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An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project

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An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
About
Featured

What is a Good Youth Sport Experience?

In this article, Sport Waikato shares insights into how adults can create a great sporting experience for our young people. So you get it. Youth sport is about fun. Competition is great, but when we creep into a...
3 Min Read
Development & Performance

How Happiness Enhances Performance

This article is shared by Player Development Project Can happiness impact performance? Former Professional golfer and President of New Edge Performance, John Haime explains how putting enjoyment before achievement can maximise performance. Sometimes things get fuzzy in sports...
John Haime 3 Min Read
Coaching Fundamentals

Praise vs. Affirmation

This article is shared by Player Development Project Prof. Stephen Rollnick is a pioneer in motivational interviewing and in recent years has been applying his knowledge to sport. In this article, Stephen offers a psychology perspective on the...
Professor Stephen Rollnick 5 Min Read
Sports Parents

Let Them Play

This article is shared by Player Development Project Play is a fundamental human right for children. It is even recognised in article 31 of the UN Convention of Rights of the Child. So, why is it that adults feel the...
John Haime 5 Min Read
Sports Parents

Parenting the next Sophie Pascoe or Liam Malone

Blasting onto the world stage at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Liam Malone took New Zealand sport by storm.  A relative unknown, he excelled at the highest level and became a household name. Sophie Pascoe, already a well-known disabled...
Catriona McBean 6 Min Read
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Sport Leadership

Lara Andrews on Improving Youth Sport

Lara Andrews is a pioneer for young sports women in New Zealand. Lara was the first Kiwi women to become a professional softball player in the USA. Despite her international success, Lara has played many sports and before...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
Coaching Fundamentals

That’s Not How I Learn

This article is shared by Player Development Project How do you differentiate between each individual’s learning experience within your group? No single player’s experience is the same. In this article, Reed Maltbie discusses how you can ensure that...
Reed Maltbie 5 Min Read
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Coaching Fundamentals

How do I develop individual learning plans for players?

This video is shared by Player Development Project The question this week comes from Jody, via the Player Development Project Facebook page: “How do you develop individual learning plans, and then evaluate them?” Image Credit: Sport NZ
Dan Wright 20 Min Watch

Welcome to the
home of youth sport
in New Zealand.

Welcome
to the home
of youth sport
in New Zealand.

An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
Whether you are a coach, parent, administrator or
a leader in youth sport, Balance is Better is for you.

Balance is Better is a fresh way of thinking around the direction of youth sport in New Zealand. It’s about keeping the fun in the game, creating balance in sport participation and nurturing talent at the right pace.

Young people who receive quality experiences in sport become sport lovers for life. And more kiwis participating means a healthier nation and more young people reaching their full potential as adults.

With a mix of articles, interviews, case studies and videos from specialists within youth sport, endorsed by Sport New Zealand, Balance is Better is a way for you to keep up with the play on the latest help, advice and coaching tips from trusted sources.

About
An initiative by
In partnership with Player
Development
Project
Development & Performance

Creating an Environment for Youth to Flourish

In this article, NZ Secondary Schools Netball Coach, Charissa Barham shares some valuable ideas on creating positive sporting environments and understanding our purpose as coaches. Hāpaita te ara mātauranga, kia haukaha te tipu ō ngā rangatira mō āpōpō....
Charissa Barham 6 Min Read
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Sport Leadership

Mike Dawson on Improving Youth Sport

Mike Dawson is a former Canoe Slalom Olympian. In this video, Mike discusses his perspective on why Balance is Better in youth sport. Mike has competed on the world stage in his sport, but is also one of...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
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Development & Performance

Youth Development in Rugby with Russell Earnshaw

This video is shared by Player Development Project. This interview features former England U18 Rugby Coach and International 7’s player, Russell Earnshaw. Player Development Project Editor, Dave Wright dives into a conversation with Russell on the types of...
Russell Earnshaw 45 Min Watch
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Sport Leadership

Wendi Henderson on Improving Youth Sport

Wendi Henderson is a former Football Ferns player and since her playing days has gone on to coach women’s football at all levels. On top of her vast experience in football, Wendi is also a Sport NZ Balance...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
Watch
Development & Performance

How do I help develop a physically mature young player?

This video is shared by Player Development Project The question this week comes from David, via the Player Development Project Facebook Page: “How can I help develop a physically mature young player? Image Credit: Sport NZ
Dave Wright 10 Min Watch
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Development & Performance

Rebecca Dubber on Improving Youth Sport

Rebecca Dubber is a New Zealand Paralympic bronze medalist, who is passionate about getting more young people involved in sport and breaking down barriers. She shares her story and her role as a Balance is Better Champion. Rebecca...
Sport NZ 2 Min Watch
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Coaching Fundamentals

Thanks Coach

What motivates people to be a coach? The video below outlines a few of the valuable reasons we need to ensure we respect and value our coaches across codes around the country. Coaching is often a thankless task,...
Sport NZ 1 Min Read
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Development & Performance

The Principles of Player Development

This video is shared by Player Development Project In this interview, Player Development Project Editor, Dave Wright speaks New Zealand U17 Football Coach, Jose Manuel Figueira on his guiding principles for developing youth football players. This interview was...
Jose Manuel Figueira 28 Min Watch

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