Your child matters...
Leinster GAA Coaching Conference
March 9th, 2013
Richard Bowles
Where am I coming from?
Teacher
Club Coach
Adult coach
(U6, U8,
U10)
PE Lecturer,
Mary
Immaculate
College
Player
Parent
Coach
Education
Tutor
What do I want to do today?
Theories on how children
learn...
Why they take part in sport...
The implications for the coach...
Make activity fun…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7IvegYtyDw
Physical Literacy
“As appropriate to each individual’s endowment,
physical literacy can be described as the
motivation, confidence, physical competence,
knowledge and understanding to maintain
physical activity throughout the lifecourse”
(Whitehead, 2010 p.12)
How
How do
do children
children learn?
learn?
Children’s holistic development...
Physical
Intellectual
Social
Emotional
Why do children take part in sport?
Why do children take part in
sport?
Some Factors…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Learn new skills
Make friends
See new places – and have new experiences
To be part of a team
For the competitive challenge/winning
Improve their self worth
To have fun
http://www.gaa.ie/coaching-and-games-development/coaching/coaching-children/
Why do they drop out?
Why do they drop out?
Can we explain this?
“The estimated percentage fall off among
players who start at Under 8 level before
reaching minor grade is 43% of GAA players”
(Munster GAA, p.6)
So, what are the implications for us?
“The actions and interactions of teachers
and coaches largely determine whether
or not children and young people
experience these positive aspects of PES
[PE & Sport] and whether or not they
realize its great potential”
(Bailey 2006, P399)
The Coach as Educator...
Our role in developing “well-rounded” children
who:
• Are independent
• Value learning
• Enjoy participating
• Have high self-esteem
• Show respect and fair play
(Kidman, 2005: 257
Child-centred...
• Allow for different rates of learning
• Focus on the individual
• Encourage decision-making
Ask questions
Cut down on “coach talk”
Select appropriate activities
• Fun...active...safe...
Some practical examples...
• Club coaching
• School coaching
• Games-based coaching programmes
Go Games Model
Game Sense / TGfU
Small-sided Games
What about Fundamental Movement Skills??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYe2wRa4Ta0
Getting the balance right
So, how do we measure success?
Participation
Player
Retention
Social
Development
Competition?
Skill
Development
“Take home” message!
Can I ensure that every child enjoys
the experience and is learning?
References
Bailey, R. (2006) Physical education and sport in schools: A review of benefits and outcomes.
Journal of School Health 76, no. 8: 397-401.
Munster GAA (2012) Return on Coaching Investment Evaluation Study
Kidman, L. (2005) Athlete-centred Coaching: developing inspired and inspiring people
Christchurch: Innovative Print Communications
Whitehead, M. (2010) Physical Literacy: Throughout the Lifecourse, Abingdon: Routledge
http://www.gaa.ie/coaching-and-games-development/coaching/coaching-children/