COACH INFORMATION
Social Differences Of Players:
Behavior And Emotional Development Vary By Age
The changes in social behavior and emotional development of children can vary substantially by age, and it's important to consider the social nuances of the players that you are coaching in order to better understand them as people. Here are a few examples by age:
U-6
- May have fears of the unknown
- Experience rapid and unpredictable mood changes
- Tell tall tales
- Need encouragement
U-8
- Afraid of failure
- Self-esteem and self concept are big issues
- Becoming more outgoing
- Actions can be influenced by peer acceptance
U-10
- May have fears of failure, not being liked, etc.
- May blame others or make up alibis to explain their own shortcomings or mistakes
- Need reinforcement
- Feelings can be easily hurt
Physical & Motor Development Of Kids:
Children Grow At Different Rates. Here is a quick list of what physical developments you might see in the different age categories of AYSO.
U-6
- Can run, jump, and skip well; motor skills are continuing to develop
- Have lots of energy, although in bursts; they tend to tire quickly
- Can't sit still for long
U-8
- Work and play hard
- Exhibit significant improvement in agility, balance, endurance, timing and hand-eye coordination
U-10
- Will participate enthusiastically in competitive activities
- Will practice new skills over and over in order to perfect them
- Will experience lowered frequency of minor illnesses