Getting children into sport is widely seen as a priority, but a growing body of research suggests the quality of the coaching environment matters just as much as participation itself. Studies on youth sport indicate that many sessions keep children physically busy while offering little genuine mental engagement — a format in which coaches dictate every action and correct every mistake, leaving children as passive recipients rather than active problem-solvers. Experts advocate instead for game-based approaches, in which coaches design realistic scenarios that require children to read situations, make decisions and adapt, developing not only physical skills but also confidence, communication and the ability to learn from mistakes.