6.4 Concepts for Training the Game Time Athlete

Game Time will teach proper form of its anchor skills and movements.

Game Time consists of three periods.

The first period is the Active Dynamic Warm up (ADW). The second period is called Skills & Drills which consists of exercises and drills that prepare the youth for the fun that is layered in Period 3.

The third period is called Game Time. This is where the skills and ADW movements
come together in fun movement games. The goal is to gamify a wide range of training drills and to continue promoting a positive relationship with exercise. It should feature a Performance Coach’s favorite games, obstacle courses, and relays.

While the ADW should last about 8-10 minutes, the remaining 2 periods do not need to be equal in length.

Performance Coaches must be able to pivot in period 2 and 3, to accommodate the size and capabilities of their class.

Period 2 is an ideal time to feature 2-4 of the anchor movements and skills (see ‘anchor movements and skills list). This is also an ideal section for a circuit which incorporates age-appropriate exercises. A by-product of well-designed Game Time classes is improved fitness and wellness.

One distinguishing difference between Game Time and Jump Start is the level of competitiveness that is emphasized within the final section of class. Game Time classes are not intended to cultivate competition. However, Performance Coaches can incorporate some games and challenges that produce a winning and losing team.

While kids in this class will display a natural level of competitive energy, Performance Coaches should not perpetuate an overly competitive class culture. This class attracts kids who are less competitive and often less confident. Therefore, the challenges, relays, games, and circuits should not alienate the less athletic.

Performance Coaches should always highlight 1-3 words from the Game Time Vocabulary List. Although the participants of this class are less athletically ambitious, it is our mission to empower all of America’s youth by providing them with knowledge about movements and exercise, so they remain active throughout their life.

Performance Coaches should use the kid’s names when addressing them or providing them with any type of feedback. Feedback should be mostly positive and strategies to motivate and inspire are highly recommended.