Childhood obesity rates in Australia are at an alarming all-time high. What is being done about this problem? Enter Kelly Sumich – the Director, Sports Science Education Institute in Perth, Western Australia. Kelly has penned a unique book addressing this situation, ‘Coaching Children: Sports science essentials’, to be released May 2013.
About the book
Coaching Children: Sports science essentials is the first book in Australia specifically aimed at helping community coaches and fitness professionals design safe and effective training programs for children. As obesity rates soar and levels of physical activity decline, this timely resource provides guidance for enhancing children’s engagement in sport, developing their motor skills and managing performance anxiety. It provides straightforward research-based advice on nutrition, and explains in clear terms, how to tailor exercise to address children’s social, physical and psychological needs.
A one-stop-shop with application to both individual and team activities, Coaching Children: Sports science essentials presents technical information in a highly practical, straightforward and reader-friendly manner. Everyday questions and answers include:
• At what age should children specialise in a particular sport?
• Do sports drinks enhance children’s performance?
• Should children do weight training?
• How often should children train?
Focusing on effective communication strategies with children and their parents as well, each chapter includes a list of insightful reflection questions.
Coaches are encouraged to consider their technique, style and approach, applying scientific knowledge to motivate children in all aspects of training and competing in sport.
Key points
• A unique book specifically tailored to coaching children
• applies sports science concepts to all sports in which children actively participate
• presents up-to-the-minute research in a highly engaging, reader-friendly and practical manner
• ‘Reflection Questions’ guide coaches in addressing the social, physical and psychological needs of the active child.
About the author
Kelly Sumich is the Director, Sports Science Education Institute in Perth, Western Australia. She has a special interest in pediatric exercise science and has competed as an athlete at national level. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Sports Science), a Postgraduate Certificate in Policy Studies (Research and Evaluation), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration.
