Negative stress occurs when the training process is carried out improperly: when inflated goals and expectations are placed on a child. A similar effect can be due to too early specialization and starting in competitions, where the level of the opponents far exceeds the child’s capabilities, and at the same time it feels pressurized to win by people of importance, such as a parent or coach. This has a very bad effect on the psyche and physical development and also creates problems in learning the game of football. It also leads to disturbance of the body’s homeostasis.
The consequences of stress on children and young players are as follows:
• Lack of positive thinking in the future (a child can learn this only when training and the match bring him joy)
• Reduced self-confidence to the point that the player no longer believes in himself
• An excessively high degree of arousal of the whole body, leading to negative emotional states, particularly in children aged 5-12, who are not able to control such feelings as fear, anger, frustration and anxiety
• learning and other disorders leading to psychomotor problems
• disturbances in the normal functioning of the body
We need to remember, therefore, to ensure that the objectives and tasks set young players are not only appropriate to their technical and tactical skills and physical abilities but above all to their psychological needs and requirements. A relative assessment of these factors, as well as skilful and positive communication with young footballers help in adaptation, increases motivation and self-confidence, removes onerous pressures, and enables the child to show its full abilities.
