We generally want to protect our own kids from making mistakes, because we know it can be painful, or humiliating or disappointing. Yet what science teaches us is that it is the mistakes that develop people the most, particularly when they then work out how to rectify it themselves. It’s what I call “mistake momentum”,…… Continue reading MISTAKES MATTER
THE F FACTOR
I think most of us would know that the main reason kids (and adults for that matter) play football is for the F factor, FUN FUN FUN. If they enjoy it, they will keep coming back for more. The level of enjoyment is also linked to how much effort they will put in, and how…… Continue reading THE F FACTOR
THE PERFECTIONIST ATHLETE
(from John O’sullivan at Changing the Game Project) The perfectionist athlete. This is an athlete who has attached his identity to his achievements, or lack thereof. And being perfection focused instead of process oriented can be the downfall of many a young athlete. Sadly, perfectionism is on the rise according to recent studies, and nearing…… Continue reading THE PERFECTIONIST ATHLETE
FUN V COMPETITION
Extracted from John O’Sullivan’s blog: http://www.changingthegameproject.com She asked me “when do kids shift from having fun to being competitive in youth sports?” We get this question a lot, from parents of children 8-18. Our answer: They don’t! Fun and Competition are NOT mutually exclusive. Youth Sports should be both! How adults define fun is not how children…… Continue reading FUN V COMPETITION
FOCUS & CONFIDENCE
In football, it is common to find yourself or your team under the pump, facing challenges and losing the plot, right in the middle of a game. With so much activity and noise distracting you, feeding your thoughts and competing for your attention, staying focused and confident is imperative. This is true for a coach,…… Continue reading FOCUS & CONFIDENCE
KIDS FIRST?
DOES THIS SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN FIRST? This simple question should be asked by everyone in sports, over and over. It is the box that should be ticked whenever a decision is made, or a program is implemented. It is the question that should be asked by every parent or coach as he…… Continue reading KIDS FIRST?
COACHING RESOURCES
Hi there coaches We have just uploaded a stack of coaching skills and drills sessions that you can download depending on age group and skill you would like to focus on. Got to our Coach Resources page or click here ENJOY 🙂
