LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT - Skate Canada

General Skills
L o n g - Te r m A t h l e t e D e v e l o p m e n t
39
865 Sheord Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1J 1H9
General skills (i.e. physiological, psychological, and social) are developed through involvement in the sport and lean
Phone 613.747.1007 I Toll Free 1.888.747.2372 I Fax 613.748.5718 I Toll Free Fax 1.877.211.2372
toward the overall development of the individual.
Females (10-16) and Males (11-17)
Physiological • Development of speed, stamina and strength
• Flexibility enhanced (in particular during the growth spurt)
• Continued monitoring of the onset of peak height velocity (PHV) and
growth spurts by the coach
Psychological • Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of the following
fundamental mental skills:
• Focusing and refocusing (ability to handle distractions)
• Effective short, middle and long-term goal setting
• Visualization
• Self-management (schedules, training, school, etc.)
Social • Ability to manage personal relationships effectively (i.e. friends, coach,
parent, support team) regardless of scenario
• Ability to deal effectively with conflicts
• Increased ability to measure success through self-evaluation
• Continued understanding that education remains the most important
priority
• Basic understanding of the role of the media and sponsors in the sport
(provided through introductory media relations workshops)
On-Ice Training
The wide age range of athletes in this stage necessitates a carefully thought out on and off-ice training plan that
reflects not only the age of the athlete but also the specific phase of the yearly training plan. The table below
outlines a progression from time of entry into the stage to point of exit. There will be a gradual progression from
entry to exit points that is reflective of specific training needs dependent upon the individual athlete’s circumstances.
Session length: • 45 to 60 minute sessions
• 2 to 3 sessions/day
– 1 to 2 technical sessions/day*
– 1 to 2 sessions on stroking, edges/ turns, choreography, presentation,
etc.
Days/week: • 5 days/week
Weeks/year: • 44 to 48 weeks/year
* Technical sessions should include one program run through of both short and free programs everyday in the precompetition
and competition phase.
T R A I N T O C O M P E T E