These are 5 stages of a developing athlete:
6-10yrs of age – Train for Fun
10-14yrs – Train to Train
14-16yrs – Train to Compete
16+ yrs – Train to win
It is really important to remember these stages when coaching younger athletes.
The overall goal of LTAD is to develop motor skills, firstly of a generalised nature and then as an athlete progresses in sport, make the skill acquisition more specific for the needs presented.
This means that all athletes should be able to work towards the following:
Plank – (anti-rotation stability) Side and Front of at least 90 seconds
Push Ups – 20-40 repetitions on the ground with good core stability present.
Squatting – at least a parallel squat 30-45 times in a minute with zero load but with neutral spine held.
Lunging – 10-20 walking lunges with neutral spine position
Pull Ups – Vertical – 5-15 repetitions at bodyweight from a full hang position
Pull Ups Horizontal – 15 repetitions at bodyweight from the most horizontal position possible.
If all 14 year olds could do this, then our job is made so much easier!
If you are are a parent, you can start working out with your child from the age of 4 and up! You start for fun. 5mins at a time! Put mini competitions in for fun. Help your child, don’t beat them all the time! If every child in Australia did this by the age of 14, I would estimate that the statistics on the number of children who are overweight at this age would decrease significantly.
Building general athletic ability is so important. We see so many children and youth in our facility who cannot master the basics. Our job is to improve that level of generalised competency before thinking of being specific, otherwise the groundwork has not been set and we are not doing the job of improving overall physical capacity with a young athlete.
We are happy to take questions on this post, either via comments or DM our page. Cheers, Glenn Hansen, Director of COACHING
