Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD)

Most carers would like their children to be active throughout their life. Concerns about health, crime and national wellbeing have brought sport and physical activity into political debate. All this, along with a generally held belief that, taught well, sport and physical education can develop qualities like self-esteem, leadership and teamwork, make sport a potential force for good. Many people remember the fun of sport, while others with less-enjoyable experiences might welcome a more logical approach to the development of their children.

Many sports organisations, including England Netball, have considered past practice and increasing evidence from research as they seek to develop their sport. They have adopted a more logical approach to player development, so that every child and adult can reach their potential and enjoy throughout their lifetime. The six progressive steps are a netball player pathway in which individuals will spend different amounts of time in order to help them master the relevant skills and levels of fitness. All participants should reach their potential in the stage that fits their ability and aspirations.

Dr Istvan Baly’s Long-term Athlete Development model (LTAD) focuses on best practice in the development of players at every level. England Netball uses LTAD to develop the skills, coaches and competitions that are appropriate at each age and stage of player development.

It is vital that children learn the full range of basic movement skills that underpin sport-specific skills. The term physical literacy enables the child to pursue two different pathways: lifelong participation in a number of sports or achievement of a high performance standard in one.

Questions

Is LTAD important in Netball?

My nine-year-old plays in a netball club twice a week. Is it too much? Provided that your youngster is learning the FUNdamentals of netball through High 5 and is taking part in other sports and physical activities, this should be fine.

Is LTAD just about developing international performers?
LTAD is about giving everyone, at every age and stage, the opportunity to maximise their potential, whatever their level, and to stay involved in sport throughout their lifetime.

I’m a PE teacher and a qualified netball coach in a club. Should I use LTAD in both these environments?
Yes, because LTAD is about learning through high quality teaching and coaching, whatever the situation. England Netball and sports coach UK have workshops available to support your understanding and use of the principles and practical application of LTAD.

Which stages should a 16-year-old access?
It could be Learning to Train, Training to Train or Training to Compete, according to their physical, technical, tactical and mental abilities and potential. These would be identified by a qualified coach or teacher.

LTAD says that young children can have too much competition. Is it really true?
The real issues here are ensuring that training and competition are in the right balance and that the competition is appropriate for different ages. This means considering the frequency, type and length of matches, as well as the quality and level of competition for young players. If we get these factors right, the amount will be right for them as well.

For more information on LTAD in Netball, Click Here to download the Sports Coach UK Leaflet