|
Ask the Parenting Expert:
Michael Stabeno
Focusing While Playing Sports
Q:
"My daughter is a talented softball pitcher, but her performance is inconsistent. On her "off" days, the coach yells at her from the sidelines. He thinks it's a matter of motivation, but the shouting just confuses her. What should we do?"
A:
Tell your daughter's coach about her ADD. Explain that ADDers have difficulty processing verbal instructions. She's not intentionally ignoring or disobeying him - she just does not always understand when he yells instructions to her on the field. Ask that he draw or gesture while explaining plays, or at least try to make eye contact when telling her what to do.
Remember, the real problem for ADDers isn't paying attention. It's tuning out the world. To avoid becoming distracted on the mound, your daughter should try focusing on a mental image or silently repeating a motivational phrase.
Michael Stabeno is the author of The ADHD Affected Athlete. Stabeno lives in Beaverton, Oregon and has competed in, coached, and refereed everything from neighborhood soccer games to international wrestling competitions.
 3 Comments:
-
Posted by
LB
-
May 9 2008 @ 8:13 PM
Losing eligibility
I think accommodations under a 504 plan should also carry over to the sports field. A child that is hyperactive, inattentive or impulsive presents just as many challenges to a sports coach as a teacher. Children with ADHD do well in competitive games or other activities that are rapid, engaging and intense. It is important for kids to have islands of sucess. It is also important to get adequate exercise. A 504 should be applicable to sports if the coaches are paid by the school. The kids have a higher risk of injury due to the challenges they face. I do not think it is fair that students with ADHD are placed at risk for losing eligibility in sports or other activities due to tardiness, missing or lost uniforms or poor grades. I was told by our school that it is out of their hands and it is up to the CIF standards to determine eligibility in sports. So I checked in with the CIF (in California) and there was nothing on the website about eligibility in sports or accommodations for children with disabiliites. I am hoping for some advice on this topic.
-
Posted by
soccermom98
-
Apr 15 2008 @ 7:37 PM
SOCCERMOM98
Sometimes I laugh and cry at the same time! My daughter loves to play soccer, she is a star player and loves to score goals. During practice she is easily bored and rolls her eyes, yet at the end of practice game she wants to run after the ball. At game time I am not allowed to scream or cheer she said she feels overwhelm, this season I haven't told her coach but I am planning on doing so tomorrow.
-
Posted by
trishpage
-
May 19 2007 @ 2:02 AM
focusing while playing sports
my 9 year old son has the same problem playing ice hockey. He has great skills, and does well in practice, where the coach is on the ice with him, providing constant direction. However, in a game situation, where more independence is required, he just can't seem to stay focused. It's really stopping him from playing to his potential.
|
|
|
|
|
