Unfortunately once again during this time of the year we receive a great deal of questions and concerns regarding the best practice for children during pre-season training sessions. Some of these are very alarming and it is no wonder that many children are injured, fatigued and fall out of love with the game based on their experiences.
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Please see attached the FIFA Football Fitness and Conditioning document which is a wonderful resource for parents and players who wish to do some extra sessions away from their football training sessions. We have also provided the link below which has video footage of all of the exercises:
Please be aware that the core and hamstring exercises are only recommended for players who are 14 years and older.
Please have a look at the FFA National Curriculum link on our website which should be adhered to by all Australian FFA Grassroots Clubs:
The FFA National Curriculum recommends the following for all players at Grassroots Level:
- Is Football being played?
- Is Football being learned and therefore taught?
- Is Football being experienced and therefore enjoyed?
- Do the players understand the football purpose of the exercise?
- Do the players recognise the game related intention?
- Are the players being challenged to improve as a team and a individual?
“For the vast majority of children this game related approach is the most enjoyable…enabling them to reach their potential and stay committed to the game for life.”
FFA National Curriculum
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There is still much made of the 10,000 hour myth, see this article by Gary Marcus, Professor of Psychology at New York University, about purposeful, deliberate practice to improve, develop and master. More time and emphasis needs to be placed on technique and game awareness of the player rather than physical conditioning otherwise how can we expect the Talent to reach its full potential.
“It is practice, not talent, that holds the key to success”
Matthew Syed, author of Bounce, Harper Collines, May 2010
The next time you watch your child at training you may want to ask yourself the 6 FFA questions above….if not ask why?