More About LTAD

Throughout the seven stages, LTAD supports training, competition, and recovery programs based on developmental age — the physical, mental and emotional maturation of the individual — rather than chronological age. It is athlete-centered in that it is designed to serve the best interests of each athlete’s long-term development, encouraging growth in skills and achievement while ensuring each individual remains engaged in sport. 

The Latest Science
LTAD combines the best research in today’s sport science with the best practices in coaching and training from around the world. These important research concepts and best practices have been codified into the 10 Key Factors of LTAD.

Fixing Past Failures
LTAD has been developed for a reason. Many traditional approaches to sport in Canada have served to reduce participation numbers, led to poor results, and even caused injury. LTAD is designed to maintain participation, increase results, and protect our athletes.

Improving Health 
LTAD is also driven by serious concerns for the health of all Canadians. Trends over the past two decades have been towards less physical activity and sport participation, and we are starting to see serious negative consequences through rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of heart and stroke disease. LTAD aims to mitigate these trends by promoting lifelong engagement in physical activity and sport.

LTAD is for Everyone
LTAD is for all Canadians, not just elite athletes and the young. It is cradle to grave in scope, and it is also inclusive of athletes with disabilities. It provides a route for athletes and participants of all levels of ability and disability to develop from playground to Olympic podium, and it also allows individuals to choose their own training and competition goals at all points in between.

Learn more about the 10 Key Factors.

Learn more about Athletes with Disabilities.

See different sport LTAD plans.