Do you have a talented or enthusiastic young athlete in your family? Have you wondered how to best support them to achieve their goals and live up to their potential in their chosen sport? As a long-time coach and parent to a talented sportswoman, I have many years of experience working with young athletes. While each child is unique in talent, mindset and circumstances, there are a few things that I have seen that makes a difference to a young athletes development and progression in sport.
Us as parents, coaches or caregivers have a unique opportunity to help children develop life-long engagement and enjoyment with sport and physical activity. The behaviour of adult figures (coaches, teachers, extended family etc), as well as peers and siblings, teammates and opponents all play an important role in influencing a child’s behaviour and performance. Surrounding your athlete with positive role models and encouragement can help to build their confidence and self-esteem.
Young athletes who have active support and encouragement (financial, practical and psychological) are better equipped to excel. This support early in their ‘career’ plays a significant role initiating and sustaining a child’s sports participation and positive mindset towards maintaining their sport or physical fitness through life. This support can take the form of taxi-ing to training and games, having extra practice sessions, enrolling them in club sports and extension programs or as the opportunity arises interstate/international competitions. This can take time, energy and money, however I have never met a parent yet that has regretted this investment.
Building self-esteem is a top priority when it comes to improving performance. When an athlete sees their hard work paying off in their sport, they work harder! Positive thoughts are crucial and what drive us in our sport. You can support this through practice, positive and constructive feedback and having the right team to support your young athlete.
Nutrition and sleep are also important and can be most difficult during teenage years. Establishing good habits early and getting into the right routines can pay off through improved energy and recovery. Working together with your young athlete to set a sustainable pre and post-game routines, take time to get their by-in and make adjustments as their needs change. No one approach is right, so working out what works will take time, patience, and perseverance.
Parents are often looking for ways to keep ahead of the competition, even in the slightest advantage could mean the difference between making a team, getting a personal best or winning and losing. If you are considering getting into the gym or using more strength and conditioning training to get ahead, it is vital that this is approached safely and with proper guidance.
Allowing your child to join a large commercial gym can be very daunting for them and without professional guidance, supervision could risk in long-term injury. Here at 11:11, we work with your child and with their goals in mind to develop a safe, individualised, and focussed program. We work on proper technique, correct posture and foundations of training that need to be established before they can be built upon.
With professional training support and your role modelling, encouragement and good routines we can help your young athlete reach towards their highest goals.