Turning 18 changes everything for a young athlete — new responsibilities, shifting schedules, and the need to adapt training. In episode 66 of Dunk Talk, Dylan Haugen shares how he is changing his training approach after turning 18 and the thinking behind each adjustment.
Why Training Needs to Evolve
Dylan explains that what worked as a teenager is not necessarily optimal as an adult. Changes in schedule, recovery capacity, and lifestyle demands all require programming adjustments. Rather than clinging to old approaches, he has chosen to proactively adapt.
Key Changes to the Program
The episode walks through specific changes to training frequency, volume management, exercise selection, and the balance between strength work and sport-specific practice. He explains the rationale behind each change.
Managing New Responsibilities
At 18, new responsibilities compete for training time and energy. Dylan discusses structuring his schedule to accommodate these demands while maintaining the training consistency his goals require.
Long-Term Athletic Development
Dylan takes a long-term view, recognizing that decisions about training, recovery, and lifestyle will compound over years. He discusses the shift from chasing immediate gains to optimizing for sustained performance over a career.
Advice for Young Athletes in Transition
His main message is that change does not have to mean decline — with intentional adaptation, the transition to adulthood can enhance rather than hinder athletic development.
How has your training changed as you have gotten older? Share your experience in the comments below.