Attention span is another issue. A young child's mental focus bounces around. Practices can't last longer than 15 minutes, and skill development should be the goal, says Churley. Often, these kids can't internalize verbal instructions. Between ages 6 and 9, children have better visual and motor skills.
Attention span is a bit better, too.
Growth spurts at ages 10 through 12 can cause problems. Kids are pushed into a competitive level that they don't want. It manifests itself in various aches and pains. The kid realizes that if he has an injury, he won't be allowed to play. For developing athletes, strength training is a good idea, but with several caveats, says Matava, who is team orthopaedic surgeon for the St. Louis Blues professional hockey team.