Thanks for listening into to the LTAD Network podcast, we hope you enjoy the panel discussion with Sean, Des and Marco. During this episode they discuss: Why it is important to measure growth and maturation in an Academy setting Different uses for the information including age and maturity evaluations, injury prevention and identifying selection biases Tools available to coaches and practitioners to help track and monitor growth and maturation. New directions in the research and applications...

In this episode, we are joined by Simon Brearley, who is a Strength and Conditioning Coach for the European Tour Group and England Golf. As well as the Head of Athlete Development and Rehabilitation at Cranleigh School in Surrey. During the conversation, we take a deep dive into physical profiling for golf, exploring the metrics that matter, how Simon measures them and the types of training uses to positively impact them. Whether you are currently working in Golf or not, there’s a lot to take...

During this LTAD podcast, we are joined by Kev Mannion (Lead Academy S&C coach) and Rob Simpson (Senior S&C coach) from Sale Sharks to discuss key transition points for young athletes through the school and rugby academy systems in the UK. We dive into some of common challenges they face and what strategies can be used to help them manage those transitions at a time in their lives when there is lot going on in terms of sport, academics, greater independence, and social pressures. If...

In this episode, James responds to a listener’s questions: 1) Do you have any tips for developing a coaching framework? 2) How is best to cater to a general group with a wider age range (10-15 years) of mixed ability? James discussed the process of developing a coaching framework for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the environment, the athletes, and their future progression. He also highlighted the need for a progressive approach to exercise, considering the age...

In this episode, Dr. Mike Young & James Baker, the co-founders of the LTAD Network discuss how they approach training speed at different stages of development. During this episode they discussed: What is and isn't appropriate for young athletes that are new to training Making speed training engaging for young athletes The whole-part-whole approach to developing speed using a blend of games and drills This episode is sponsored by Fitogether (www.fitogether.com) and VALD performance...

In this episode, we are joined by Simon Brundish the director of UK StrengthLab and creator of the Superheroes physical literacy programme.During this conversation we discussed: Current trends in Simon's movement competency assessment data from the Superheroes programme post-CoVID The impact of CoVID on young boys and girls' ability to focus and learn in the classroom and strategies to improve engagement. Simon's perspective on the difference between coaching boys and girls Realities of...

In this bitesize episode, Joe and James continue their discussion on LTAD models. First, they tackle the question do traditional periodization models fit youth settings? Then they discuss key movements of a foundation strength syllabus and how we utilize checklists to keep track of what we’ve covered with multiple groups when the inevitable curve balls pop up in the week. Read Joe's article on LTAD models here: https://ltadnetwork.com/blog/ltad-network-blog-frameworks Submit your question for...

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Phil Kearney Associate Professor at the University of Limerick, co-founder of Movement Skill Acquisition Ireland, and Skill Acquisition Lead on Gaelic Games Sport Science working group, and the Irish representative of the Teaching Games for Understanding specialist interest group. During this conversation Phil shares some great insights on: The effects of relative age and maturation in youth sport Practical coaching strategies to account for these...

In this bitesize episode, Dr. Joe Eisenmann and James Baker discuss the common perception that LTAD models are rigid and the need to be flexible when applying them in youth sport settings. Check out Joe's article on LTAD models here: https://ltadnetwork.com/blog/ltad-network-blog-frameworks Do you have a question you want answered? Submit your question or topic for discussion 

In this episode we speak to Martin Brockman, a Commonwealth medallist in the Decathlon and Director of Brockman Athletics (http://www.brockmanathletics.com).   We discuss: The current state of athletics teaching and coaching in schools and clubs Challenges to good practise in youth settings Benefit of incorporating Athletics to the PE curriculum Coaching across the development continuum Differences in coaching development and performance level athletes Practical advice on how to...

In this episode we are joined by the Director of Personal Development at IMG Academy, Dr. Duncan Simpson. Duncan oversees the mental conditioning and leadership departments whose staff deliver mental and leadership & character development training to 1500 student-athletes and coaches across 9 sports at IMG.We discuss:- What great mental performance support looks like in a youth athlete setting. - How mental performance support is delivered at IMG Academy. - How delivery differs in...