As Youth Sport Coaches Take to the Sidelines, Important Pedagogical Practices to Remember

Abstract

School-age children receive a myriad of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits from being involved in sport, as well as several academic benefits. Children who participate in sport are more likely to have a higher GPA, increased daily attendance, and greater high school graduation rates than their non-sport participating peers. Unfortunately, participation in sport is in decline. Although several factors are to blame for the downward trend, the overwhelming research consensus is that children do not perceive sport to be fun due to coach behaviors. To facilitate positive outcomes from participating in sport, practice settings need to include developmentally appropriate skill progressions and ample opportunities for all players to participate and contribute, as well as a team atmosphere that fosters player self-actualization. Sport coaches should utilize best practices for developing the motor skills (sport-related skills) of their athletes. Pedagogical topics covered in this article include: (1) task presentations of skills, (2) designing appropriate practice tasks, and (3) applying skills into the tactical setting.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christopher Barton Merica

Christopher Barton Merica ([email protected]) is an assistant professor in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences at University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, NC.