When young participants are at such an early stage in their training development, the training tends to be characterized by a long preparation period, followed by a transition period.  If young participants complete in all available competitive events during these initial training years, this will have a lasting, detrimental effect on the development of the fundamental skills and fitness.

 

It is generally recommended that 60% of the time should be spend on training, and 40% on formal competitive events (dependent on sport and individual).  It should be stressed that the ration of training to formal competitive events assumes that, as in the preceding Learning to Train  stage, young participants should experience appropriate competitive experiences within training sessions (such as small sided games and time trials).

 

As with the preceding stage, when competing in events, young athletes will be striving to win, but the preparation programme should focus on developing the basic skills and understanding of the sport, rather than on the competitive events.

 

This stage is seen as fundamental to the aerobic and strength capacities for females and aerobic fitness for males.  As most young athletes will probably reach puberty during this stage, PHV can act as a useful pointer in designed programmes and practices.  This stage is believed to be as important as the Learning to Train stage for skill-based sports, such as individual and team games.

 

During this four year stage, young participants should be grouped according to maturation levels, rather than chronological age.  Coaches should constantly monitor, through careful observation, changes in young athletes physique, attitudes and behaviours in order to be able to assess maturation levels.

 

As many young people will experience rapid growth spurts during this stage, coaches may observe rather uncoordinated and awkward movements.  Coaches should consider revising some of the key techniques and skills, and will have to exercise patience in allowing their young participants to adjust movements to accommodate their growing bodies.

 

This stage covers a particularly sensitive period of physical and skill development.  Any shortcomings or omissions at this stage will significantly impair future development.  "Athletes who miss this stage of training will never reach their full potential, regardless of compensatory programmes they may participate in" (Balyi 2002)

 

The social and cultural education of young participants is an important aspect of the overall development that should be addressed during the Training to Train stage and thereafter.  It is recommended that activities such as cooperative games should be used to promote development in terms of movement, cognitive and social skills, as well as emotional control.

 

For more information on LTAD, visit www.sportscoachuk.org or attend the 'Introduction to Long Term Athlete Development' workshop (click here for details of when this workshop is available)