SportisiKids - English

SPORTISIKIDS_LOGO_COLOUR

OFF SEASON SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

1. Background of the SportisiKids Off Season Programme
 
One of the biggest challenges for any netball coach is that there is not enough time DURING the season to improve the skill and technique levels of individual players as well as  to prepare the team to be competition ready.  This dilemma results in that team preparation will always be the main focus of the coach, although the problems and challenges often originate on an individual developmental level. The frustration for players, parents and coaches is that the individual player's poor ability and skill level often negatively affects the success of the team, but that there is not enough time to correct this during the season.
 
Figure 1: The success of a netball season consists of several building blocks.

 SportisiKids_-_Figure_1


The question therefore arises: 'Where can I take my child or player to ensure that individual development and coaching can take place so that she could advance from the "B" to "A" team or from the "A- "team to the provincial team?"
 
We realize how busy teacher-coaches and how scarce external professional, knowledgeable coaches are and SPORTISIMO therefore propose the following solution:
 
Sportisimo has developed an off-season product that focuses on individual skills.  These skills are presented by knowledgeable, trained coaches based on a scientific program designed by Dr. Elsje Jordaan*. This program ensures that players are exposed during the off-season to a skills development program run by professional coaches and will allow and enable the coach to concentrate in-season on team coaching.  This programme can therefore contribute to greater success for the team.

* Who is Dr Elsje Jordaan? (PhD in Sports Science at the University of Pretoria)
 
Elsje was the National Captain of the Spar Proteas netball team and led her team to the 2003 World Cup in Jamaica. She represented South Africa in 88 international matches including 48 tests. She was also captain of the Gauteng North and the Thunderbirds (National League Champions three years running).
 
Elsje studied and worked in Melbourne, Australia in 2001 and played (Melbourne Phoenix) during this time under the leadership of Joyce Brown, coach of Australian Teams whom won three gold medals at World Championships.
 
In 2004 she started her own consultation practise called SPORTISIMO.  In 2008 Elsje obtained her PhD degree in Sports Science at the University of Pretoria focusing on talent identification in netball.
 
Elsje also presented the speed and agility programme for 8 weeks in 2006, to the (2007) RUGBY World Champions, the Springboks.
 
During 2007 - 2011 Elsje was the the head coach of the University of Johannesburg - winner of the bronze medal in 2011 at the National Universities Tournament. In 2007, she served as Technical Analyst for the Spar Proteas Netball team to the World Championships in New Zealand.  In 2009 she coached the Gauteng U/21 team, and they were crowned National Champions.  In 2009 and 2010 she was named the SA University Coach and in 2009 the team won the gold medal at the African Student Championships in Malawi.  She was also recently named Head Coach of the 2012 FASO University Team.
 
In early 2011 Sportisimo, under Elsje's Directorship, launched the very exciting, semi-professional "Netball Grand Series".  Elsje coached the Starlight Jets in the competition, and the team was awarded the bronze medal in 2011, alongside the Galaxy Blues from Pretoria (Coach - Elize Kotze) and Bloemfontein Lighting Roses coached by Burta de Kock.
 
2. BACKGROUND ON THE SPORTISIKIDS PROGRAMME:

2.1. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
 
Research found the following reasons (in order of importance) about why young children participate in sport:
  • to have fun;
  • to learn and improve skills;
  • to be fit;
  • to achieve their own goals;
  • to spending time with friends and spend making new friends;
  • to be part of the challenge and excitement;
  • to win.
Our programme consider the goals of children as well as the various developmental phases of individuals. The program focuses primarily on the development of fundamental movement skills.
 
 Figure 2: The ABC's of fundamental movement skills
 
 Sportisikids_-_Figure_2
 
Figure 3: Different aspects to be addressed during the program

SportisiKids_-_Figure_3
 
The program was developed on research findings regarding the specific characteristics of different age groups. The different age groups are:
 
SportisiKids
Duration of sessions
Sessions per week
Phase 1
8-9 year olds
45 minutes
2
Phase 2
10-11 year olds
60 minutes
2
Phase 3
12-13 year olds
80 minutes
 2
 
2.2. Example - Map of characteristics, Phase 1: 8-9 year olds.

 
CHARACTERISTICS OF PLAYERS 8-9 YEARS
PLAYER CHARACTERISTICS
WHAT DOES A PLAYER NEED?
PHYSICALLY
  • Develop motor coordination and fine motor skills;
  • Use large muscle groups, primarily - to develop strength and balance;
  • Start fine motor skills;
  • Hand-eye coordination reach maturity;
  • Has lots of energy and enthusiasm;
  • Learn best when physically active;
  • Develop at different rates;
  • Wide variety of activities;
  • Rotation in different roles;
  • Learning through games;
  • Regular rest periods;
  • Focus on basic gross motor skills. Start with harder and more complex skills to be exposed;
  • Modify rules and equipment;
  • Progressive activities;
  • Full participation and involvement in the task at hand.
SOCIAL
  • Become more independent;
  • Start with peers to identify, but still need support and guidance;
  • Keep consistent standards;
  • Like group activities;
  • Enjoy leadership roles and responsibility.
  • Decision-making opportunities;
  • Positive feedback;
  • Leadership Opportunities;
  • The opportunity for enjoyment, participation and to be interactive.
COGNITIVE
  • Has the ability to show leadership skills;
  • New ideas are best understood if related to previous experiences;
  • Increased attention span;
  • Solutions are often rejected that is  offered by adults;
  • Like to share ideas;
  • Realize that hard work will bring improvements.
  • Activities that maximize participation and decision making;
  • Standard work instructions;
  • Exposure to a new concept at a time;
  • Opportunity for creativity and exploration;
  • Learning by mistakes and the establishment of challenges.
EMOTIONAL
  • Begin to question adult and parent's authority.
  • Admire and like to follow role models;
  • Like challenges and do not like public mistakes;
  • Want to feel accepted and worthwhile;
  • Are easily motivated to participate.
  • Use role models;
  • Create an environment where everyone can experience success;
  • Build confidence;
  • Many positive reinforcement, variety and enjoyment;
  • Positive input from parents;
  • Encouraged to take risks.
 
3. HOW DOES MY SCHOOL BECOME PART OF THE SPORTISIKIDS PROGRAM?
  • The school decides to join the SportisiKids program.
  • The school appoints a teacher to act as contact person for parents and Sportisimo.
  • The school send information letters to parents.
  • Sportisimo is available for an information meeting with parents worth inquiries if necessary.
  • A player enrols as an individual in the program - no team-related training takes place.
  • Minimum of 20 players per age phase is required for the phase to be presented.
  • The program can be offered on days that are convenient for the school and fits into the extramural program of the school.
  • If there is limited interest in other age phases but enough interest in a particular age-phase then a single age-phase will be presented.
 
4. WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?
  • A once-off registration fee of R 90.00 per player - which includes a SportisiKids T-shirt.
  • Number of sessions per week, at the school:
             4.1.  Option 1:  Sportisimo coaches present 2 sessions per week.

                     * The school coaches only organize/observe and do not lead the sessions in presenting.  This reduces the load on the coaches
                        during the off-season.

             4.2. Option 2:    Sportisimo coaches present one session per week, and the school's oaches present the 2nd session of the week.  
                                        This session presented by the school's coaches serves as a consolidating session that will duplicate the Sportisimo
                                        1st session of the week.

                     * This option places extra load and off-season responsibilities on the teacher-coaches.


 5. COST PER MONTH:
 
5.1. Option 1:
 
Phase 1: R 150.00  pp (8 sessions per month = R 18.75 per session)
 
Phase 2: R 160.00  pp (8 sessions per month = R 20.00 per session)
 
Phase 3: R 180.00  pp (8 sessions per month = R 22.50 per session)
 
5.2. Option 2:
 
Phase 1: R 80.00 pp   (4 sessions per month = R 20.00 per session)
 
Phase 2: R 90.00 pp   (4 sessions per month = R 22.50 per session)
 
Phase 3: R 100.00 pp (4 sessions per month = R 25.00 per session)
 
Individual entry forms will be made available when the school decides to participate in the program.
 
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us. We look
forward to welcome your school in the Sportisimo family.Cool