subject: How To Coach Children In Sports [print this page] How to Coach Children in Sports
Most sports coaches would say that it is best to engage children in sports at a young age. However, it can be challenging since children can be very playful and immature on the field. And this is where it becomes a challenge to a coachto make the game as enjoyable to the kids as possible and at the same time, learn about competition and discipline needed in playing sports.
Coaching children can be a really tough job. As a coach you have the responsibility to bring out the interest, enthusiasm and equip the children with the skills needed to excel in their chosen sport. So, what are the usual techniques in coaching children?
The coach must know the talent development process.
Children can be very energetic and active. They need an outlet to divert their high level of energy and, more often than not, parents have their children engage in sports. Apart from putting their kids' energy into good use, they can be actually trained to become a great athlete in the future.
So, the coach must be very focused on the childs talent development process. One of the famous theories behind this is Blooms Three Stage Model which is illustrated as:
Early YearsMiddle YearsLater Years
ChildJoyful
Playful
ExcitedWider perspective
Committed
Identity linked to sportObsessed
Responsible
Consumed
CoachKind
Cheerful
Focused on talentStrong leader
Knowledgeable
DemandingSuccessful
Respected/feared
Emotionally bonded
As shown above, children at different stages have different attitudes. And so, the coach should be able to respond to these differences with a unique approach, too. This will give the children an impression that sports is more than playing on the field; it takes a lot of effort and discipline to be good at what you do.
The coach must have the commitment to the childs development.
Children love to be in action all the time. They easily get bored and they want to try new things. As a coach, this will test your commitment on how far you want the child to learn and develop his skills.
And so, it is important to develop a long-term plan on how children can learn about the basic and advanced skills needed in their respective sports. More so, as they progress in this training, their personality and whole being must be shaped as well. This is crucial, especially if the child really wants to pursue his dream as an athlete.
The coach must know how to properly communicate to a child.
Children can be very sensitive on how you express yourself. Sometimes, the more you push them to their limits, the more they will not exert effort. There are times when both strictness and lenience should be used when you want to send a message to the child. If necessary, reward them for every effort they have done successfully. Also, your manner of talking and choice of words are extremely important in coaching kids. A simple explanation as well as examples are needed to help them understand what you are telling them.
To recap, sports is a good start to introduce discipline and values in a child. It is also one good way to divert their attention to a positive outlet rather than on unproductive activities. Also, coaching them properly can be a challenge but, at the same time, it can be a very rewarding experience seeing them succeed in the playing field.
by: Marc-Olivier Dagenais
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