Athletics

Service Description

Related Topics: · Self-talk & Motivation · The Use of Visualization · Time & Place to Speak Up · Sleep, Exercise, Diet · Mind, Body, and Sport Unstructured play has declined over the years and with that decline our youth have faced a highly structured competitive sports culture. There are a variety of reasons that have contributed to the decline in participation with disabled and nondisabled students - the rise of electronic and minimal physical activity opportunities in schools and at home are prime examples. This current “sports” culture has led coaches and parents to push youth in specializing in only 1 sport. This is the opposite of why children want to play sports. They have, in some instances, minimal to no choice in playing different sports. This was further validated by a Michigan State University study that found the top 2 reasons youth drop out of a sport were due to being uninterested and not having fun. "Based on The Aspen Institute’s Project Play, what kids want from sports is to create social bonds and have access to the action. The best way for coaches to accomplish these wants is to treat players with respect, provide equitable playing time and have fun in practice with opportunities of unstructured play" Health Coaches do not take the place of athletic coaches, sports psychologists, or personal trainers. Rather, we act as a guiding post, which in most circumstances, seems like a dense forest when you are doing it alone. Enhancing and sustaining health & wellness as an athlete is an important step towards achieving academic success, personal development, and lifelong wellness. Today, on primary and secondary school campuses, fitness tips without nurturing a mindset for behavior changes will neither promote nor support good health & wellness in students. Health & Wellness Coaches on school campuses compliment the athletic department. Most crucial, we want to be here for the students and guide them to where they want to go in the athletic arena. Open communication on their wants, needs and struggles as a student athlete is paramount. Embracing better dietary habits, exercise initiatives, along with building on current athletic strengths will lead to a motivated and happy athlete. Not sure of being an athlete at your school? What holds you back? This is an example of "participation hesitancy". In health coaching we explore: * I will never make the team * I'm not in shape * No time- anxious about schedule * Benched again?