Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This article contains general information for coaches working with athletes daignosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Coaching Strategies for Athletes with ADHD
Current best practice for coaching athletes with ADHD have been provided by Wilus (2013). The following points summarise the strategies outlined in the article, but you are strongly encouraged to read the full paper if you are interested in learning more.
For an athlete with ADHD to be successful his or her coach must provide an environment that stresses structure and organization
When introducing or reviewing a drill, coaches should place athletes affected by ADHD in the front of the group or as the model demonstrating the drill.
Surround athletes with ADHD with well-behaved and attentive peers.
Coaches should post a practice plan (a session plan) ahead of time. Whether that means emailing it the night before or posting it in the locker room prior to the practice, it will help athletes cope with the anxiety of wondering what will come next.
Clearly communicate expectations for student behaviour and provide ongoing positive and corrective feedback.
Keep training ‘up-tempo’ with a lot of moving and repetitions to give athletes with ADHD motivation to concentrate on the skills they are working on.
If possible, keep sessions shorter. If possible, make sure a clock is visible. ADHD children can often control their behaviour for a set amount of time if they know what that time is, and it is clearly visible to them.
Ensure feedback relating to behaviour or skill-performance is given immediately after the action.
Give one direction at a time - avoid overloading the athlete with information.
Understanding ADHD
““One of the main things people with ADHD have, is trouble staying tuned…when they’re listening or working on something, they get part of it but then it [their attention] drifts off, drifts back on, and back off again…
Another thing is they often have problem with being distracted. Like anyone else they see and hear things going on around them, they have thoughts going through their head, but most other people if they have something they need to focus on they can push that stuff out of the way and focus on what they need to do. People with ADHD, it’s really hard for them to do that””
Hear from Dr. Thomas Brown as he discusses ADHD and explains the condition, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options. This video is recommended for coaches to better understand the mental state of athletes with the condition, and challenge you to think about what elements of training could be adjusted to best support the athlete.