FUN IN FUNDAMENTALS

FUNdamentals

In part one, we explored the early developmental milestones of infants and toddlers, focusing on foundation building, through physical and social habits.  Now, in part two, we’ll shift our focus to the grade school years, from elementary through middle school. These years are when children begin engaging in organized sports and start to develop the fundamental skills needed to play specific sports. Socially, peer relationships become more significant during this phase, influencing a child’s development both on and off the field.

 

2) Grade Schoolers: Skills Acquisition (Ages 6-12)

• Erikson’s Stage 4: Industry vs Inferiority (Age 6-12) 

• LTAD Stage 2: FUNdamentals (Girls age 6-8 / Boys age 6-9)

• LTAD Stage 3: Learn to Train (Girls age 8-11 / Boys age 9-12)

 

Erikson’s Stage 4: Industry versus Inferiority (Age 6-12)

At this stage, children enter school and begin to refine their physical, cognitive, and social skills. Erikson’s Stage 4, called Industry vs Inferiority, is a crucial period where children learn how to create things, solve problems, and gain new knowledge and skills. This is when they start to develop a sense of competence through their achievements, whether at school, on the playground, or through sports. Successful experiences lead to confidence, while setbacks can lead to feelings of inferiority. Peer relationships play a major role in shaping self-esteem and development during these years.

 

*Of note, peer relationships take center stage at this time.

 

LTAD Stage 2: FUNdamentals (Girls age 6-8 / Boys age 6-9)

This stage focuses on laying the groundwork for movement skills and general athleticism. Children at this age should be exposed to a wide variety of physical activities, not just sports. The goal is to foster a love for movement and sports through fun, semi-structured activities, with minimal competitive pressure. This is the time to develop basic athletic skills— such as hand and foot speed, balance, and coordination — through enjoyable games and playful activities. It’s important to keep training sessions light-hearted, avoiding rigid drills or overly competitive situations.

 

LTAD Stage 3: Learn to Train (Girls age 8-11 / Boys age 9-12)

In this stage, children begin to build on the fundamental skills they developed earlier, transitioning from basic movements to more sport-specific skills. This period is an excellent time to focus on the technical aspects of a sport, as children are still developing their coordination and motor skills but can make significant progress with consistent practice. This is also a critical time before puberty when growth spurts may temporarily disrupt coordination and skill development. The key here is to focus on fun, skill development, and gradual improvement.

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The Advantage of Late Bloomers
For children who develop later physically (late bloomers), this stage is especially beneficial. Late bloomers often have more time to develop solid foundational skills, which can lead to better long-term success in sports. Early bloomers may rely more on their physical advantages during childhood, but once puberty hits, late bloomers can catch up and even surpass their peers due to their stronger technical foundation. As a result, late bloomers often outperform early developers in the long run.

 

Questions To Ponder

a. Parents of Kids Aged 6-9: How are your kids being coached?
At this age, it’s important that coaches focus on teaching the basics of the sport while keeping activities fun and engaging. Coaches should prioritize introducing fundamental skills (e.g., footwork, hand-eye coordination, basic techniques) rather than focusing heavily on strategy or competition. The best coaches at this age create a learning environment through games and drills that keep kids moving and having fun, instead of over-explaining techniques or stopping play to correct every detail.

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For instance, in youth lacrosse, a fun game like Hungry Hungry Hippo can teach essential skills such as scooping ground balls, dodging, and shooting on goal, all while fostering teamwork and excitement. In this game, kids are divided into teams, with a set of lacrosse balls on the ground. They take turns running to scoop up a ball and shoot it into their team's goal, with the objective being to collect the most balls. This drill encourages active participation, teamwork, and a basic understanding of the game, without getting bogged down by too many technical corrections.

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Youth coaches at this stage should avoid overly structured or regimented drills, which can lead to kids standing around, losing interest, or feeling frustrated. The focus should be on action and participation.

 

b. Parents of Kids Aged 8-12: Are Coaches Playing Favorites or Focusing on Skills Development?
Between the ages of 8 and 12, kids’ physical differences become more noticeable. Some kids may be more aggressive, stronger, or more skilled due to natural growth and early development, while others may be more reserved or less coordinated. As a parent, it can be tempting to compare your child to others, but it’s important to remember that children develop at different rates, and those who seem less skilled now may catch up later, often becoming late bloomers.

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Patience is Key

The early bloomers who seem dominant in elementary school often level off in high school, when puberty and physical changes bring about greater parity among peers. Late bloomers may eventually surpass early developers as they refine their skills and grow into their bodies. So, trust the process and support your child’s long-term development rather than fixating on short-term results.

 

The Role of Coaches
Coaches at this age can sometimes be tempted to prioritize winning over player development, often giving more playing time to early bloomers or assigning players to "A-teams" based on perceived talent. However, it’s crucial that coaches treat all players as valuable team members, focusing on skill development, equal playing time, and positive reinforcement. Success should be measured by improvement, effort, and enjoyment, not just wins or points scored.

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For example, I once coached an 8th grader with knee braces who could barely walk straight. He wasn’t fast, wasn’t aggressive, and was often sidelined in practice. Despite concerns, we kept him in the game and treated him like any other player. By the time he reached high school, he had developed into one of the best defenders in the state, proving that late bloomers can surprise us with incredible progress. Coaches should never assume that a player who is not excelling at the moment won’t eventually develop into a star.

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Conclusion: Patience and Positive Coaching

As parents and coaches, we must recognize that development in youth sports is not always linear. Patience is essential, especially when dealing with late bloomers who may initially struggle to keep up with their more physically advanced peers. Coaches should focus on creating an environment that fosters skill development, teamwork, and fun. By avoiding a narrow focus on competition and instead nurturing all players’ potential, we can help children build a strong foundation for long-term success in sports. Remember, the goal is to make sports enjoyable and rewarding, ensuring kids develop a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.