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Coaching the U-8 Player
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Why Children Play
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 Player
CharacteristicsAttention span is a bit longer than U-6 players but still not at a "competitive" stage. React to outside stimuli, a pretty bird, a butterfly, a frog in the grass more interesting than a soccer ball. Inclined towards small group activities. They want everybody to like them. Developing physical confidence. (Most are able to ride a two-wheeler.) Starting to imitate older players or sports heroes. Want the same "gear" as them. Lack sense of pace. They go flat out until they drop. Skeletal system growing rapidly. Often results in apparent lack of coordination. Cardiovascular and temperature regulation system is not developed. Their heart rate peaks quickly and they overheat quickly. Make sure that they get adequate water breaks. Always in motion: scratching; blinking; jerking; rocking.... Easily bruised psychologically. They will remember negative comments for a long time. Shout praise. Give "hints". Limited understanding with personal evaluation. "If they try hard, they performed well" regardless of the actual performance. Thus, they need to be encouraged constantly, and asked, "Now, can you do this?" Better at recognizing when the ball is out of play, and remembering what goal they are going for... but, in the heat of battle, they will sometimes still forget. They still find it difficult to really be aware of more than one thing at a time. |
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