In order to better represent the purpose of MatchFit and better distinguish who we are and our core values, you may have noticed that we have recently rebranded. As part of these changes, we aim to make clear the holistic nature of our coaching services that places an emphasis on well-being through sustainable physical activity, […]
Author: matchfitcoach1
Clearing up the term Athletic in Youth Athletic Development
No one should be put off by the term athletic. if we are to park the aspect of the definition of athletic that relates to “energetic movement”, and indeed “strong”, what we are left with is being healthy. This is a far more encouraging place to start with our definition for the term athletic development.
When can children lift weights?
This post is based another question posed recently by a parent. To begin, any concerns around risk of injury (e.g., damage to growth plates) has now been put to bed. Instead, there is a substantial body of evidence supporting the benefits of strength training, including improved bone-mineral density, improved biomechanics (associated with a reduction in […]
Question: How do you build core strength into fun games?
This was the question posed this past week by a parent, and it’s a good one. Firstly, it sits within our training ideals that physical activity for children should be fun, which is often achieved through gamification (turning the activities into games). Importantly, manipulation of the rules/ conditions of these games can encourage particular movement […]
Fun Ways to Expose Children to Functional Movement Skills
Functional movement skills (FMS) are movement skills that are useful in everyday life. These include running; jumping; hopping; balancing; throwing and catching; kicking; rolling; and crawling patterns. Confidence and competency in these FMS enable greater physical health, body control, and form the foundation for engagement in physical activity and sports participation. It is increasingly clear […]
Why do young footballers require strength and conditioning training?
By Lew Coldham, UKSCA Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach Football, like all field-based invasion sports requires a diverse library of movement skills and underpinning athletic qualities perform the required sport skills and tolerate the physical demands of the game. Consistent and progressive strength and conditioning (S&C) training provides multiple benefits to a young players health […]