A concise overview of Athletics Canada’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, explaining how sport training, competition, and recovery can be optimally structured across the developmental lifespan.
The document “Long Term Athlete Development” published by Athletics Canada presents a comprehensive framework for guiding athletes from early childhood through elite performance and lifelong activity. It outlines 9 stages of development (from Active Start to Active for Life), aligning training, competition, and recovery to each stage’s physiological and psychological readiness. The model emphasizes:
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Trainability — identifying critical “windows” during growth when adaptation to training is most effective
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Developmental age vs chronological age — using biological maturity rather than just birth date
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The “5 S’s” of performance — Stamina, Strength, Speed, Skill, Suppleness
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Periodization and monitoring — integrating planning, testing, recovery, and ancillary supports (nutrition, mental skills, rest, etc.)
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Retention and lifelong activity — ensuring that even those who don’t reach elite levels can continue being active in a meaningful way
By applying these principles, coaches and sport organizations can reduce burnout, maximize athletic potential, and foster lifelong physical activity.
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