WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN

THE main issues that need to be to be considered when doing a sport are:

Use proper mechanics. The No.1 problem in any specific sport is improper mechanics.

Don’t play year-round. Young athletes need a break.

Avoid attempting high speed all the time at a young age. In throwing, kicking, running etc.

Be careful with showcases. I call them “show-off” cases.

Young athletes who experience a relaxed and fun approach emerge more balanced and well-rounded than those who do not.

This can increase their chance of reaching elite levels. I would encourage an athlete to “sample’’ a number of sports and specialise at an older age.

These sampling years give young athletes the chance to develop their fundamental movement skills and experience a variety of environments.

These athletes are less likely to burn out and not develop perfectionist attitudes that often come with early specialisation.

I think some coaches and parents believe they are doing the right thing by getting their children specialising early, but there is no evidence to support that athletes then go on to excel when they are older.

On the contrary, a growing body of evidence suggests that athletes who maintain a broader sporting base before they specialise are more likely to be successful in their chosen sport, as well as maintain a lifelong love of sport.

Go out and enjoy many sports and have fun. The athlete then has the experience to decide what sport they would like to do when they are older.