Supporting my Child's Physical Training
In this section we provide a range of information to help promote the many benefits of physical training that is delivered by qualified professionals.
Physical training for children and adolescents should involve exercising in an appropriate and progressive manner which helps the long-term development of athleticism. Athleticism is the ability to repeatedly perform a range of movements with precision and confidence in a variety of sports and activities, which require competent levels of motor skills, strength, power, speed, agility, balance, coordination and endurance.
Appropriately designed physical training improves health and fitness, enhances physical performance, reduces the risk of injury, and develops confidence and perceived competence in youth. Physical training should deliver positive learning experiences in which all young people have an opportunity to learn something new, have fun, and establish athleticism right from the start.
Questions about physical training
Why should my child engage in physical training?
Trained young people are fitter, faster, stronger, and have a lower risk of injury than untrained youth. Youth sport practice and games often do not allow for time to receive coaching in order to ensure that every child maximises their physical potential. Physical training should be viewed as an ideal way to prepare young people for the demands of sports.
Is it okay for my child to participate in resistance training?
Absolutely! Resistance training involves an individual performing movements against resistance, which can come from body weight, weight machines, free weights, elastic bands, or medicine balls. It is a safe and effective form of training for young people of all ages and abilities. The amount of resistance that a child works against should never be increased at the expense of technical competency.
When should my child start some form of formalised physical training?
As early as possible! Because young children are experiencing rapid developments in their nervous and muscular systems, childhood is the ideal time to engage with physical training. Early years physical training should focus on the development of motor skills and basic levels of strength.
How do I know if my child is doing too much physical training?
The answer to this question should also consider the amount of sports practice and competition that your child is undertaking. When a child is doing ‘too much’ sport (including training and competition) they may display a range of physical (e.g. frequent tiredness, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite or sore muscles) and/or psychological (e.g. bad mood, reduced confidence, apathy, loos of motivation) symptoms. Balancing training with opportunities to rest and recover is important, and regular conversations with your child are important to see how they are feeling.
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