Build a Superhighway of Athletic Movement

One of the hottest topics in sports science over the last few years is the importance of training the body’s nervous system. No longer do we train individual muscles (like a body builder), but instead we train movements to maximize the relationship between the brain and the neuromuscular system.

Thanks to the research findings of Dr. Jay Geid, National Institute of Mental Health, we now know the optimal age range of building a super highway of athletic movement. Summary of Dr. Geid’s Research*:

• Between the ages of 6-12 the neurons in the brain grow and create numerous new pathways and connections for nerve signals.
• In late childhood, a second wave of neural pruning occurs around the ages of 11-12
• This neural waxing affects the number of neural connections and synapses and not the actual number of neurons
• It is during the adoloscent period that these connections become fewer but faster. In other words, it is during this stage of development that mastery of movement skills should occur
• The cerebellum is most responsive to experience.
  

Practical Application

It was not too long ago that sports performance coaches thought that fundamental movement skills and speed training needed to be taught at the high school level. We know now that this is not early enough in order to maximize athletic skills.

The optimum age to begin training is between the ages of 6-12. This is the ideal time to introduce fundamental movement skills as the brain and neuromuscular system is most sensitive to learning.
Athletes are highly visual and kinesthetic learners. Improve the effectiveness of your coaching by creating positive 'experiences' for your athletes.

*Adapted from 'What Makes Teens Tick?', TIME Magazine- Claudia Wallis