Embracing Unstructured Fun When Coaching Kids
In a world where organised practices and structured drills dominate youth sports, allowing children to engage in unstructured free play may seem counterintuitive. Yet free play holds tremendous value when it comes to sports skill development. By letting children play without adult intervention, we can tap into their intrinsic motivation. This will often result in sustained focus, persistence, and a multitude of repetitions. In this article, we will explore what this means for youth sports coaches and their practices.
The Essence of Free Play
Free play refers to unstructured play that is self-directed by children. It occurs when they engage in activities without adult interference or imposed rules. When children have autonomy over their play, they gravitate towards activities they find enjoyable and challenging. Free play allows children to explore, experiment, and learn without the constraints of adult expectations.
Intrinsic Motivation and Sustained Focus
One of the benefits of free play is that it taps into children’s intrinsic motivation. Without external pressures or rewards, children engage in play for the love of it. This intrinsic motivation fuels their desire to improve their skills, persist and persevere. When learning, practicing, or strategising, children stay engaged for long periods during free play sessions.
Repetitions and Skill Mastery
Another crucial aspect of free play is the sheer number of repetitions it offers. Children will engage in the same movements repeatedly, honing their abilities through trial and error. Unlike structured practices where specific drills may limit the number of repetitions, free play allows children to accumulate a vast amount of practice time. This number of repetitions creates an environment where skill mastery becomes more attainable.
Implications for Sports Coaches
Understanding the value of free play can change the way youth sports coaches coach. Coaches should recognise that even the slightest well-meaning intervention from an adult can be perceived by children as wresting their autonomy away. By creating opportunities for unstructured play during practice sessions, coaches can harness the power of free play while still providing guidance and support.
Transferring Free Play to Youth Sports Practices
To incorporate free play into practices, coaches can adopt a more athlete-centred approach. Here are some practical strategies: Here are some practical strategies:
1. Set Time for Unstructured Play
Dedicate a part of each practice session to unstructured play. Generate play by providing a range of equipment for the kids to use before the session formally starts.
2. Provide Guided Autonomy
Instead of constantly instructing and correcting, coaches can step back and observe, offering guidance only when necessary. This approach respects the child’s autonomy while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
3. Encourage Peer Learning
Create a culture of peer-to-peer learning. Encourage children to exchange knowledge, share techniques, and challenge each other. This cultivates a collaborative environment and enhances the learning experience.
Conclusion
Free play holds immense value in youth sports skill development. Unstructured play nurtures intrinsic motivation, focus and persistence. In turn this provides lots of repetitions for skill mastery.
Further Reading
The Role of Free Play in Athletics Development
Can We Make Coaching Sessions More Like Free Play
How to Bring the Backyard to Coaching: Unleashing the Power of Play
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Darren Wensor is a sports development professional, coach educator, specialist coach of young athletes, and founder of the blog coachingyoungathletes.com. Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, or via email. Check out Coaching Young Athletes on YouTube, the Coaching Young Athletes podcast, and the Coaching Young Athletes E-Book Series.
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