Long Term Athlete Development

"Make activity FUN and part of the child’s daily routine.
Activity and movement skills development
Focus on developing locomotor, object manipulation and balance skills on land, water, ice/snow and in the air in a variety of movements.
Meet the 24-hour movement guidelines for young children of being active for 180 minutes/day."

"Develop fundamental movement skills, with emphasis on participation and having FUN on a daily basis.
Emphasize activities that develop agility, balance, coordination and speed – The ABCs. The building blocks for Canadians to move more.
Encourage running, jumping wheeling, throwing and catching, as well as swimming, and activities on ice and snow."

"Brain and body primed for skill acquisition.
Build fundamental skills in a wide range of sports and activities—on the ground, in water, in air and on ice/snow—before entering Train to Train stage.
Ensure environment promotes and supports fun and friendship.
Avoid early over-specialization.
Take into account individuals’ variations in physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, and moral development."

"A critical stage in the development of high performance athletes. During this stage participants typically: commit to high performance and begin their journey on their sport’s Podium Pathway, or enter Competitive for Life or Fit for Life in their sport or sports of choice
Build ancillary capacities and sport-life
Build ancillary capacities and sport-life balance. balance.
Introduce free weights with emphasis on correct technique.
Develop ethical approach to sport including respect for opponents and fair play and commitment to dopingfree sport."

The stage for specialization in sport, position or event
"Test tactics and practice under competitive conditions.
Evidence-based training built on testing to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Optimize ancillary capacities, and balance sport, work/school, and family/friend life obligations.
Advanced mental preparation, and practice under highly competitive conditions.
Strengthen ethical approach to sport including respect for opponents, fair play, and commitment to doping-free sport.
Single, double or triple periodization."

"Focus is on podium performances at highest level international events.
Frequent prophylactic breaks for recovery and regeneration.
Maximize ancillary capacities, with support from knowledge specialists.
Single, double, triple, or multiple periodization with focus on the most important events.
Sport-specific technical, tactical, and fitness training nine to 15 times per week."

"Competitive for Life is the phase of Active for Life for those who compete within the formal structure of their sport
Sport and Physical Activity Leaders include those individuals who contribute in ways other than being an athlete or participant in the sport or activity itself
Fit for Life is the phase for those who participate simply because they get satisfaction from sport or physical activity"