Should fundamental movement skills be emphasized during pre-teen training?

Emphasizing fundamental movement skills during pre-teen training is crucial for several reasons. At this age, children are in a critical period of physical development, and fostering these skills sets a solid foundation for their future athletic pursuits and overall physical literacy. Fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching are the building blocks for more complex movements seen in various sports and activities.

By focusing on these skills, pre-teens can develop coordination, balance, and agility, which are essential for both performance and injury prevention as they grow older. Additionally, learning these basic skills in a fun and engaging way can help build a lifelong appreciation for physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Moreover, emphasizing these skills helps children gain confidence in their physical abilities, which can lead to greater participation in sports and recreational activities during adolescence and adulthood. Thus, the focus on fundamental movement skills in pre-teen training aligns with best practices in youth development in sports.