Sport readiness in children and youth

Question 1

What motor skills are developed during early childhood (3-5yo)?

Answer 1

1. Limited fundamental sports skills

2. Limited balance skills

Question 2

What vision skills are developed during early childhood (3-5yo)?

Answer 2

1. Not mature until 6-7yo

2. Difficulty tracking and judging the speed of moving objects

Question 3

What learning skills are developed during early childhood (3-5yo)?

Answer 3

1. Very short attention span

2. Visual and auditory cues important

Question 4

What skills should be emphasized during early childhood (3-5yo)?

Answer 4

1. Emphasize fundamental skills

2. Emphasize play and experimentation rather than competition

Question 5

What are suggested activities for early childhood (3-5yo)?

Answer 5

Running, tumbling, throwing, catching

Riding a tricycle

Question 6

What motor skills are developed during middle childhood (6-9yo)?

Answer 6

1. Mature fundamental sports skills
2. Better posture and balance
3. Beginning transitional skills

Question 7

What vision skills are developed during middle childhood (6-9yo)?

Answer 7

Improved tracking but limited directionality

Question 8

What learning skills are developed during middle childhood (6-9yo)?

Answer 8

1. Short attention span

2. Limited memory and rapid decision-making skills

Question 9

What skills should be emphasized during middle childhood (6-9yo)?

Answer 9

1. Emphasize fundamental and beginning transitional skills

Question 10

What are suggested activities for middle childhood (6-9yo)?

Answer 10

Entry level soccer and baseball, swimming, running, gymnastics, skating, dancing, racquet sports, riding a bicycle, and non-contact martial arts

Question 11

What motor skills are developed during late childhood (10-12yo)?

Answer 11

1. Improving transitional skills

2. Mastering complex motor skills

Question 12

What vision skills are developed during late childhood (10-12yo)?

Answer 12

Mature adult patterns

Question 13

What learning skills are developed during late childhood (10-12yo)?

Answer 13

1. Selective attention

2. Memory skills improving

Question 14

What skills should be emphasized during late childhood (10-12yo)?

Answer 14

Emphasize skill development with increasing emphasis on tactics and strategy

Question 15

What are suggested activities for late childhood (10-12yo)?

Answer 15

Entry level football, basketball, and ice hockey

Question 16

What motor skills are developed during early adolescence (13-15yo)?

Answer 16

1. Tremendous growth but loss of flexibility

2. Differences with timing of puberty

Question 17

What vision skills are developed during early adolescence (13-15yo)?

Answer 17

Adult patterns

Question 18

What learning skills are developed during early adolescence (13-15yo)?

Answer 18

1. Improved attention span

2. Good memory skills, able to memorize plays and strategies

Question 19

What skills should be emphasized during early adolescence (13-15yo)?

Answer 19

Emphasize individual strengths

Question 20

What are suggested activities for early adolescence (13-15yo)?

Answer 20

1. Early maturing boys: track and field, basketball, ice hockey
2. Late-maturing girls: gymnastics and skating

Question 21

What motor skills are developed during late adolescence (16-18yo)?

Answer 21

Continued growth into adulthood

Mature sports skills

Question 22

What vision skills are developed during late adolescence (16-18yo)?

Answer 22

Adult patterns

Question 23

What learning skills are developed during late adolescence (16-18yo)?

Answer 23

Good attention span and memory skills

Question 24

What skills should be emphasized during late adolescence (16-18yo)?

Answer 24

Emphasize individual strengths

Question 25

What are suggested activities for late adolescence (13-15yo)?

Answer 25

All sports depending on interest