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    By on Vern Gambetta's Blog
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    ?PLAY first! – That is where it all starts. Sport is not supposed to be work it is play. Start with free play that is natural and instinctive; it does not require coaching or supervision. In free play the children, not the adults, determine the structure so they follow their instincts and explore all dimensions of movement with the only limitations their imaginations. The youngster will learn the joy of athletic movement through discovery. Through play they learn how to compete, how to win and lose, how to settle disputes on their own without adult supervision and interference. We must let them be kids first! We have deviated from this in search of the holy grail of early specialization and on accruing the magic 10,000 hours that is the supposed guarantee of athletic excellence. This is philosophically and pedagogically flawed. It destroys kids. Free the kids, let them play. Give back recess.

    Vern Gambetta

    Vern Gambetta

    Director at Gambetta Sports Training Systems
    Vern is the Director of Gambetta Sports Training Systems. He has been the a conditioning coach for several MLS teams as well as the conditioning consultant to the US Men's World Cup Soccer team. Vern is the former Director of Conditioning for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. He has lectured and conducted clinics in Canada, Japan, Australia and Europe and has authored six books and over one hundred articles related to coaching and sport performance in a variety of sports. He has a BA in teaching with a coaching minor and an MA in Education with an emphasis in physical education from Stanford University.
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