Player's development

There are many factors that can influence the players, such as their age, peer pressure, family, parents, friends, school and how much they enjoy playing and training.
To be able to effectively coach young players, coaches need to understand the different characteristics that players display, why they act the way they do, how players develop, physically and mentally and how we need to adjust our own attitudes to these developing young players.

The Players development area of the site covers the following areas:

Young player's characteristics and attitudes:

• Characteristics of players under eight
• Characteristics of players under ten
• Characteristics of players under twelve

Young players learn in many different ways, we examine how players learn:

• Different types of learning
• How the game can be the biggest teacher
• Other children, friends
• Parents
• Ways in which coaches can develop different types of learning

Players develop physically and mentally at very different rates. Over use injuries are a real danger with young players:

• We examine the signs and symptoms of over use injuries
• We look at the causes and how they can be avoided

Players are the most important people in the sport. One of the most effective ways in which players can ensure that they display fair play and respect to all is to develop their own Code of conduct.

• We outline the best way of getting the players to design their own code of conduct
• What areas should be included
• How to implement the code of conduct for players

A fit player will not necessarily be the best player, but being fit it will make a better player:

• We provide key information on age relevant warm ups and cool downs
• We examine and provide information, drills and graphics on the requirements age relevant strength, stamina, speed, power, agility and flexibility
• We look at the different fundamentals required in a balanced diet and the role of fluids and eating habits on the fitness of players