3 Stages of Athletic Development

1. 3 Stages of Athletic Development

2. Stage 1 Learning • Learninghow to run • Learning how to focus on fundamentals • Learning how to cope with fatigue • Learning strengths and weaknesses • Learning how to stay calm • The acquiring of knowledge or skill as defined by Webster’s dictionary comes in three forms, through the senses, dynamically, and mentally. It is important to facilitate the learning process in all three ways, providing the athlete with multiple sources from which to draw information. • Teaching an athlete visually may be the quickest way to translate information in a way an athlete can understand. Demonstrating the technique gives the athlete a visual template to reference. If it is not possible to demonstrate techniques then other forms of visual references are necessary such as video or action stills.

3. Learning Using Senses Learning by watching is the simplest way for most athletes to process information. Film study provides the athlete with an effective way to visualize what the coaches are asking them to do. Film study also allows the athlete to see what they are doing right and what needs to be corrected. It is important that an athlete is introduced to film study and other visual learning tools early in the process. If film study is not feasible, diagrams and still pictures can still provide important information. It is also important for the athlete to be aware of the information received through other senses such as hearing. Listening is a skill that needs to be taught, starting with the very first conversations held with athletes.

4. Dynamic Learning • Next to visual instruction, Dynamic Learning is the most direct way for an athlete to understand what is being asked. Identifying what Stage the athlete is strongest in will help the coach direct instruction specifically for that player. Example: There are four players trying out at QB, each has gone through all of the teams initial drills and are preparing for individuals. As the individual drills begin, two QB’s are showing noticeable declines in form and effort. Upon closer fact finding it is determined that these two QB’s did not participate in off-season conditioning, and have little experience. It is clear that these two athletes are still in S1and will not be successful at the assigned tasks. In order to prevent further mental doubt which will lead to lack of production, these S1athletes should start with S1 learning goals. One of these S1 QB’s could actually be your best passer or runner, but if they are not brought along properly may lose confidence which will lead to deteriorated performance.

5. Proper planning is important to insure that S1 athletes are prepared for Fall team practice. Pre-season S1 training camps can give athletes the opportunity to focus on S1 learning criteria, making team practice participation less stressful, increasing their athletic learning aptitude. The earlier participants can be identified and introduced to the program the farther along they will be in the learning process when Fall football begins.