Coaching Young People

In this third issue I am addressing Coaching Young People and specifically how coaching children is different from coaching adults.

Age-old debate: Crossing the divide between coaching adults and children

“Coaching children is a whole new ball game when compared with adult sports coaching. Tell us something we don’t know, I hear you cry.” This article highlights 5 key topics to bear in mind when coaching children with some interesting insights from experienced coaches.

https://www.connectedcoaches.org/spaces/10/welcome-and-general/blogs/general/147/age-old-debate-crossing-the-divide-between-coaching-adults-and-children

So What Is Developmentally Appropriate Sport?

“The collective wisdom from decades of research into children and sport can be summarised in just three points:

Children are not mini-adults;
Children are not mini-adults;
Children are not mini-adults.”

A fantastic introduction to this concept of ‘Age’ appropriate sport – chronological and developmental age.

http://www.ukcoaching.org/blog/so-what-developmentally-appropriate-sport-richard-bailey

Coaching children

A great resource from the Australian Institute of Sport for anyone involved in coaching children.

https://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/coaches/tools/coaching_children

Six Tips for Coaching Kids in Sport

A good read from Pitchero, but if you sign up to their site you can download the “The Sports Coach Bible 2017”, an informative booklet on coaching, including your coaching style and motivating juniors.

https://blog.pitchero.com/6-tips-for-coaching-kids-in-sport

Coaching through transitions in adolescence

“Coaching young athletes can be a complex and challenging process for any person. The developmental phase of childhood through to adolescence is a time of important cognitive, emotional and social changes, where adolescents look to establish a sense of independence, self-awareness, competency and identity.”

An interesting article on the coaching of young adults as they go through adolescence, which all parents know, is a tricky time for all concerned.

http://www.ukcoaching.org/blog/coaching-through-transitions-adolescence

Straight Talk About Children & Sport

A slightly older document (1996) but one that contains many useful insights, especially for those new to coaching younger players.

https://www.coach.ca/files/Straight_Talk_1.pdf

Long Term Player Development

Several sports have put in place Long Term Player Development models to ensure athletes progress through their sports at appropriate stages, focusing on chronological and developmental age of the athlete. As a coach it is essential that players are treated appropriately and are exposed to age related activities, drills, competition and experiences, to ensure they progress optimally in the sport.

http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/long-term-athlete-development-follows-seven-stages

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