The Athleticism Advantage

Athlete Development

“At every level of competition, the best players are usually the best athletes.”

Want to Compete at the Highest Level? Read This.

If you’ve been around me for any amount of time, you know I believe three things about athleticism:

1. Athleticism is a skill.

2. It can be taught, learned, and developed.

3. There’s a formula for success.

That formula starts with understanding that movement is both plane-specific and position-specific.

I call it coordinated force—the ability to create and control movement in every direction your sport demands.

The Edge That Separates the Best

The difference at the highest levels of competition isn’t just talent—it’s athleticism.

If you want to compete at that level, you need to be stronger, faster, and more explosive.
There’s no way around it.

I came across a research study recently that compared Division 1, Junior, and Division 3 hockey players.

The researchers tested speed, jumping ability, and power-conditioning across all three levels.

The results?

“Division 1 athletes generate more power than Division 3 athletes—both on and off the ice.”

Now, do I believe that’s the whole story?
No.

But it reinforces a simple truth:
At every level, the best players are usually the best athletes.

They’re more explosive, more powerful, and better equipped to perform when it matters most.

The Good News

That should be encouraging—because it means athleticism isn’t fixed.

It’s not luck.
It’s not genetics.
It’s not just talent.

It’s a trainable skill.

Through intentional strength work, speed training, mobility, and coordination drills, you can build the same athletic foundation that separates elite performers from the rest.

Every rep, every sprint, and every drill you execute with purpose adds another layer to that foundation.

Final Thought

If you’re serious about playing at the next level, start developing your athleticism now—and don’t stop.

Because when the competition gets tighter and the game speeds up, the most athletic players don’t just keep up.
They stand out.

— Coach Shelby and The Shelby Trained Team