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INCLUSION
“The atmosphere at MoF is the key. It's an inclusive experience - all the players develop confidence”
– father of 9-year old Harry
Inclusion means that all players are challenged at a level appropriate to their needs. In all activities, all players should be challenged and should also experience success. This has various implications for coaches:
- When doing pair work, or small group work – match players of equal ability, attitude, athleticism.
- Swap partners regularly in order to challenge all players in different ways.
- Identify players who are finding the task too easy, and set them a tougher challenge.
- Identify players who are struggling and give them the help they need to succeed.
Let's look at an example: We have two children playing in a 1v1 for 10 minutes. It may be possible for many separate 1v1 challenges to take place between those two children in that time. It is important that both children experience some success during that activity, and both are pushed to find new ways to attack and new ways to defend. If the two players are of very unequal ability, then one player will find the task too easy and the other too difficult. The result of this is that neither player will gain maximum benefit from this task, and that players may not enjoy themselves either. The same situation may occur if one child is much bigger and stronger than the other, or if one player is much more motivated and dedicated than the other.
It will help coaches to know the birthdates of their players. This will help them identify which children are the oldest in the group and which are the youngest. There may be children who are big for their age, and although look old are actually relatively young (and vice-versa). This information will help the coach understand the behaviour and progress of the individuals in the group, and assist in planning and delivering activities and sessions in which all children are included and learn.
Click here for more information about grouping players.