Designing Junior Sport to Maximize Potential: The Knowns, Unknowns, and Paradoxes of Scaling Sport

Abstract

In this mini-review, we draw attention to an important yet relatively untapped topic in the developmental pathway-the design of junior sport so that it appropriately matches the functional capacities of children. Junior sport is a regular weekend activity for many children across the world, yet many will be required to prematurely play on a field or with equipment that is designed for adults. Herein lies an opportunity for sport administrators to nurture children's development in sport by appropriately manipulating the rules and dimensions of the game. The aim of this mini-review is to (1) draw attention to the value of scaling junior sport, (2) highlight paradoxes within the current scaling sport literature, and (3) emphasize a way forward for junior sport research. If we are genuine in our endeavor to tailor sports experiences for children, more sophisticated approaches to scaling those experiences are a must.

Effect of Scaling Task Constraints on the Learning Processes of Under-11 Badminton Players during Match-Play

“…According to Giménez-Egido et al [ 23 ] and Buszard et al [ 11 ], future research in junior badminton should focus on designing nonlinear competition formats, without relying exclusively on the physical maturity or age of the players; for example, using oversize racquets with slower shuttles in MB conditions. In addition, this type of study should be applied by assessing the psychological factors, such as self-efficacy or satisfaction, that mediate the adequate acquisition of motor and behavioral skills.…”

A principled approach to equipment scaling for children’s sport: A case study in basketball

“…The increased competition between sporting codes has encouraged sports administrators to seek new approaches aimed at increasing the participation base of their sport. 1 , 2 To that end, some sports are modifying children’s games to provide more enjoyable and engaging formats that will “hook” children and encourage long-term participation. 2 At the same time, a central concern for those responsible for designing talent development pathways is the effectiveness of game modifications and the degree to which the technical skills and tactical understanding developed are commensurate to those required at senior levels.…”

“…2 At the same time, a central concern for those responsible for designing talent development pathways is the effectiveness of game modifications and the degree to which the technical skills and tactical understanding developed are commensurate to those required at senior levels. 1 , 3–5 Any modifications that are going to make a significant contribution to junior talent development need to maintain the fidelity of intra-individual and inter-individual movement co-ordination patterns seen in adult games. 1 , 3 , 4 , 6 That is, the junior games need to “look and feel” like adult games, 1 , 3 , 4 enabling individual actions to be coupled to the actions of other team-mates and opponents in cooperating and competing teams to facilitate or oppose factors such as ball movement and scoring opportunities.…”

“…14 Collectively, results such as these suggest that the use of appropriately scaled equipment has a potentially beneficial effect on children’s skill acquisition. 1 , 3 , 11 , 14…”

“…An important consideration relating to game modification for children, that has received scant attention in the extant literature, is the use of a principled approach (i.e., an approach that is based upon a theoretical framework) to guide the way in which any modifications are designed. 1 , 3 , 4 Anecdotal evidence suggests that modifications to junior sporting competitions may often be based more upon intuition or pragmatism with any changes to the existing infrastructure or adult game formats predicated upon financial limitations and the ideologies of the administrators within the particular sporting organisation. 1 , 7 , 17–19 Similarly, the specific ball sizes used in research examining equipment modifications 11 , 16 often appear to have been chosen simply because the balls were different in size to the regulation adult ball, 1 , 18 rather than basing the selection upon more principled means.…”