Build the Summer That Transfers: Designing Training That Actually Pays Off
#37 – Strength & Speed Coaching – Pursuing Your Best ⚡
Summer training isn’t about packing in as much work as possible.
It’s about making the right work count—without burning kids out, clashing with their schedules, or losing your program’s momentum the moment school lets out.
That’s a real challenge in a setting like Iowa, where baseball and softball are in full swing and athletes are pulled in a dozen different directions—practices, camps, showcases, jobs, family trips, open gyms, and everything in between.
But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can build a summer structure that works with the chaos, not against it.
This issue kicks off our Summer Training series by breaking down what matters most:
What actually transfers from summer training to in-season success
Why traditional “grind all summer” mindsets fall short
The three pillars of a smarter summer structure
How to build a system that adapts, not collapses
Let’s start building a summer that sets the tone for the year.
Why Most Summer Training Falls Short
Too many summer programs fall into one of two traps:
Too intense – 5-day lifts, sprint sessions layered on top of team workouts, no real recovery, and zero wiggle room for real life.
Too loose – Show-up-if-you-want sessions, no plan for kids missing, and no emphasis on consistency or progression.
In both cases, the impact is limited. One burns kids out. The other builds nothing.
The goal isn’t more. It’s smarter.
What Actually Transfers
If the summer training doesn’t lead to better movement, more resilience, or stronger habits in-season—what’s the point?
Here’s what carries over:
Efficient strength work that builds movement quality, not just soreness
Speed exposure that keeps athletes fast, bouncy, and connected to the ground
Consistent intent across the weeks, even with built-in flexibility
Recovery rhythm that protects from overuse and in-season fatigue
Summer isn’t about maxing out. It’s about preparing athletes to peak at the right time—not in July, but when it matters.
The Three Pillars of Smarter Summer Structure
1. Consistency Over Volume
Three well-structured sessions per week beats five random ones every time. We use a Mon/Tues/Thurs format that balances intensity and gives athletes enough time to recover and reset.
2. Structure with Flexibility
Summer is unpredictable. Camps, games, vacations, and jobs will get in the way. That’s okay—as long as the structure gives athletes clear expectations, make-up options, and consistent coaching when they’re present.
3. Balanced Emphasis: Strength + Speed + Recovery
Every session in our camp is built around this core:
Movement Prep + Plyometrics
Sprint or COD Work
Strength Training (pattern-based, not part-based)
Mobility or Recovery Finisher
It’s comprehensive, intentional, and sustainable—even for in-season or multi-sport athletes.
Explore More
If you're looking for a real-world example of what a summer strength & speed program can look like in a school setting, take a few minutes to explore MVStrength.com. It outlines how we run Mustang Strength & Speed Camp—from organizing sessions for multiple sports and grade levels, to managing in-season vs. out-of-season athletes, to reinforcing standards through systems like Horsepower Club.
You’ll find a clear model for setting expectations, communicating effectively, and building buy-in across the summer. The details aren’t meant to be copied word-for-word, but they can serve as a starting point to shape your own system—one that fits your athletes, staff, and schedule.
Final Word
You don’t need to run the perfect camp.
You need to create a system that’s:
Consistent enough to build progress
Flexible enough to handle summer realities
Clear enough that athletes know what’s expected—and why it matters
That’s how you build a summer that actually transfers.
What’s Next?
Next Up: Summer Training Standards: How to Build Buy-In Without Burning Kids Out
Summer training comes with unique challenges: no school bell, more distractions, and a mix of motivation levels. In the next issue, we’ll dive into how to hold a high standard without overwhelming athletes.
You’ll learn:
How we use systems like Horsepower Club to drive attendance and effort
The importance of clear expectations, consistent check-ins, and earned recognition
Strategies for balancing accountability with flexibility in a chaotic season
Why culture—not compliance—is what sustains summer momentum
Whether you’re chasing full-attendance club t-shirts or just want athletes to show up ready to work, this next piece will help you coach character without compromising care.
Want Help Structuring Your Summer System?
I offer consulting for PE teachers and Strength & Speed coaches looking to:
Build or improve summer training structures
Align speed, lift, and recovery blocks for better transfer
Create make-up and accountability systems that actually work
If you want to dial in your summer plan, just shoot me a message. I’d love to help.
Until then, keep pursuing excellence.
— Preston ⚡️