Abstract
Many youth coaches may not have training in pedagogy or coaching methodologies to guide their practice activities and long-term planning for development within sport. This feature series will provide evidence-based practice for youth coaches, physical education instructors, and parents to aid in the development of young athletes. The need for organized, programmed, science- and research-based methods of development for adequate development is growing. The premise of this project is to provide the reading audience with 1) a foundation of knowledge for long term developmental for young athletes, 2) goals and applications for youth training programs, and 3) tips and ideas for improved daily practice activities.
On any given night, there will be hundreds of youth-sport players and fans at local recreation facilities. Youth sports provide opportunities for young athletes to improve their skills, play their favorite sports or activity, and socialize with kids their ages outside of the school day. The age range of youth sports can range from parent/baby tot swimming classes to high school intramural sports. Recreation centers usually have activities for adults as well, but this feature is designed to focus on youth athletes. Although the majority of recreation programs are geared for fun opportunities for children, youth coaches and parents are trying their best to teach the kids to be the best. Volunteers are commonly dads, moms, aunts, uncles and grandparents who are offering to help coach. Although the intent of these volunteers is well meaning, many youth coaches may not have training in pedagogy or coaching methodologies to guide practice activities and long-term planning for development within the sport. This feature series will provide evidence-based practice for youth coaches, physical education instructors, and parents to aid in the development of young athletes. The need for organized, programmed, science- and research-based methods of development for adequate development is growing. The premise of this project is to provide the reading audience with (1) a foundation of knowledge for long-term development for young athletes, (2) goals and applications for youth training programs, and (3) tips and ideas for improved daily practice activities.
Three of the feature articles focus on athletic development with regard to physical learning and training for player development. The motor development article by Nesbitt and Bullard is an article to help understand the process of skill development in young children and the impact of this development in youth sports. Many children develop at different rates, but the stages of development are similar in all children. The article by Perreault and Gonzalez extends player development for young children to older youth athletes. The article provides an overview of the long-term athletic development model with specific examples on how youth coaches can implement the model into curricula and programs. The last article, specifically on player physical development, is written by Smith. This article discusses periodization and training for youth athletes. The article summarizes how coaches can implement strength and conditioning into practice sessions and what to do in the off-season to improve sport skill development.
The last two articles are less about the physical training of youth, and more on the mental and overall health of the youth athletes. The article by Thompson and Hilliard discusses the importance of developing the mental skills of youth athletes. The article goes into detail on how to teach mental skills to youth and how to utilize mental skills to improve the overall experience of the athletes. The last article, by Morgan, was written to help families understand the importance of nutrition at the youth level. The author discusses resources to effectively fuel youth athletes for success. It is important we do not leave out the overall health and mental side of training in youth sports.
This feature may serve several purposes. Recreation departments, youth-sport coaches, parents, and physical education teachers may be seeking “best practices” for training and coaching youth sports. More importantly, the authors would like to motivate individuals who work with youth to explore, experiment with, and implement the information provided in this feature. The articles in this feature supply readers with multiple ideas and strategies to increase the quality of youth coaching and player development.
This feature series will provide evidence-based practice for youth coaches, physical education instructors, and parents to aid in the development of young athletes.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Robert J. Doan
Robert J. Doan ([email protected])is editor for this Feature Series. He is also interim dean of the College of Education and associate professor at Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC.