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You are here: Home / Archives for Football

Working With Teenagers

By Chris Leave a Comment

Last night’s presentation (see previous post) to a junior football team went very well.

Twenty 15-19 year olds attended and they were not sure what was going to happen. Their coach said it would be special and to ‘watch out for the Sabre’.

I was a little apprehensive about the reception I would receive as it was my first presentation in a football environment. And Tai Chi can appear weird and silly in a macho culture.

But my concerns evaporated quickly as the boys got right into the spirit of what was offered by having a go to a very different approach to achieving their best.

Over the years, working with teenagers, regardless of the environment, I find the same themes keep coming up.

If you want to engage them in an activity you need to;

  • make it fun
  • challenge them
  • talk their language
  • make it relevant
  • keep things moving
  • encourage and praise them often

I finished the presentation with some weapons demonstrations to reinforce the difference between Yin and Yang energy. I did a short sword form, staff form and fans. They enjoyed the snapping fans demonstration.

It’s great fun working with teenagers.

And maybe why I enjoy it so much is because  ‘I’m just a big kid too’.

Filed Under: Reflections Tagged With: Football, Personal Best, Tai Chi, teaching, Teenagers

Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese health and self defence system. The health aspect is ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

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