When Early Morning Training Is the Right Choice — and When It Isn’t

This morning, my 11‑year‑old and I were up before the sun.

At 6:00 a.m., while most houses were quiet, he was lacing up his shoes to do a short training session outside.

It wasn’t punishment.It wasn’t pressure.And it wasn’t something he was told he had to do.

It was a choice.

The Context Matters More Than the Clock

Earlier in the week, the coach had shared a simple pre‑season training plan.

My son had already completed most of it, but one short session was still left. With a tournament coming up and an early kickoff the next day, we decided to move that session to the morning — not to squeeze more in, but to protect recovery time.

That decision wasn’t about doing more.

It was about doing things thoughtfully.

Support Without Pressure

One thing I try to stay aware of is who the effort is coming from.

Kids don’t benefit from being dragged into extra work. They benefit from being supported when they choose to engage.

My role that morning wasn’t to coach or critique. It was simply to be there — setting up cones, watching reps, and clapping when he finished.

That kind of presence teaches discipline without resentment.

And just as importantly, it leaves space for kids to decide how much soccer they want on a given day.

You may also find this helpful: What to Say in the Car Ride Home After Games

Training Is Only One Part of Development

It’s easy to focus on the work — the sessions, the reps, the plans.

But young athletes don’t grow only in training. They grow in rest.

Recovery allows bodies to adapt and minds to reset. Without it, even the best‑intentioned training can start to feel heavy.

That’s why the decision to train early wasn’t about intensity. It was about balance.

Paying Attention to the Signals

As parents, one of our most important roles is noticing when something feels off.

Less enthusiasm.

Lingering soreness.

Shorter tempers.

Avoidance.

Those aren’t signs of weakness. They’re signals.

Sometimes the most supportive choice isn’t to push through — it’s to pause.

You may also find this helpful: After a Tough Tournament: The Quiet Moments That Matter

The Bigger Lesson

Early morning training can be valuable.

So can sleeping in.

So can taking a day off.

What matters most is that kids learn:

• effort is a choice

• rest is part of progress

• and their worth isn’t tied to how much they do

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Support isn’t about always saying yes to more.

It’s about helping kids learn how to listen to themselves — and knowing we’ll support them either way.

Final Thought

Development doesn’t come from one early morning or one skipped session.

It comes from consistency, balance, and feeling supported over time.

Our job isn’t to maximize every moment.

It’s to protect the long view.