BEYOND THE SCOREBOARD: NATURE AND SCIENCE

When a flower doesnt bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows and not the flower.

Alexander Den Heijer

Over the past two decades, the way we entertain ourselves has changed a lot. Physical activities, once a source of fun and a remedy for boredom, turned out to be crucial for developing motor skills. Moving around – running, chasing, sprinting, climbing, hanging, and playing various sports – shaped resilient young athletes. It provided space for creativity, camaraderie among peers, and the ability to handle conflicts without adult intervention. Unfortunately, these moments are becoming rarer due to technology and busy schedules.

Now, let's bust a myth. Modern science has debunked the idea that resistance training is dangerous for growing kids. In fact, everything mentioned earlier involves an informal type of resistance. The catch is that it's not formalized.

So, how do we combine science and play for optimal youth development? The solution lies in merging them. We can incorporate science-backed approaches into play, turning resistance training into a games-based method. Instead of framing it as "exercise," we can think of movement as gamified challenges.

For instance, consider games that enhance motor skills, like chasing games for speed and agility, climbing over obstacles for upper body strength, or throwing for overall body coordination.

In our information-packed world, it's tempting to overthink the perfect plan to make kids "fitter." But the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Kids need challenges to stay engaged, fun to enjoy movement, and boredom to spark creativity. It's up to parents and coaches to create environments that bring these elements to life!