Welcome to our 13th blog interview! We had the pleasure of hosting Kateřina Zavázalová, a teacher at a primary school in Hradec Králové and coach of youth basketball teams. Kateřina is a co-owner of the Children’s Sports Academy, which guides preschool children towards the all-round development of physical abilities. She also started a library of original warm-ups on Instagram @Library_of_exercises to inspire coaches and teachers. Additionally, she is an ex-professional basketball player and former member of the Czech national team.
Kateřina Zavázalová
Kids today spend a lot of time on their mobile phones and in front of TVs. Have you noticed a decline in motor skills and abilities in today's kids compared to when you were young? If so, how does this manifest?
Yes, you can definitely tell the difference. The technological age has affected all of us. When we were young, we used to spend all our free time outdoors—climbing trees, playing hopscotch, bicycle racing, swimming in lakes, and inventing all sorts of games. Practically, the differences can be seen in the results achieved in different disciplines. In the Czech Republic, there is also physical fitness testing of primary school children, and the results are not entirely good. So, we try to motivate children to move in other ways, for example, during breaks at school. However, I would not lump everyone together. Children who are involved in sporting activities are not entirely bad off. They achieve results and are successful.
I would say the biggest difference is between kids who play sports and kids who have physical education as their only physical activity at school.
Children today often begin participating in organized sports at a very early age, focusing on one sport year-round. What are the consequences of this specialization, and what strategies can be implemented to mitigate them?
It is important to mention that there are sports where starting at an early age is crucial, such as gymnastics or hockey. In general, I believe that sport specialization is not necessary for children under 10. Emphasis should be on versatility above all. Children go through the "golden age of motor skills" when they learn and acquire the most movement patterns. Let them engage in athletics, gymnastics, swimming, cycling, and skating—these are the basic versatile sports. Let them learn as many sports as possible and experience the difference between team and individual sports.
Early specialization can be mitigated by adding sports activities that compensate for unilateral loading. Children can participate in 2-3 sports simultaneously to gain the necessary versatility. However, how realistic this is in today's world is questionable. The high level of pressure from clubs and coaches, along with the intense competition in society, is a fact that is hard to avoid.
Playing various games can help young athletes develop coordination, speed, agility, and strength. Why do you think some coaches don't incorporate games into their training sessions, and what advice would you offer to encourage them to do so?
Sport as such (meaning at the performance level) cannot be done only in a fun way. Players and players won't improve without drills and pain, that's just sport. But they should still enjoy it.
The only advice I would give to coaches is that they need to understand that games can also be very functional and effective. Especially with kids. They develop their skills and abilities without even thinking about it, kids just compete and have fun doing it. Only the coach knows about the added value. And it can be not only training coordination, stability, orientation in space, but also interpersonal relationships - communication, cooperation, strategy, etc. I try to balance between both. I include at least one game in every training session, either to warm up or to cool down.
How should games for athletes aged 6-9 differ from those for athletes aged 10-15? And what about athletes aged 15-18?
Primarily it depends on the type of game. There are absolutely simple games that can be played by all ages from preschoolers to adults. There are games that develop children in some way, there are relaxation games, strategy games, running games. We always choose a game according to the focus of the training or physical education class.
However, it is always necessary to keep in mind the physiological and psychomotoric development of children, to respect the group of children and to choose a safe game for the group of children. Every game can be adapted.
Could you provide an example of a game suitable for warming up young athletes?(you can also send us video)
It is such a broad field that it is impossible to recommend an ideal warm-up. We have an Instagram profile @library_of_exercises that is full of examples. In addition, for each game there are also the competences that the game develops, the basic rules and possible modifications. I always stick to the rules: 1. As many children as possible must be involved at the same time (preferably all of them), 2. The game must be intense (everyone in motion), 3. The game must also add value and develop some competences.
After a year-long season, it's advisable for young athletes to take a break from their sport. What alternative activities do you recommend to maintain fitness and prevent overuse injuries?
The post-season is great in that there is room for activities and work that you don't have time for during the playing season. First of all, children should rest and regenerate their bodies and minds. Then individual skills can be worked on, strengthening, coordination...injury healing and prevention - working on stability and coordination. At the same time, it's great to intersperse this with other sports.
Many young athletes quit sports around ages 14-15 because they no longer find them enjoyable. What changes do you believe are necessary to prevent this trend?
This is both a difficult and a good question. You know, I'd love to know the answer.
Children in their adolescence and teenage years face many changes, whether it's personal changes, school changes, friends, loves. They discover new hobbies and interests. They have to really love sports to stay with it. Let's give kids varied activities in training, give them free time to explore the world and be the best example for them. We as coaches do not only produce professional players but also personalities who will face the pitfalls of the outside world.
