About this course: Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports before their high school graduation. Only 15% leave because they feel they are not good enough. Almost 70% leave because they were not having fun, or due to problems with the coach. Injuries cause 30% to give up sports. This course is packed full of practical sports science information that provide youth coaches and parents with the practical pediatric sports science insights to successfully retain young athletes and develop their sport potential while avoiding injury and overtraining. We begin by examining the multidimensional nature of coaching, the relevant sport motor performance abilities, the impact of growth and development on motor skills, the gene versus practice controversy, and briefly overview the body structures strengthened through training. Then we explore the athlete's energy supply, where this energy comes from, and how it matures along with the athlete. Finally, we examine the development of strength, power, anaerobic capacity, coordination and flexibility through the life span. The optional text manual for this course is available at: http://www.learnitez.com/HighPerformanceScience/manuals/
Created by: University of Florida
Taught by: Dr. Chris Brooks, Instructor
Coaching Science Coordinator for USA Track and Field
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | 5 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Week 1: Introduction to the young athlete
Youth coaches who have a sound understanding of pediatric sports science are essential to the successful development of a young athlete’s sport potential. In this section you are introduced to the multidimensional nature of coaching, and how an athlete’s motor...
23 videos
Graded: Quiz 1
Graded: Quiz 2
Graded: Quiz 3
WEEK 2
Week 2: Strategies for maximizing the athlete’s potential
Many factors can positively and negatively impact the young athlete’s ability to optimize their sports potential. In this section we examine strategies for ensuring the athlete’s systematic long-term sports development and how to mold the correct sport-specif...
20 videos
Graded: Quiz 4
Graded: Quiz 5
Graded: Quiz 6
WEEK 3
Week 3: How the body works
The coach is a microbiologist who designs training so it stimulates the body’s cells and structures to become stronger and more efficient. In this section you are introduced to key organ systems, and the energy these organ systems use to run the chemical react...
18 videos
Graded: Quiz 7
Graded: Quiz 8
Graded: Quiz 9
WEEK 4
Week 4: Enhancing the athlete’s physical work capacity
The level of expertise with which an athlete is able to perform sports skill depends on how well the coach molds the correct ratio of endurance, strength, power and speed to meet the demands of the sport. In this section you will learn the science behind devel...
23 videos
Graded: Quiz 10
Graded: Quiz 11
Graded: Quiz 12
Graded: Quiz 13
Graded: Coaching Issues
WEEK 5
Week 5: Enhancing the fluidity of movement
Coordination and flexibility permit movements that are precise, fluid and spatially controlled. In this section we examine current knowledge about coordination and flexibility as the young child moves through early childhood and into adolescence.
21 videos
Graded: Quiz 14
Graded: Quiz 15
FAQs
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University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in academic excellence, both on campus and online. Ranked in the top 20 of Public Universities, the University of Florida is the state’s oldest university and has a long established tradition of academic excellence.
Ratings and Reviews
very meaning for my learning
A great Course for anyone who is working in the area of training young children.
great course
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Great base to build on. Filled in my gaps with regards to physical/physiological development of young athletes. For me it is a great addition to the English FA Level 1 and 2 football coaching course.