Too often coaches and parents push their children into specialization of sports in the hope their child will become an elite athlete; however, the journey to becoming an elite athlete is a complex one that requires a strong foundation both mentally and physically. It is important for the growth and development of a young athlete to have all the necessary prerequisites for success. These skills are developed through the exploration of a variety of movement opportunities (i.e., sports and play) and the understanding that development of those skills change with age. This article outlines key components and gives practical examples to help the young athlete develop.