Over coaching – let the kids play

Do you let your kids play?

Do you allow them to be free spirited and learn and experiment? Do you have excessive structures and control over sport? You could be stopping your kids from developing into creative instinctive athletes.

This has been shown in teaching under 5s here. It equally applies to motor skill learning and skill acquisition (including making warm ups fun).

This article on brain centred learning shows the relevance in football of allowing decision making and allowing athletes to develop all round.

Too much structure and organisation could inhibit learning.

Free play and chaos can actually enhance development in the long term.

Have the confidence in your coaching to create environments that encourage individualism and expression.

Parents, try putting the smart phone down and just play with your kids: let them lead and see what fun you can have. This isn’t about “coaching” it’s about letting children be children and play on their terms, rather than just trying to please adults.