thrive in the competitive world of high school varsity sports.
Ultimately, the role of junior high sports is to serve as a bridge between youth leagues and high school athletics. When coaches prioritize development over immediate success, they provide athletes with the tools they need to thrive not just at the varsity level, but throughout their entire athletic careers. By focusing on the long-term growth of the athlete—physically, mentally, and emotionally—junior high sports become a launching pad for future success.
Parents, coaches, and school administrators must work together to create a culture where development is valued over winning at all costs. By doing so, we ensure that athletes arrive at the varsity level ready to take on the challenges ahead, with a strong foundation of skills, resilience, and a love for their sport that will carry them through high school and beyond.
References
Dr. Jim Taylor, The Role of Youth Sports in Building the Complete Athlete
Positive Coaching Alliance, Building Game Intelligence: Why It's Critical for Long-Term Athletic Success
National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), The Role of High School Sports in Adolescent Development
Stanec, A. (2021). Youth Sports: How to Foster Lifelong Athletes. [Journal of Physical Education].
Jayanthi, N., Dugas, L. R., LaBella, C., & Pasulka, J. (2022). "Sport Specialization in Young Athletes: Evidence-Based Recommendations." Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Human Kinetics https://humankinetics.me/2019/04/12/ltad-model/
Sport for Life https://sportforlife.ca/long-term-development/
National Strength and Conditioning Association https://www.nsca.com/education/articles/practical-application-for-long-term-athletic-development/?srsltid=AfmBOorSp7oOWSIt_npfDq3ZVGAyhN69mU4Juu3UWc66Hcgqaie-72KX
Better Coaching Long Term Athlete Development https://www.betteryouthcoaching.com/ltad