| |
Coaching
children is challenging. Yet, coaching children is rewarding
work, whether with a sport, schoolwork, music or to improve
relationships. Three challenges facing a coach are to treat
each child as a person, to accept children who do not perform
so well and to avoid favoring children who have exceptional
abilities. When coaching
children and adolescents, understand what motivates them,
NOT what motivates you! To interact better with them, understand
their family life, interests, personality, sports they play
and their skill levels. Watching, listening and talking
are key coaching skills.
A 1989 survey showed that children
rank the following in order of importance to them during
sport coaching:
1. Improving their skills
2. Playing, using their skills
3. A good relationship with the coach
4. Being selected for a team
5. Competing and trying to win
6. Having exciting, close games
7. Being with friends
8. Wearing a correct uniform
9. Beating opponents
10. Receiving medals or trophies |
|
