Coaching Through the Stages of Growth & Development
One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of coaching is being able to work with players during their transition from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood.
Key Points of Growth & Development
From children to adults, boys to girls, mental to physical.
Mental and Emotional Development
The development of children’s and adolescents’ mental and cognitive abilities has a tremendous influence on how coaches teach and develop players’ skills in sport or any other activity or function. Before their teens, children want to work and produce. They want to do things well, and they take pride in doing so and in earning the praise of teachers, coaches, and parents.
Physical Development
An important facet of physical development in the child and adolescent is the growth spurt. Another key area of physical growth and development is skeletal growth and development. The bones of the body grow from areas within the long bones called growth plates.
Social Development
The social development of children and adolescents can be broken down into three main age ranges: 8 to 11, 12 to 15, and 15 to 18.