LTPD - STAGE 2_Training to Train

Stage 2 – The Training to Train Stage ™

AGE: Males 10 to 14years old / Females 10 to 13 years old.

During the Training to Train stage young athletes learn how to train and they alsolearn the basic skills of a specific sport. As well, they are introduced to the basictechnical/tactical skills and ancillary capacities including: warm up and cool down,stretching, hydration and nutrition, recovery and regeneration, mental preparation,taper and peak, integrated pre-competition routines and post-competition recovery.

It must be noted that the ages described above are general guidelines. The individual tempo of development /maturation will influence how athletes will reach the various stages of long-term development. However, they all will go through the same stages. Some early maturing athletes may have as much as a four-year physiological advantage over their late maturing peers. (8)

During competitions athletes’ play to win and to do their best, but the major focus of training is on learning the basics as opposed to competing. Training and competition ratios are optimized because too many competitions waste valuable training time and conversely, not enough competition inhibits the practice of technical skills and learning how to cope with the physical and mental challenges presented during competition.

A 75 percent training to 25 percent competition ratio is recommended by experts during the Training to Train stage, however these percentages vary according to sport and individual specific needs. Athletes undertaking this type of preparation will be better prepared for competition in both the short and long-term, than athletes who focus solely on winning. During this phase, athlete’s train in competitive situations daily, in the form of practice matches or competitive games and drills.

The Training to Train stage addresses the critical or sensitive periods of physical and skill development. Athletes who miss this stage of training will never reach their full potential, regardless of remedial program they may participate in. The reason why so many athletes plateau during the later stage of their careers is primarily because of an over emphasis on competition instead of on training during this important period in their athletic development.

(8) Ross et al. 1977  & Balyi I. (2001) Sport System Building and Long-term Athlete Development in British Columbia. Canada: SportsMed BC