Introducing Children to Sport
What is the Sports Leaders role?
GuardianOrganiserMotivatorTeacherTrainerFacilitator
OHT 3.1
Implications in organising children’s sport
Mixed gender participation
Growth stagesGrouping children
according to height & weight
Avoid matching children with different development needs
Encourage skill learning for everyone
Early talent spotting is not always effective
Do not stereotype children in sport based on body type.
Little HerculesChinese gymnasts
How exercise affects children
They get a higher proportion of their energy aerobically
They are less mechanically efficientThey produce more heatThey cannot regulate their body heat as
efficientlyThey have weaker bonesThey are much less aware of their real limits
OHT 3.8
Safe Exercise Practice
Include Warm Up and Cool Down
Steady , low intensity exercises
REST PERIODS
Plenty of Fluid! Appropriate clothing
Watch for signs of distress
Never PUSH a child to extremes
Encourage
monitoring of breathing / heart rates
Never use weights before bone dev. Is complete
OHT 3.10
Children Learn:
By doingWhen they are motivatedWhen they are successfulBy copying othersThrough encouragementOften rapidly. Children are more confident
& willing to make mistakes than adults.OHT 3.11
Practical Tips for coaching childrenTask: Design a 6 point plan
Treat each child as an individualMake sure the children are ready to learnUse short, simple explanationsDemonstrate clearlyGive plenty of time for practiceMake it FUN, active and challenging Repetition
OHT 3.14
Why Children do Sport
FUNADVENTURECHALLENGECOMPETITIONACHIEVMENTSOCIALISINGINDEPENDENCERELEASE ENERGY & EMOTION
OHT 3.18
Benefits of Exercise for children
PhysicalIntellectualPersonal and Social
Physical Development
Basic Motor Skills e.g moving in different ways
Spatial AwarenessCo-ordination & ControlManipulative skillsHealth & FitnessPositive use of Energy
OHT 3.21
Intellectual Development
CreativityCognitive Skills ( awareness &
understanding)ConcentrationLanguage & LiteracyNumeracy
OHT 3.22
Personal & Social DevelopmentConfidenceSelf – EsteemSelf – AwarenessAwareness of othersCo-operative skillsOrganisational skillsLeadership skillsEquality & Justice
OHT 3.23
Task: Developing Skills
Throwing and CatchingKickingDribblingHitting
Throwing & catching
Easier:Use larger, lighter ballUse jingle or bright coloured
ballUse 2 handsBounce then catchRemain StationaryAdjust distance between
partnersThrow underarm
More Difficult:
Use smaller faster ball
Use 1 hand
Use non-dominant hand
Throw then catch
Throw & catch on the move
Adjust distance between partners
Throw over - arm
OHT 3.36
KICKING
Easier:Use a bigger less bouncy ballStand still before kickingMake the target largerMove the target closerAdjust the distance between partners
More Difficult:
Use a smaller, faster ball
Travel with the ball whilst kicking
Make the target smaller
Move the target further away
Use different parts of the foot
OHT 3.37
Dribbling
Easier
Use a larger ball
Walk first, then jog
Use two hands
Use the outside of the foot
Use a puck for hockey
More Difficult
Use a smaller ball
Jog then move quickly
Use one hand
Use alternate hands or feet
Use one side of the stick only
OHT 3.38
Hitting
Easier
Start with a stationary ball or use a tee
Progress to a rolled ball
Use a larger or lighter ball
Use a bat with a large face
Use a bat with a shorter handle
More Difficult
Hit a moving ball
Return a volley
Use a smaller ball
Set up a rally
Use a string racquet
OHT 3.39
Modifying Games
Playing area
Equipment
Team structure
Individual roles and positions
Rules
Scoring
OHT 3.41
Task: Modifying games
Invasion gamesNet / Wall gamesStriking / Fielding gamesTarget games
Invasion Games Have smaller/larger area A wide playing area favours attack; narrow favours defence Use non-threatening balls Group children according to size not age Have teams with an unequal number of players Specify an individual’s role e.g. shooter Allow all players to rotate All player must touch the ball Certain players can’t be marked Increase the number of goals Have zones within the playing area Allow wheelchair users to play in zones outside the sidelines
OHT 3.42
Net/Wall Games
Have a smaller court Lower the net Use softer/larger balls Match children with similar abilities One child defends a smaller area The ball can bounce twice Each ‘score’ carries more points for some children ‘No go zone’ instead of a net, alter its width Singles against doubles Use side walls Change the type of serve
OHT 3.43
Striking/Fielding Games Zone hitting areas Use a tee Use a lighter bat with a larger hitting surface Ensure mixed ability teams Everyone fields whilst 1 person bats Different length ‘runs’ Every child has a set number of hits Balls are drop-fed, rolled and bowled underarm The bowler is on the same team as the batters No one can be ‘caught out’ Points for accuracy not just distance/runs
OHT 3.44
Target Games
Target sizes & distances are adjusted Different delivery techniques are used e.g. rolling,
throwing, kicking etc. An assistive device can be used e.g. guttering Audible ‘guides’ are used Players can choose different positions around the
target Scores carry more points for some children
OHT 3.45
1. Assess the children's skill and mobility
2. Analyse the activity3. Modify the
activity/adapt the task
4. Practice 5. Play the activity6. Feedback7. Praise8. Monitor progress9. Evaluate
What can they do? What can you do?
What skills are needed?What is the point?
Different ways and rules
Give the children time
Including the childrenEssential for learning. Take
account of player’s reactionsOften & positive, don’t reinforce
unacceptable behaviour or under achievement
Leader & childrenLet the group discuss changes
OHT 3.47