Coaching the Monster Age Group

One of the toughest age groups to coach is the 12 to 15 age group, I call it the monster age group. This is probably the most uncomfortable time of their lives. The boys may or may not have gone through puberty, most likely the girls have. Therefore the girls are more physically developed, but very embarrassed about it. They can beat the boys, but probably do not want to, because they want the want the boy to ask them to the dance. Who wants to go to a dance with someone who kicked your butt in the pool or on the track? The boys make up for all of this by being obnoxious and acting like jerks to cover up all of their insecurities. Obvious from a coaching perspective there are huge psycho social and physical development issues that appear at this age group that are unique. Coaches of this age group must be prepared to deal with these issues. This is a good tie to train boys and girls separately. Girls who gone through puberty need to be pushed in training a bit more, especially in regard to strength training. Boys at this age are better off in groups where they are not singled out. Because of the growth spurt that occurs here the work must emphasize control of their body and body awareness. Be careful about ignoring the slow developer, they will come on like gang busters latter on. As a coach of this “monster age group” the rewards are many, you will see changes faster than any other age. You will see boys become men and girls become women. Remember it is a painful process for them, so don’t expect it to be easy for you.