What are children learning at each age group on their way through their early sports career
Game & Skill Stages (Technical Continuum) | |||||||||||||||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
Basic techniques Ball and wall activities Improving basic skills Games as teacher Rotation of positions Playing other sports Small sided games | Improving technique Skill execution Understanding the role in the team Attacking principles Defending principles Individual units and groups 9 v 9 and 11 v 11 games | Technically proficient Improved decision making Complex problem solving Understanding the defending and attacking strategies 11 v 11 / Small sided games | |||||||||||||
Mental Stages (Psychological Continuum) | |||||||||||||||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
Enthusiasm Imagination Exploration Avoiding anxiety and boredom Progressive introduction to mental skills Progressive group activities | Self concept Awareness Responsibility Goal setting Confidence Coping strategies | Lifestyle skills Developing a stable temperament Understanding Communication Advanced coping strategies are developed | |||||||||||||
Physical & Body Stages (Physical Continuum) | |||||||||||||||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
Agility Balance Co-ordination Speed Kinesthesia Catching, Passing, Kicking, Running, Jumping Changing direction Motor control Mixed activities Multi skills | Adolescent growth spurt Aerobic development Changing shape Early/late maturation Athleticism changes | Muscle mass gains Strength improves Power increases Lactate training Improving recovery Full potential is progressively achieved | |||||||||||||
Social Stages (Social Continuum) | |||||||||||||||
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
Fun and enjoyment Support from parents and schools Inclusion and participation Form relationships Safe environments Simple rules and ethics | Accept responsibility Fair play Peer group features Values and beliefs Appropriate behaviours | Developing emotional stability Being socially responsible Recognising cultural differences Dealing with conflict Appreciating others |