How to Teach Sports to Kids

Teaching Sports

• 1

  Consider what age group you are teaching. Will the children be toddlers, elementary school aged, adolescents, or teenagers? You will have to take slightly different approaches with each age group. Toddlers will not be able to process as much information as a teenager. Each age in between toddlers and teenagers will be slightly different, so you will need to teach on specific levels. Think of teaching sports in grade levels. If you are teaching a 10-year-old, think about a fourth grade level of sports. Teaching a 10-year-old how to run a complex offense as a quarterback would be like trying to teach a fourth grader algebra. Each child needs to learn step by step. It is counterproductive to try to teach a child how to throw a curve ball if he doesn't even know how to make a regular throw.

• 2

  Prepare a plan of action by writing down a schedule of what you will be teaching. The best place to start is with basics, running, jumping, throwing and catching. You will also want to have at least 30 minutes of conditioning, which may include short stretching routines for children under the age of eight. Don't work them too hard. You don't want them to hate sports because of conditioning. Let all ages know how important conditioning is for becoming an athlete. Increase the intensity with each year. For instance, 8-year-olds can jog at least one lap around the gymnasium/field and you can add more stretches. Remember children grow mentally and physically, and these should go hand in hand when teaching sports. As kids are able to process more mentally, they will also be able to be challenged more physically. You can push them to their limits by using post practice sprints, but never go beyond what they are capable of doing. Always listen to them if they say they are in any pain. This is especially true if sports are being played outside in hot weather.

• 3

  Ask kids what they would like to learn in order of preference. If they are interested in a specific sport, go ahead and teach them the basics of that sport. Give the kids a brief history lesson about the sport. For instance, peach baskets were used as the first basketball goals. Use sports equipment to break down the most essential parts of a sport by illustrating how each item is made, used and cared for.

• 4

  Give teenagers, adolescents, and elementary school aged children paper and pencils. Ask them to write down the rules of each sport as you explain them. This will help the children remember the basic rules. If they have questions when you are not around, they can always consult the rules they write down. Encourage the children to write down any questions that can't be answered by the rules you give them.

• 5

  Do not worry about teaching toddlers the rules. Just work with them by throwing a foam ball around or running around the gymnasium/field. Always encourage them and clap when they make a throw, or what will most likely be a short toss. Also clap for them whey they make a catch. Let them tackle you and have fun.

• 6

  Make sure all children are aware of safety when dealing with any type of sports equipment. Toddlers should especially be supervised if they are using any equipment.

• 7

  Instill the importance of good sportsmanship to all ages. The quicker kids learn to respect their opponents, the more likely they will continue to do so as they grow older. Never encourage any type of cheating.