Ask The Coach Answers

March 8, 2011

Question: “It’s hard to keep my 11-year-olds focused. HELP!”

John’s Answer: “11-year-old boys focused, great question and a great challenge. Coach, I have to tell you, what most coaches would say is “How do I motivate them?” I like what you said, “Keep them focused.”

You keep them focused by letting them play, and that’s what you have to do. You have to have very little down time with 11-year-old boys. As educators will tell you, most 11 year olds spend more time off task than on task, and they’re deciding whether to learn the capitals of the states or learn soccer. So what we have to do is keep them on task—and you stay on task by playing some fun games. You have to make training enjoyable. Keep them active, keep them busy, keep them moving all the time, keep it fun, keep it exciting, keep it new, keep it fresh. But just remember, they’re 11 years olds, and that’s what 11 year olds do – they tend to lose focus. Coach, you’re the one that’s not focusing, focus on the enjoyment of them playing hard and you’ll be fine.”