Had an interesting chat with the President of a local 'Little Athletics Club' this morning. Among other things we spoke about why children and teenagers drop-out of (the) sport.
One of the reasons? "Burnout!". Although "burnout" sounds strange for a 9 year-old or even a 17 year-old, I mentioned that it manifests itself through, quite simply...
Too much, too hard, too same, too soon.
(particularly anaerobic capacity work)
(particularly anaerobic capacity work)
My 10 recommendations for "keepin it real, n keepin the zeal"
(1) keep it enjoyable, fun - play games, relays, circuits; vary it
(2) let them be kids, and teenagers - they'll want to try other things; if they like it, they'll return
(3) ensure mechanics, technique and skill are sorted & developed: Remember, basics are best:
* FUNdamental locomotor skills: run, hop, jump, skip, gallop, stride, spin, twirl and rotate
* FUNdamental motor skills: throw (over;, under-, side-arm), catch, strike, kick, roll
(4) use varied and challenging strength work eg. gymnastics, partner activities, body-weight, climbing
* emphasise major-groups, large ranges of motion, and rotation/diagonal movements
* empasise the 'power-zone': between the bottom of the ribs and mid-thigh
* emphasise body-weight as resistance, balance & control, technique
* emphasise speed before endurance
(5) progressively increase load - over years
* avoid adult-based structures and loads
* pay attention to the individual
* keep records
* avoid too much anaerobic (capacity ["lactate"]) work - kids don't need it; teenagers in small doses
(6) get out-and-about: avoid too much at the track (the court or the field), go once/week
(7) let them play other sports, and dance, and swim
(8) measure success by attendance, retention, and improvement; not results, nor medals
(9) keep the parents, err, busy but involved
(10) keep perspective - sport for life, not sport as life
Even for 'early development sports' like gymnastics and swimming, guidelines such as these can help "keep it real"...it is only sport.
