“Some kids are just fast.”It’s a phrase we hear all the time from parents and coaches across Haymarket, Gainesville, Ashburn, Aldie, and South Riding. And while some athletes may start out quicker than others, true speed is built—not born.

In youth sports, speed is often the difference between good and great. But what many parents and coaches overlook is that bad running form doesn’t just slow kids down—it sets them up for injury and burnout.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you earn. And for middle and high school athletes, few things build self-belief faster than seeing real progress: running faster, jumping higher, getting stronger. At Command Athlete Performance, we don’t just train bodies—we train mindsets. Confidence is the byproduct.

Parents often ask when their kids should start training for sports. The truth is, there’s a short window between ages 11 and 14 where the body is primed for speed, strength, and coordination gains that last a lifetime. Miss it—and it’s harder to catch up later.