Coaching Manual for Junior Coaches at DHC - Doncaster Hockey ...

Draft 26/10/2004Concentration Spans of Junior Players( Taken from Level 1 NCAS Hockey Coaching Manual, 1999)One of the major problems confronting junior coaches is the lack of attention given bythe athletes. There could be many reasons for this:Boredom through inactivityExercise too difficult to achieveExercise too easily achievableLack of coach personalityThese reasons can be directly attributable to the coach and the way the coaching sessionis being conducted.However coaches must be aware of the concentration spans of young athletes.o 6 – 8 year oldso 8-9 year oldso 9-11 year oldso 11+20-30 min sessions, with specific exercises lasting no morethan 4-5 min30-45 min sessions, with specific exercises lasting no morethan 7-8 min45-60 min sessions, with specific exercises lasting no morethan 8-10 min60-80 min sessions, with specific exercises lasting no morethan 10-15 minIf coaches stray beyond these recommended guidelines, it is possible that they aredemanding levels of concentration beyond the capacities of the children and can expectconsequent lack of attention.