TAILOR MADE When you
think about other sports, athlete development isn’t exactly a revolutionary concept.
HOCKEY
USA Hockey went sideways with cross- ice and reaped the benefits. Retention rates at ages 11 and younger is 90 percent. At the elite level, 2016 marked the first time ever that the U.S. had the most players of any country taken in the first round of the NHL draft. USA Hockey also was foremost among national governing bodies to encourage multi- sport participation. “We’re an early-participation, late- specialization sport,” Martel said. “We’d love our kids to go play some box lacrosse.”
BASKETBALL
Youth basketball players shoot on lower nets with smaller, softer balls. You can play 3-on-3, 2-on-2 or 4-on-3, which results in more touches and quicker decision-making.
SOCCER
US Soccer recently mandated small-sided play, a move somewhat spearheaded by German-born U.S. men’s national team coach Jürgen Klinsmann. But the effort to reduce the field size and the number of players per side started in the mid- 1980s. “We had 7- and 8-year- olds playing 11 aside on a big field with adult-size goals,” said Sam Snow, coaching director for US Youth Soccer. “It didn’t make any sense.”
TENNIS
The USTA implemented smaller courts, with smaller racquets and lower compression balls for different levels of experience. Beginners are introduced to the proper grip, preparation and swing path for each stroke as well as learning the basic footwork patterns and stances. The goal is to acquire the skills of consistency, placement and basic spin as they learn to control the ball and rally.
BASEBALL
Ever heard of tee-ball? How about Little League? There’s even a nationally televised Little League World Series that takes place on a smaller baseball diamond. Baseball Canada has a “nine-inning” plan for that includes a training-to-game ratio in favor of the former until males reach age 16 and females age 15.
USlaxmagazine.com GOLF
Golf clubs have youth tee boxes available that shorten hole length to a manageable and realistic distance for kids. The First Tee, the USGA’s and PGA of America’s annual Drive, the Chip and Putt championship held at the Masters and PGA Junior League golf all promote development.
November 2016 US LACROSSE MAGAZINE 35
©SHUTTERSTOCK
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