Case Studies: The 2021 Experiment

In 2021, FFCP conducted an experiment with six athletes from Tampa Bay and Orlando, Florida, aged 13 to 15. This case study exposed systemic flaws in youth sports development and highlighted the challenges faced by both late starters and early specialists.

Key Participant Profiles

1. The Sixth Grader (Early Specialist):

   • Parents aimed to transition him to pro skill sets early.

   • Demonstrated strong progress due to tailored training but struggled with balancing scoring and mechanics—a common developmental trap.

2. The High School Senior (Traditional System):

   • Worked under a rigid “win-first” coach but ended his senior season with no significant growth, showcasing the limits of traditional systems.

3. The Tampa Athlete (Reintegration Challenges):

   • Initially corrected dribbling and shooting mechanics but reverted to old habits upon returning to a results-driven system.

   • Highlighted the need for consistent developmental oversight.

4. Gabriel Mian (Late Bloomer):

   • Grandson of a Jamaican Prime Minister, Gabriel showed promise after starting basketball in eighth grade.

   • Despite his size (6'6") and athletic potential, lack of developmental environments left him unable to catch up to peers.

   • YMCA and AAU experiences prioritized winning over skill-building, further delaying his progress.