Helping Athletes and Parents Navigate Supplement Decisions

#44 - Strength & Speed Coaching - Pursuing Your Best ⚡️

Some kids want to take something.
Some parents don’t know what to say.
And a lot of coaches feel stuck in the middle.

This final issue in the Supplement Smarts series is about helping everyone take a breath—and walk through the supplement decision process with confidence.

You’ll get practical tools, real-world language, and clear boundaries to help you educate without overstepping.

Let’s get to work.

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Why This Matters

When athletes show interest in supplements, it’s usually a sign that they’re motivated.

But when that interest leads to confusion, peer pressure, or risky choices—we need to step in the right way.

Not to tell them what to do.
Not to make the decision for them.
But to give them (and their families) the tools to think clearly and act wisely.

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3 Keys to Guiding Athletes & Families the Right Way

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1. Redirect the Question Back to Habits

Athlete: “Should I take creatine?”

Your response:

Let’s zoom out—how’s your sleep? Are you eating enough? Training consistently? That’s where results start.

This isn’t avoidance. It’s maturity.
Teach them to consider the whole picture, not just a powder.

After you’ve had the chance to talk through those considerations with your student-athlete then you can take the next step.

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2. Invite Parents Into the Process

When supplement interest goes beyond curiosity, make sure parents are in the loop.

What you can say:

This is something to talk about as a family. I can share a few resources, but it’s your decision—and one to make together.

Offer to email your Position Statement on Substance Use and direct them to reputable websites like NIH or NSF Certified for Sport.

Also, the supplement information pages below would be great resources to share.

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3. Use a Decision-Making Checklist

Families don’t always know what to ask. That’s where we can help.

Before any supplement is considered, these questions matter:

• Has your athlete been consistent with training, food, sleep, and hydration?

• Is the product third-party tested? (Look for NSF Certified or Informed Choice)

• What are the potential benefits? Are they even needed?

• Have you consulted a healthcare professional or dietitian?

• Is your athlete experiencing a problem this supplement is supposed to solve?

If the answers are unclear—press pause.

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Language You Can Use (For Parents or Athletes)

As you have read in this issue and others, it is so important to prioritize the right habits.

We don’t recommend supplements, but we can help you understand what’s worth discussing as a family.

Supplements should never be step one. Make sure your training, food, and sleep are solid first.

There’s no magic product—but there are smart questions. Let’s start there.

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Final Thoughts

The best thing you can give athletes is not a product.
It’s a process.

One that builds responsibility.
Involves parents.
And keeps safety and trust at the center.

Keep coaching the habits.
Keep setting the boundaries.
And keep being a steady, helpful voice when the questions come—because the questions will come.

You’re not just shaping performance—you’re shaping how kids learn to make big decisions for life.

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Want Help Strengthening Your Systems?

I offer consulting for Strength & Speed coaches and PE teachers looking to:

• Build high-trust systems for training, communication, and athlete development

• Improve conversations around nutrition, recovery, and expectations

• Create scalable, in-school Strength & Speed programs that fit your schedule

If that sounds like something your school could use, I’d love to connect.
Just reply or reach out directly, and let’s build something that works.

Keep pursuing excellence.

— Preston ⚡️

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Paid Subscriber Downloads

Thank you for being a paid subscriber to Pursuit PE. These downloads are built to support your work, reinforce your message, and simplify your systems.

What Athletes & Parents Should Know Series:

• 🔒 Protein Supplements
  A clear, nutrition-first guide to understanding protein shakes, bars, and ready-to-drink options. Covers when they’re useful, what to look for, and how to prioritize food first—without hype or pressure.

• 🔒 Creatine
  One of the most researched supplements in sport—but still misunderstood. This handout breaks down what creatine is, when it might help, and what questions to ask before using it—emphasizing responsibility, education, and family input.

• 🔒 Hydration Products
  Electrolytes, sports drinks, and hydration powders are everywhere. This resource helps athletes and families cut through the noise and focus on what matters most: water, food, and simple, safe choices during high-demand training.

• 🔒 Pre-Workout Supplements & Energy Drinks
  Pre-workouts and energy drinks promise quick fixes—but come with real concerns. This one-pager explains what they are, why caution matters, and how better habits—not stimulants—fuel performance and safety.

• 🔒 Mustang Strength & Speed Position Statement on Substance Use
  Clear language for athletes and families about PEDs, medications, and supplements.

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