Developing athleticism is, at its core, the development of coordinated movement skills in a variety of adverse conditions. So what are the elements that go into this development?
• Balance – Peak development: Boys 10-11, Girls 9-10. Some research shows that balance reaches full maturity levels at ages 12-14.
• Movement Adequacy (choice of movements applicable to task) – Peak development: Boys and Girls 8-10
• Kinesthetic Differentiation (ability to correctly estimate differences in form, distance, timing and amount of strength needed to perform movement) -- Peak development: 6-7 and then again 10-11 for both Boys and Girls
• Reaction to Acoustical and Visual Signals – Peak development: Boys and Girls 8-10
• Spatial Orientation – Peak development: 12-14 Boys and Girls
• Rhythm – Peak development: Boys 9-10 and 7-9 for Girls
Coordination, and the abilities that comprise coordination, are formed early. Here is an example of various exercises that promote elements of coordination:
