Help Kids’ Development in Sports
You can’t microwave youth sports development. You have to slow-cook it.
That’s the word from VJ Stanley, a retired college hockey coach and youth sports coach of 30 years who wants to change sports and bring back healthy fun for children. He’s the founder of Frozen Shorts and author of “Stop The Tsunami in Youth Sports.“
Stanley says that traveling teams at a young age, too much feedback while young kids are playing, and strength conditioning coaches for 8-year-olds are all attempts to “microwave” a child’s development. The truth is, it’s not possible to fast cook a kid’s development; it has to happen naturally and slowly.
Stanley has spent a lot of time researching this topic, and he has come up with some fascinating data. For example, in one soccer game, the 6-year-olds played 32 minutes and for 16 minutes of that time, both teams’ coaches yelled 27 instructions at the kids.
What’s more, 3.5 million children under the age of 14 last year went to hospitals with overuse injuries, he says.
The system needs drastic changes, he says.
“Seventy percent of kids quit by the time they are 13. If you had a business losing that many customers, you’d change it fast,” he says.
Among his suggestions:
- Between the ages of 4 and 10, let the kids have fun. That means teach them how to play “Simon Says,” “Chase the Coach,” and other kids’ games to impart some of the lessons.
- At young ages, don’t keep score, don’t yell, and don’t hire private coaches.
- Let them play multiple sports, but be sure to include at least one month of rest.
Interested in learning more tips about how to ensure kids enjoy sports and stay in sports for the long haul?
Exclusive members of Kids’ Sports Psychology can listen to our lively interview with Stanley here:
Listen To The Full Interview Here – Members Only!
What’s more, at Kids’ Sports Psychology, exclusive members– parents, coaches and kids–have access to ebooks written specifically for kids and parents, audio interviews, videos, articles-and more!
Be sure to help your young athletes make the most of their experience and stay in the game.
Related Articles on Kids’ Mental Game:
- How Participating in Sports Gives Kids an Edge in Life
- What do Young Athletes Want From Their Sports Experience?
- Helping Young Athletes Build Connection and Confidence
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