How to Keep Your Kid on Top of Their Game—Without Burning Them Out This Summer
A few summers ago, we did what so many sports parents do—we signed our daughter up for an intense, week-long soccer camp. It seemed like the right choice. She’d get lots of touches, improve her skills, and stay sharp for the fall season.
And she did improve. But she also came home completely drained. Sunburned, sore, and so physically exhausted that she spent two full days curled up on the couch, barely able to move. It didn’t feel like we had given her an opportunity—it felt like we had taken away a small chunk of their summer.
That’s when I started rethinking how we approach summer sports. Because here’s the truth: keeping your kid competitive, healthy, and happy doesn’t have to be opposite goals.
So, how do you help your child stay sharp without pushing them too hard? Here’s what I wish we had done—and what I’ll be doing moving forward.
- Find a Smarter Sports Camp (One That Actually Gets Balance Right)
Not all sports camps are created equal. Some are built for pure intensity—full-day training, nonstop drills, little recovery time. Others don’t offer enough structure, leaving kids without the development to stay sharp.
Then there are camps like Academy Camps, which hit the sweet spot.
Instead of grinding kids into exhaustion, they balance elite coaching with true summer fun. Training sessions are high-quality but sustainable. Kids scrimmage, work on their skills, and stay competitive, but they also swim, play games, and learn mindset skills like yoga and meditation to develop their mental edge.
The result? They come home better at their sport but are happy, refreshed, and excited to play more.
🗓️ Academy Camps runs in beautiful locations like Connecticut and New Jersey, with multiple sessions throughout the summer. You can check out their upcoming camps here.
- Cross-Train (Because Repeating the Same Movements = Injury Risk)
One of the biggest risks for young athletes is overuse injuries. When kids specialize too early or repeat the same movements over and over without variation, their bodies wear down.
Read More: You’re Not Creating The Next Tiger Woods
Summer is the perfect time to mix things up:
✅ Swimming (low-impact but great for endurance)
✅ Pick-up games in different sports (basketball, tennis, ultimate frisbee)
✅ Trail running or hiking (builds strength without pounding on the joints)
✅ Yoga or mobility work (crucial for injury prevention)
- Prioritize Rest and Recovery (Because Even Pros Take Breaks)
Even elite athletes schedule recovery periods—so why wouldn’t we do the same for our kids? A full summer of structured training can be just as damaging as no training at all.
Make sure your child has at least one or two “off” weeks without structured sports training. That doesn’t mean sitting around—it just means giving their body and mind a break from constant performance pressure.
During those weeks, encourage things like:
🔹 Unstructured backyard play
🔹 Beach or lake days
🔹 Bike rides with friends
🔹 Completely non-sports-related fun (art, music, exploring a new hobby)
- Focus on Mental Performance, Not Just Physical Skills
Ask any coach—mental toughness is just as important as physical ability. But too often, we train our kids’ bodies and ignore their minds.
This summer, help your child build their mental game by:
🧘 Practicing mindfulness and visualization techniques [5 Simple Mindfulness Routines]
📖 Keeping a journal. Journaling helps athletes stay focused, track progress, and manifest goals by turning thoughts into action.
🎯 Setting small, achievable goals. Breaking big dreams into daily wins builds confidence and motivation.
📚 Reading or listening to inspiring stories. Learning from other athletes’ journeys fuels belief and resilience.
💪 Practicing gratitude. Focusing on what’s going well strengthens a positive mindset and mental toughness.
One thing I love about Academy Camps is that they actually include mindset training as part of their program—teaching kids how to manage pressure, stay focused, and develop confidence in their game. It’s an overlooked but critical part of sports development.
The Bottom Line: Train Smarter, Not Harder
I used to think summer was the time to push harder—to squeeze in extra training, extra camps, extra reps. Now I realize summer should be about training smarter.
✅ Choose a camp that develops skills without burning kids out (Academy Camps is a great option)
✅ Encourage cross-training to prevent overuse injuries
✅ Schedule real rest periods to avoid exhaustion
✅ Work on the mental side of sports, not just the physical
If I could go back, I’d do things differently. But at least now, we know better.
This summer, let’s help our kids stay sharp and actually enjoy their break—because sports should fuel their passion, not burn them out.
This piece was created in partnership with Academy Camps, but the insights and opinions shared are fully my own and reflect what I deeply believe about helping kids thrive in sports without burning out.
