Much to consider in youth training

STRENGTH training by children and youths aged six to 18 has been an area of controversy for many years.

Much research has recently been directed to this area and organisations such the American Academy of Pediatrics; National Strength and Conditioning Association, and British Association of Exercise and Sport Sciences have developed Position Stands to summarise research findings and provide guidance for coaches, parents and teachers.

However, the practical recommendations outlined are typically very general.

Such generalised recommendations do not provide adequate guidance for those involved in resistance training program design for youth athletes, as it appears that two very important considerations are not clearly addressed, these being age related and function dependent.

That is to say, does the resistance training program meet the developmental stage (both physiological and psychological) of the youth athlete? This is a key consideration, as age and function-specific progressions ensure safety for the athlete and allow for optimal functional development as they progress.

The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Position Stand provides clarity and guidance to assist coaches designing resistance training programs for children and youths at various stages in their development by outlining long-term athlete development (LTAD) within a 12-year progression for children aged from six to 18.

This is achieved through age and function-specific progressions in training.

The Position Stand is divided into seven sections dealing with each aspect of the training process.

Ultimately, the LTAD of the child needs to be of paramount concern and various logical progressions in the training cycle that are age-related but also muscular function-dependent must be systematically imposed throughout the child’s development.