Module summary

This module has looked at the process of developing a player from a young age with the aim of optimally preparing that player for sport and rugby performance. The coach should now understand the differences between growth maturation and development. The concept of chronological versus biological age was also discussed and the issues with basing training on chronological age alone have been highlighted. The module introduced the coach to one of the main long term development models (the LTAD model) and detailed how this model is a good framework for coaches working with young players. The coach is encouraged to use the LTAD model as a guide and combine the training recommendations from the model with their own coaching experience, to provide the best training plan for their young players.