PG the PT – Why young players stop playing

Pauric Grimes says young players sometimes have too much pressure placed on them

In his column in this week’s Gaelic Life, Pauric Grimes has some important advice for coaches of underage players.

“Don’t live through your athletes. So many young athletes step away from the game because they felt too much pressure to perform.

“Unfortunately that crippling expectation come from the coach, one who is more intersted in their own personal success rather than that of his own players.

“Children from under 7 to under 17 are not the finished article. They have to grow physically, develop technically, and acquire mental toughness along the way.

“Finding the balance of pushing them to be better, and putting the proverbial arm around their shoulder is one of the toughest challenges you face as a coach of an underage athlete, but get that right and it will be one of the most rewarding things that you do.”

Pauric also explains some coaching ideas that should be implemented at underage level, like how to teach children how to move.

Read the full article in the current issue of Gaelic Life