soccer coaching and ADHD players

my thanks to Soccer-coach-L for this article

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD) is a type of disability which apparently involves some mis-wiring of the brain or the hormonal systems in the body. As a result of the disorder, children tend to be markedly inattentive and often are hyperactive (sometimes to the point of being almost frantic in their movements). The disorder usually is treated by administration of stimulants (such as amphetamines) - which have the unusual effect of slowing these children down (while the rest of the population would be highly-stimulated by these same drugs). This disorder is NOT the fault of the parents. It does NOT mean that the child lacks discipline (either by the coach or by his parents). What it DOES mean is that, just like a child with diabetes or the player with asthma, this player needs to take certain drugs to be able to function normally. While these players can create some headaches and frustrations until the coach learns the proper way to handle their particular problems (and gives the parents enough feedback to adjust dosages, if necessary, to handle disruptions at practice), most of these children can do just fine in soccer. In fact, because of their high energy levels, these players often make terrific little players once their energy can be harnessed. To be able to harness their energies, the coach needs some more information about the disorder. Characteristics of ADHD/ADD arise in early childhood, often before seven years of age, for most individuals. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to have symptoms of ADHD/ADD. Individuals with ADHD/ADD may know what to do but do not consistently do what they know because of their inability to efficiently stop and think prior to responding, regardless of the setting or task (in other words, they tend to be very impulsive - and to act without thinking). This can result in serious social problems, impairment of relationships, and/or lack of success. Doing things without thinking about the consequences can put them in dangerous situations (as they might run into traffic without looking, or climb the tree while the coach's back is turned). Thus, coaches of children with ADHD must be vigilant in keeping an eye on these charges, especially when they are fairly young.

The official definition of ADHD can be found at the CHADD website (an organization for children and adults with attention deficit disorder). Children may have attention deficits (i.e., be impulsive and unable to focus) without being hyperactive - or they also can display the additional frenetic hyperactivity which is commonly associated with the disorder.

ADHD should be diagnosed by a physician or qualified mental health professional. It is not uncommon that children are suspected of having the disorder, when they simply are "full of life". Therefore, most coaches will not be able to diagnose the disorder. Nonetheless, if the player appears to be demonstrating many characteristics of an ADHD child, the coach may wish to quietly and confidentially approach the parents to report his observations - and ask for assistance and advice on the best way to deal with the child.

Many children with ADHD/ADD have above-average intelligence, so they may actually understand your explanations better than others. However, you do have to make sure they are paying attention. It is pointless to yell at them if they are inattentive or distracted. If they clearly are having a bad day, or didn't understand, the best approach is often to take them aside with their back to the group to have this discussion, in order to reduce outside distractions. It can be useful to get face to face with them, at their level, to force them to make eye contact and focus on you. Once you have their attention, you should explain things clearly and keep it very simple. Ask them to repeat what you said so you can be sure that they understood, then send them back to the group.

Indeed, if you already know that you have an ADHD player in your group, you can do this in the guise of a normal demo, simply by saying "OK, Johnny, now show me what we are going to do so I can be sure that everyone understood me". This avoids pulling the player out, and seems to reduce the emotional overlay which can lead to additional disruptions (as no player likes to be seen as different, or stupid).

If an ADHD/ADD child becomes disruptive, the best way to manage the situation is be firm, and to remove them from the group for a few minutes. Bring the player over to stand beside you. Don't make a big deal about it - just say "John, come over and stand by me, please". Or send the child off with an assistant. Often, if they just sit for 5 minutes, they can come back in (and use it as a carrot - "John, if you stand still and just listen for 3 minutes, you can do the demo for me"). It often can be helpful to simply tell them to come and let you know when they think that they are ready to follow the rules.

Children with ADHD/ADD often display the following problems:

They frequently have difficulty with transition, especially going from activity to inactivity (i.e. recess then to the classroom) - they may need some extra warning time and assistance.

They may display stronger than expected emotional reactions (emotional mountains out of molehills). When this happens, it may be best to send them to sit for awhile until they can get their emotions under control (to avoid any impulsive hitting or other actions while they are upset).

They may have great difficulty maintaining position in games and in managing their energy output (throttle tends to be stuck on "full speed ahead"). They are not doing this out of spite, they just forget in the heat of the moment. They often do better in midfield spots where they can go to the ball, but may need to be subbed frequently to avoid getting completely pooped out.

They may tend to play "too rough" out of enthusiasm. If they are big for their ages, you need to be especially careful in pairing them with others of their same size - and nipping overly-aggressive behaviour in the bud. If you have an ADHD/ADD child on your team, and you want to learn more, start at the website for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD). And, if the child is exceptionally afflicted (like most disorders, the symptoms can vary in severity), you may need to get extra help. Don't be shy about asking the parents to come to help, or asking your assistant to pull the child out for special training if he is unduly disruptive. On occasion, a child who is severely afflicted may need to special or unusual accommodations. For instance, if the child tends to be too rough on the field, or to constantly steal the ball from team-mates in his desire to shine, the coach may need to consider putting the child in goal - for his own safety and that of the other players. The extra physical restrictions often will help such a child to focus, and to perform very well.

In many respects, although these children may have superior intelligence, their distractibility may require similar treatment to children of sub-par intelligence or athletic ability. All of these children require additional structure; special instructions; additional supervision; and substantial patience. However, in his own way, each of these children can succeed at soccer - and the ADHD children may be able to become World Class players with proper coaching. Indeed, several players on the U.S. National Team have this disorder. Thus, the soccer coach may find that the player whom he wanted to strangle at u10 is a player whose autograph is being sought by many at u23. It helps to keep reminding yourself that this is not their fault; that yelling at them is just as unfair as it would be to yell at a child with asthma for not running when he cannot breathe; that they almost always are trying; and that, ultimately, they really will learn to cope with their disability if the adults in their lives do not yell so much that they get to the point where they see no reason to try because everybody hates them.