Long term athlete development (LTAD)

Essential information for parents on Long Term Athlete Development

Here are some background articles on LTAD. Whilst they may seem quite daunting to parents, we have put them up here to show some of the research that underpins our coaching.

It is easy to listen to anecdotal “Mum chat” on the sidelines of pitches, but this is usually misinformed (albeit well meaning) and you can get sucked into a vortex of competing with other children in the short term; most parents are operating week to week or month to month.

It is hard for parents to think long term when dealing with the day to day logistics involved with supporting a sporty child.

Putting it into practice requires expert support and guidance, and Head Coach James Marshall has years of experience working with developing athletes with many sports. This has included working with National Governing Bodies and their “Talented Athlete” schemes/ pathways (which are popular, if ineffective).

Biological Maturity and Perceptions of Talent

Developing Physical Literacy

How to prevent overuse injuries in youth athletes

The NSCA guidelines to Youth Resistance Training

Academic Paper on the theory behind Physical Literacy

Lifelong Involvement in Sport and Physical Activity Model

Guide to measuring growth rates in children for coaches

Athletic Development Centre

Late specialisation is important

Extensive critique of Bounce and other “Talent” books

Overuse injuries and burnout in youth sports: position statement

Here is a video of Dr Brian McCormick and James Marshall discussing approaches for parents to take with Long Term Athlete Development.