Five Additional S’s of Training
Structure/Stature
The structure/stature component links the six stages of growth to the windows of optimal trainability. Coaches and parents can use stature measurements (i.e. height) before, during, and after maturation as a guide for tracking developmental age. Such tracking then allows coaches to address the critical or sensitive periods of physical development (endurance, strength, speed and flexibility) and skill development. Diagnostics for identifying strengths and weaknesses are critical for properly considering structure and stature in the design of training plans.
(p)Sychology
Sport is a physical and mental challenge. The ability to maintain high levels of concentration while remaining relaxed and confident is a skill that transcends sport and enhances everyday life. To develop the mental focus for success at high levels, young athletes need mental training that complements their physical training, designed specifically for their gender and LTAD stage. Even at young ages, mental training is critical since dealing with success and failure impacts children’s continuation in sport and physical activity.
Sustenance
When the body performs physical activity, it must be replenished with a broad range of components. Sustenance prepares athletes for the volume and intensity required to optimize training and live life to the fullest. Sustenance includes nutrition, hydration, rest, sleep, and regeneration – all of which need to be applied differently to training and lifestyle plans depending on the LTAD stage. In managing sustenance and recovery, parents can assist coaches by identifying fatigue. Fatigue can come in many forms including metabolic, neurological, psychological, environmental, and travel fatigue. While overtraining or over-competition can lead to burnout, improperly addressing sustenance can lead to the same result.
Schooling
In designing training programs, school demands must also be considered. Programs should account for school academic loads, timing of exams, and school-based physical activities. When possible, training camps and competition tours should compliment, not conflict, with the timing of major academic events at school. Over-stress should be monitored carefully, including the everyday stresses related to schooling, exams, peer groups, family, boyfriend or girlfriend relationships, and increased training volume and intensities. Coaches and parents should work together to establish a good balance between all factors.
Socio-Cultural
Sports and physical activities often present children with social and cultural experiences that can enhance their holistic development. These experiences can broaden their socio-cultural perspective by providing increased awareness of:
- Ethnicity
- Diversity
- History
- Geography
- Architecture
- Cuisine
- Literature
- Music
- Visual art
Through periodized annual planning, a child’s activity or sport can offer much more than a simple commute between the activity venue and the home or hotel room.