Before you begin to coach, you must realize children's growth development! While it may be stating the obvious, it helps to remember that children are not miniature adults. Kids develop in stages and have differing physical and mental capabilities at each stage. The sport system divides athletes by age groups, but age is not the only measure of their maturity or readiness for a specific sport activity.  Not all 10 year olds are alike.  Some are more mature physically, mentally, and socially while others are less mature. You may have on your team two or three groups of athletes who are quite different emotionally or physically even though they are the same chronological age. You may have to create activities appropriate for the different groups on your team. As the athlete grows, develops, and matures their approach to sport will change. In general, the following is true about the young athletes you coach: Children under 7-8 are motivated by fun and often dislike competition. Cooperative games are very useful Children 8-10 begin to understand the importance of rules. They identify with personal prestige and skill levels more than winning or losing. They become more self-centered. Children over 12 become more competitive. Winning and losing become more important. Physical abilities change dramatically with maturity level. The ability to translate commands into action changes dramatically with maturity.   Asking kids to do things that are beyond their developmental capacities frustrates both athletes and coaches.

   
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