Parents of U6 and U8 players play an active part in
the enjoyment their children have in youth soccer. Encouragement
to try new things is step one. Now that they are out
there kicking, running, laughing, falling down and all
chasing the ball simultaneously they need positive reinforcement.
Many parents during matches and sometimes-even training
sessions yell out to the kids what to do and when to
do it. They cheer when things go right and sometimes
cry out in anguish when they don’t. In all they are
trying to be positive and help the kids.
What many adults have forgotten from when they were
5, 6, 7 and 8 years old is that children of those
ages can focus on a limited number of tasks at one
time. That may continue to be true to a lesser degree
for older players too.
Indeed it takes all of the attention of an U6 player
to control the ball. This is because they are still
developing basic balance, coordination and agility.
Also in a 4 versus 4 match the odds for the player
with the ball are generally 1 versus 7.
So during a match the player needs to focus on the
task at hand---trying to control the ball. Unfortunately
they are distracted by all of the adults yelling from
the touchline. Now they have to make a choice, either
play the ball or listen to the parents.
So the lesson is clear. If parents want to help the
kids play their best they need to be quiet while watching
the game. Just sit back and let the children play!
|
