Related LTAD Stages

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Active Start

Fundamentals

Learn to Train

Train to Train

Active for Life  

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Measuring Growth  

 

Appendix 1: Phases of Measurement

Coaches and parents can use stature measurements (height) before, during, and after maturation as a guide for tracking the developmental age of children. Tracking allows coaches to address the critical or sensitive periods of physical development (endurance, strength, speed and flexibility) and skill development.

The age of an athlete can be examined from seven different perspectives:

• Chronological age
• Relative age
• Biological age
• Skeletal age
• Developmental age 
• Training age 
• Sport-specific training age 

How to Measure Growth Spurt (GS)  

• Stand straight against a wall, no shoes, heels touching the wall.
• Measure from floor to top of head.
• Measurements should be taken at the same time of day (AM or PM).  

Phase 1: Age 0 to 6   

• Very rapid growth.
• Measure standing height and weight on birthday.  

Phase 2: Age 6 to the Onset of GS

• Steady growth until the onset of GS.
• Measure standing height and weight every 3 months.
• If measurement takes place outside of home, replace birthday with an annual starting point of measurements.  

Phase 3: From the onset of GS to peak of GP

• Rapid growth until peak is reached.
• Measure standing height, sitting heights, and arm span every 3 months.  

Phase 4: Peak of GS to Slow Deceleration

• Rapid deceleration.
• Measure standing height, sitting heights, and arm span every 3 months.  

Phase 5: From Slow Deceleration to Cessation

• Slow deceleration of growth until cessation of growth.
• Measure standing height every 3 months.  

Phase 6: Cessation

• Cessation of growth.
• Measure height and weight on birthday.