3
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
While it may be stating the obvious, it helps to remember that children
are not miniature adults. Kids develop in stages and have differing
physical and mental capabilities at each stage.
The sport system divides athletes by age groups, but age is not the only measure
of their maturity or readiness for a specific sport activity. Not all 10 year olds are
alike. Some are more mature physically, mentally, and socially while others are
less mature. You may have on your team two or three groups of athletes who are
quite different emotionally or physically even though they are the same
chronological age. You may have to create activities appropriate for the
different groups on your team.
As the athlete grows, develops, and matures their approach to sport will change.
In general, the following is true about the young athletes you coach:
Children under 7-8 are motivated by fun and often dislike competition.
Cooperative games are very useful
Children 8-10 begin to understand the importance of rules. They identify with personal prestige and skill levels more than winning or losing. They become more self-centred.
Children over 12 become more competitive. Winning and losing become more important.
Physical abilities change dramatically with maturity level.
The ability to translate commands into action changes dramatically with maturity.
Asking kids to do things that are beyond their developmental capacities
frustrates both athletes and coaches. Contact your sport organization or the
Sport Alliance of Ontario to access resources which will help you develop
appropriate programs for your athletes.
Coaching Basics
by Lorne Adams, February 2000
Creation of this document supported by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and the
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.
This document may be reproduced with credit to the author, Sport Alliance of
Ontario, and Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation.