By Miguel Charles, KING Coach
Athletes are influenced by the environment, coaches and parents. The younger the athlete the more we can have a positive influence on them. This is especially true with the physical quality flexibility. If you begin a child stretching it is easier to maintain their original flexibility. On the other hand, if an athlete begins stretching as an adult their level of flexibility will be greatly diminished. The athlete will be playing catch up.
I find this concept also works in the mind. By talking to and observing young athletes, I have witnessed the more positive their influences and experiences are the more positive the outcome. The more negativity that surrounds them the more doubt they have. Therefore, we have to teach the athlete how to think for himself not what to think, helping them to rise above any less than optimal situation they find themselves in.
When you teach the young athlete how to make these decisions they take more responsibility for the outcome. Here’s five tips for those coaching kids:
1.Let the kids play!
Don't force children to play the sport. Let them play. If they like it they continue to play and improve.
2. Remember the Stages
Age 5 to 10 Fundamentals
Ages 10 to 14 Train to train
Ages 14 to 18 Train to compete
Ages 18 & over Train to win
Too many times you see coaches and parents focus on winning at the wrong time. For the fundamental stage the key is fun. During the train to train stage teach them how to train (flex and speed should be more of the priority generally speaking). At the train to compete stage competition is the focus; working hard and smart in preparation as well as during the game. In the final stage, train to win, winning should be the focus.
3. Create the athlete, then the player.
Early in the athlete/child's life expose them to play, run, & jump – before getting sport and / or position specific.
The best sports for them to get an exposure to so they develop athleticism include soccer, martial arts, gymnastics and track and field. This will help with their athletic ability.
If you expose them to a sport or position too early then that is all they can play. That athlete may not be suited for that sport or position as they mature. Example teaching a 6 foot 12 year old how to play only the center position in basketball. If at 18 years old he grows to be 6 foot 5 inches he is not tall enough to play center in college. Some colleges have guards 6
feet 5 inches. I'm sure you can think of other positions and sports as well.
4. Always and only positive, positive, positive!
Encourage all the children with positive feedback. Especially when they are not as developed as they can be in any given area - this is when they will need more positive reinforcement. There is always an opportunity to turn a negative to a positive.
When more athletes are exposed to the right stages at the right times as well as optimal flexibility training we will see an improvement in athletic performance. So where do we start? Start with every athlete you have influence over. And remember, the younger we start with flexibility the more injuries we prevent, which means less athletes out of games. The more games they play the better they will get at the sport. Less visits to the doctor or physical therapy.
5. Give the impression of increase!
For those without children you can still influence the children you come into contact with by the following:
1. Spread the knowledge to your circle of influence to anyone you care about that have children or are competing.
2.If you are still competing, whether its weekend warrior, office team, college team or high school. A little more stretching and recovery plan could be what will take your game to the next level.
3. And for all you coaches don't just do what your coach did to you many years ago. There is a smarter way. For all our kids' sake.
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