Part IV — Interesting and Challenging is a Key Feature In our previous post, we discussed two features (Goals and Feedback) that video games have which create engagement and excite players. The third feature that is different between video games and youth practice environments is that video games are interesting and challenging. Regardless of what game you play,... Continue Reading →
Video Games have three key features that engage participants and youth sports tend to miss out on these features. . . 1. OBVIOUS GOALS Regardless of what video game you are playing, there is always a clear objective. Take Super Mario for example — the objective is to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. In order... Continue Reading →
PART I — UNDERSTANDING THE EMOTIONAL ASPECT “How do you handle a situation where you have two players who are focused on the drill/activity and everyone else is messing around?” This was a question that was posed to me a couple of days ago after one of our youth team practices (U12). Our coaches wanted... Continue Reading →
“You can’t fill a cup that is already full; likewise, you can’t pour from an empty cup either” The two main problems that I often encounter in relation to youth practices, especially, at the under 12 level are: Kids don’t seem to be engaged and attentive to the coaches; andThe skills being practiced seldom transfer... Continue Reading →
When I was younger, my dad used to take me and my brother out hunting. This was years before we moved to Ireland. We were still living in East Africa at this stage. Every second or third weekend, my dad would take me and my older brother out to hunt. Our prey were either wild... Continue Reading →
Something that I personally have been struggling with lately is the concept of becoming a better person, a better coach, and a better leader. I've consistently been reflecting and actively trying to get rid of what I consider negative habits whilst adding positive habits into my lifestyle. This has been challenging for me as I... Continue Reading →
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