Should fundamental movement skills be the focus of pre-teen training?

Focusing on fundamental movement skills during pre-teen training is essential because this stage of development is critical for establishing a solid foundation for physical activity and future sports participation. At this age, children are still developing their coordination, balance, agility, and overall motor skills. By emphasizing these fundamental movement skills, young athletes can enhance their physical literacy, which allows them to be more confident and competent in a variety of activities.

This focus not only serves to improve their performance in sports but also promotes lifelong habits of physical activity and ensures that they can participate in various physical pursuits as they grow older. Fundamental movement skills are broad-ranging and include actions like running, jumping, throwing, and catching, which are vital for numerous sports and recreational activities. Therefore, training at this age should prioritize these skills to ensure well-rounded development.

In contrast, other options may limit the scope or applicability of training, ignoring the broader benefits of skills development that apply to all young individuals, not just those in competitive environments or specific sports.