Physical preparation and its role in the development of youngsters

When we talk about mental health and subjective well-being one has to mention the role of physical activity, exercise and sport. What kind of effects can they have? At this point we have to differentiate between physical effects and psychological effects of physical activities. We know that physical activity and sport increase physical fitness, in a longitudinal perspective they reduce the risk of mortality and decrease cardiovascular diseases. Physical exercise embedded in an active lifestyle also prevents overweight and obesity.

Proper physical preparation provides youngsters with an opportunity to:
• Develop fundamental motor skills in stability, locomotors, and manipulative domains through activities that promote balance, coordination and agility. These motor skills (Hopping, bounding, throwing, running) must be acquired in a general sport environment before complex, sport-specific skills can be mastered.
• Develop the Five "S‘s‖ (stamina, strength, speed, suppleness, and skill) which promote on-snow skill acquisition and development.
• Develop a positive self concept, and social skills, while experiencing enjoyable, challenging situations.

In fact we should be aware that the period between six and ten years of age is one of the most important periods of motor development in children. It is during this time that children are developmentally ready to acquire the general, undamental movements (such as running, hopping, bounding, jumping, and throwing) that are the
basis for all sports and games. These general skills must be practiced and mastered before sport specific skills can be learned successfully.

If fundamental motor skill training is not optimized between the ages of six and ten, the loss in motor development will be difficult to recapture.

Besides,we know that young people want to enjoy sport. If young people enjoy their earlier experiences of sport they are more likely to stay involved long term, returning many benefits in terms of the health and well being of our future adult population. Focusing on fun and fair play and the importance of participation, best effort and enjoyment will encourage young people to stay involved, to demonstrate enjoyment and equality and to achieve fair play.

Finilly,involvement in sport has numerous benefits for young people.

Throughout the early years of life, physical activity plays a key part in young people‘s physical, social and mental development. – All forms of activity have a part to play over the years. Babies learn and develop physical capabilities through play; toddlers develop key social skills through games with others; and young people develop basic skills and understanding of rules and team membership through sport and physical education.

Taha Souli