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V.9.2. The development and the possibility of development of speed coordination:

The best period to develop this skill falls between 6-10 years of age (lower grade school).  If the practice of this skill is not done in time, then we are facing a so-called training deficit, which means that the level of the skill cannot reach the height it could have if the stimuli was received in a timely manner.

The speed coordination is mainly hereditary (the innate reflex connections) and the role of learning and changing this ability with training is significantly less.

During improvement of the coordination, the objective is to sustain the effective movement technique during higher speed conditions for the longest possible time. A long practice time is necessary to reach a harmonious, economical movement program. Its development depends primarily on the improvement of the economy of movement.

During the training of speed coordination, the emphasis should be on the technique over the expectations of reaching maximum speed because with the children’s aspirations to maximum speed can disrupt their movement. For example, when children run and their speed increases, they lean backwards, drive their heads back, their knees do not rise to the correct height, the stride shortens, consequently the speed decreases.

The training and development of speed coordination should start with the learning of natural movements. These movements are the easiest to automate, stabilize, and they become dynamic and stereotypical. The peak of motion development is the creation of a dynamic stereotypical movement. This means that the individual is capable to perform the movement under any circumstances, adjusting to the external conditions. The children should be encouraged to implement the movement as fast as possible.

Practices to develop this skill can be as follows:

  • Running exercises while circling with the arms, in different directions, i.eg. running backwards with knee raises and arm circling;
  • Tag;
  • Wrestling;
  • Races and relays, obstacle courses;
  • Jump rope exercises;