What is Bio banding?
Bio banding is a way of grouping players based on how they are growing physically rather than just their age. Normally, teams are grouped by age, but as you may notice, kids of the same age can be at different stages of growth / maturation. Biobanding takes this into account, grouping kids based on where they are in their physical development. As a point of comparison, the contrast in age between a child born in the first quarter (Q1) and one born in the fourth quarter (Q4) within the U8 age group can be as significant as a 12.5% disparity in their time spent alive. This discrepancy holds considerable importance, especially concerning the development of the brain and motor skills.
Why does this matter?
- Making Games Fair:
- Bio banding helps ensure that your child plays with others who are at a similar physical development stage. This makes the games more fair and enjoyable for everyone.
- Tailoring Training:
- Coaches can adjust training to fit where your child is in their growth journey. This means they get the support they need to learn and improve at their own pace.
- Boosting Confidence:
- Playing with kids at a similar physical level can boost your child’s confidence. It allows your more technical players to be imposing themselves on the session, rather than the session being dominated by early matures.
- Thinking Long-term:
- Bio banding helps coaches focus on your child’s long-term growth, not just short-term success. This means they’re building a foundation of skills that will help your child succeed over time.
In summary, when players are organised into biobanded groups, they start on an equal playing field (physically). This allows coaches to focus more closely on the necessary technical and tactical details. Biobanding allows players to showcase their technical skills more proficiently, in a situation that might have been impeded in their designated age group due to prevalent physical dominance.. allowing players to find solutions and outcomes rather than coping strategies!
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