Working with Younglings.....

As a coach who works with children and adults I am often asked which group I prefer working with and to be honest both groups have equally challenging and enjoyable aspects. When working with adults you can expect more organisation, dialogue and self starting but there is also the fact that adults can be set in their ways and not so open to coaching. Youngsters on the other hand are slightly more malleable and if you catch them young enough they will absorb info like a sponge but they do need more organising. I find youngsters tend to divide into two camps when it comes to fencing; one group are there for the social/peer group side and the others are there because they like sport and want to do well. Neither of these is a wrong reason to attend a fencing club! But you will have to tailor your approach accordingly depending on who you're working with. I've been blessed with some great youngsters over the years and am very proud of them and their achievements so have no complaints really. Here are some of my tips for working with young people in a coaching capacity.....


Give praise: It's very easy to forget that praise is a great motivator, although most youngsters get very embarrassed by it!

Treat them like adults: although don't expect them to necessarily respond like adults

Be prepared to organise them: remember that choosing a random training partner can be traumatic for a teenager.....

Communications will vary: lads who have been loquacious will suddenly become mono-syllabic when they hit 13. Conversely, girls of 13 will sound like women of 33....

Never show fear: Youngsters can smell it....

If you ask "any questions?" be prepared for ANY questions

Know the rules: Because there will always be an eleven year old who will know them better than you do.....

Never, ever comment on young lad's hairstyles/choice of nail varnish: You are not their parents.......

Have some stock phrases to hand: such as "in general you're not learning anything when your lips are moving......"

Don't expect them to get things right first time: and don't let them get down on themselves if they don't either

They will not all carry on with their fencing: So try to make fencing something they will remember with pleasure in later years

Competition results are not everything, it's the person inside that counts: although you may find it hard to convince some parents of that....

Put their interests first: do not let your ego live through them and their achievements. Never push a youngster into something they don't want to do, particularly regarding competition

Above all, remember you are in a position of trust and behave professionally and accordingly