Be an Elite Coach, Build Elite Athletes

Things to develop your coaching and have a greater impact on your athletes. You define what your “elite” is!

By Isaac Leung, Athletic Skills

Hey reader,

In this newsletter, I am going to talk you through a model every coach should know if you are involved in youth sport/fitness!

Also I just wanted to make sure you have read my most popular newsletters so far and those which I have had the best feedback from.

Click here to view them now:

1. Athletic Skills Fundamental Movements your Athletes Need to Be Able to Perform and My Thought Process When Analysing Movement You Can Use.

2. Why adding Plyometrics can take your coaching to the next level.

3. The Top 4 Reasons Why Professional Sport May Not Be The Pinnacle and What is Movement Flow?

Building Lifelong Athletes – How LTAD Can Transform Your Coaching

What is LTAD?
Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a research-backed framework that helps athletes progress through key stages of physical growth and development. By focusing on age-appropriate skill development, LTAD supports the creation of well-rounded athletes and encourages lifelong involvement in sports and physical activities. It’s not just about short-term success—LTAD is about building athletes for life.

Why LTAD Matters

• Builds Strong Foundations: Athletes learn core skills like running, jumping, and throwing at the appropriate developmental stage.

• Prevents Early Specialisation: By promoting a variety of skills, LTAD helps avoid burnout and reduces the risk of injury.

• Supports Lifelong Fitness: LTAD fosters a positive attitude towards physical activity, encouraging continued participation throughout life.

Real-World Example:
Take Athlete A, who played football, basketball, and athletics growing up. This varied approach helped develop balance, coordination, and agility, all of which led to greater success in their chosen sport later on. Their multi-sport experience also reduced injury risks and maintained their enthusiasm for physical activity.

The Stages of LTAD

1. Active Start (Ages 0-6):
   Focus on basic movement skills like running, jumping, and throwing through playful activities that build confidence and enjoyment.
   Examples: Simple games like tag, hopscotch, and balancing activities help young athletes develop fundamental skills while having fun.

2. FUNdamentals (Ages 6-9):
   Develop agility, balance, and coordination through a range of sports and enjoyable activities.
   Examples: Activities like obstacle courses and catching games keep training engaging while building vital movement skills.

3. Learn to Train (Ages 9-12):
   Introduce structured training while encouraging participation in different sports to build versatile athletic skills.
   Examples: Dribbling in basketball, passing in football, and basic strength exercises like press-ups help young athletes gain a wide range of abilities.

4. Train to Train (Ages 12-16):
   Focus on fitness and refining sport-specific skills while preparing athletes for higher-level competition.
   Examples: Circuit training and endurance drills help athletes build the fitness needed for more advanced competition, all while maintaining enjoyment.

5. Train to Compete (Ages 16+):
   High-performance training that centres on competition. Athletes develop advanced skills and strategies for success in their chosen sport.
   Examples: Sport-specific strength programmes and simulated competitive scenarios help athletes develop the mental and physical skills needed for success.

6. Train to Win (Ages 18+):
   Elite-level training that maximises physical and mental performance for top-tier competition.
   Examples: Customised training for explosive power or endurance, as well as mental resilience training, prepares athletes to compete at the highest levels.

7. Active for Life (Any Age):
   Encourage lifelong involvement in physical activity, whether that’s recreational sports, fitness programmes, or casual participation.
   Examples: Taking part in adult sports leagues, attending fitness classes, or engaging in activities like hiking or cycling can keep people physically active at any age.

Avoiding Early Specialisation

Have you seen young athletes burning out or getting injured too early? Early specialisation—focusing on just one sport from a young age—can often be the cause. Research shows it can lead to overuse injuries and mental fatigue. LTAD encourages athletes to try different sports during childhood, which helps them develop a broad skill set and fosters long-term enjoyment.

Why it Works:
Athletes who take part in multiple sports develop more rounded skills, build resilience, and stay engaged in their training. This variety helps prevent burnout and reduces the risk of overuse injuries, keeping athletes healthier and more motivated.

How Coaches Can Apply LTAD

1. Tailor Your Training:
   Adjust your coaching to suit the developmental stage of each athlete. For younger athletes, keep sessions playful and fun. For older athletes, introduce more structure and skill-specific training.

2. Keep it Fun:
   In the early stages, make sure training sessions are enjoyable. When kids have fun, they’re more likely to stay engaged and enthusiastic.

3. Encourage Multi-Sport Participation:
   Motivate athletes to try different sports. This reduces burnout and builds a wide range of physical and mental skills that will benefit them in the long run.

Real-World Example:
Coach B encourages their young athletes to take part in both football and gymnastics. This varied training approach improves overall coordination, balance, and strength, while keeping the athletes excited and motivated.

The Benefits of LTAD

• Stronger Movement Skills: Athletes develop a solid foundation in movement, balance, and coordination, making them more adaptable across different sports.

• Reduced Risk of Injury: Athletes progress at the right pace, reducing the likelihood of overuse injuries and ensuring they stay fit and healthy.

• Lifelong Passion for Sport and Fitness: LTAD instils a love for sport and physical activity, encouraging participation beyond competitive sport and promoting lifelong well-being.

Final Takeaways

Ready to start making a real difference in your athletes’ development? LTAD provides a clear path for developing well-rounded athletes who not only excel in their chosen sport but also maintain a lifelong love of physical activity. By focusing on the right skills at the right time, you can help your athletes reach their full potential and stay engaged in sport for years to come.

Begin incorporating LTAD principles into your coaching sessions today and watch how your athletes grow both in sport and in life. You’ll be supporting their immediate development and laying the groundwork for long-term success and fitness.

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