What is LTAD?
The Government are looking to PE and sport as areas that can make a significant contribution to health, social inclusion, educational attainment and national pride. Everybody, whether a sports coach, teacher, parent or player has a responsibility in ensuring the LTAD of young athletes. In today's society issues such as child-hood obesity and the concern for national well-being are emphasising the importance of regular sport and exercise among young performers. The LTAD model, developed by Dr Istvan Balyi, focuses on maximising player development to encourage a life-long commitment to sport and exercise.
LTAD outlines a staged approach to appropriate training, competition and recovery programming in relation to the developmental age of the individual. LTAD is not just another plan, is it a philosophy, a real tool for change
Istvan Balyi, World Wide Expert on LTAD
In simple terms, LTAD is intended to produce a long term approach to maximising individual potential and involvement in sport
Ian Stafford, Author - Coaching for Long-term Athlete Development: Improving Participation & Performance in Sport
LTAD in relation to Coaching
LTAD as a long term approach to maximising individual potential and involvement in sport highlights the importance of having high quality coaches working with and understanding the development of children and young people as they embark upon their sporting journey. Although a primary aim of LTAD is to produce greater numbers of performers who are capable of achieving at the highest level, it also provides a platform for coaches to encourage and support participants at every level to fulfil their potential and remain involved in sport.
To this end,
sports coach UK has been working in conjunction with agencies across the UK to develop resources that are being planned to help the providers of sport with the implementation of LTAD.
