We need to highlight enjoyment for our kids
NETBALL CHAT with Linda Bunch
I'M PLEASED to see with youth sport in general, the emphasis is moving away from pushing for "only” highest level results-based accomplishment recognition, to acknowledgement of skills gained, effort given and lessons learnt, all whilst players "enjoy” themselves.
Don't get me wrong, there is certainly a time and place when results are start, middle and finish. After all, Usain Bolt doesn't run a sub 10 second 100m sprint because he looks good in Lycra. I support junior players not being dominated by performance pressure at weekly fixture sport.
The sporting world is acknowledging children need to enjoy their sport to obtain results and growth.
In fact; players not enjoying their on-court/field/ training time are likely to become discouraged and lose interest entirely.
A state-level coach recently commented to me that children will do a drill 88 times but if they aren't enjoying it they won't remember and retain the drill, let alone understand how it translates into a game scenario.
In junior sport we are developing young individuals who most likely won't become great athletes; however they are likely to be great leaders and achievers in their own right and fields.
We need to encourage all wins, newspaper-worthy or not, and give praise for all achievements including the small. Let's all work together to teach our little sponges in a manner they will love and grow from.
