Paediatric Exercise: Five-Point Plan

The Vorsprung Project offers these five pointers for any sports club coach / programme to implement.

1. Work In Small Groups:

Dividing children up into small groups helps control them. Children with a disruptive tendency will be less inclined to disrupt a small group. Children with any degree of learning conditions (Autism, ADHD, OCD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, social anxiety) will find smaller groups far more benefitial and learn better.

2. Only Three Activities Per Session:

Minimising the amount of activities within one session helps in a variety of ways. First, it gives structure to a session. Too many activities tend to lead to disruptive behaviour as there is too much change. Children require and benefit from structure and clear instruction. Also, fewer activities allow for more comprehensive teaching and distribution of information. Secondly, the fewer activities allows children to focus more, hence, getting more out of the session. Thirdly, fewer activities per sessions, means for more variety, in that, you are able to rotate activities from week-to-week. This is far more stimulating for children.


3. All Activities Should Be Focused On FMS Development And Technical Skills:

Focus must be on the seven fundamental development motor skills: static balance, dynamic balance, running speed (10 metres), standing jump, throwing and catching a ball, throwing at a target, kicking a ball at a target. In this way the children develops better motor skills and proprioception, which will aid later life and not interrupt their natural maturation.


4. Sessions Should Be Exciting And Not ‘Fun’:

‘Fun’ should be the by-product and emotional reaction to an exciting session. If adults dictate what is going to be 'fun', everyone is set to fail from the first point of contact. Variety is the key to offering exciting sessions.


5. Exercise Routines Should Be Age Appropriate:

Children sports exercise sessions should NEVER be, merely, halved versions of an adult session. This should a clear lack of education in paediatric expertise physiology and poor imagination. Additionally, children should be divided into working groups that are maturation-related not age-related. Not all children mature at the same rate. As such, not all children are able to under-taken the same activities as their age-related peers.


We are always happy to lead a special workshop for coaches and volunteers to help get the best for children.
outreach@vorsprung.org.uk