Youth Development Paradigm

The following paradigm was refined by Istvan Balyi, a Canadian sports scientist. In light of the previous post it should offer more food for though about a more sane approach.

FUNdamental	Training to Train	Training to Compete	Training to Win
FUN / Participation, strength & endurance via FUN & games	Emphasis on general physical conditioning	Specific physical conditioning	Maintenance of physical capacities
General overall development, ABCs, proper running, jumping, throwing techniques	Basic skills (and more specific skills towards end of phase)	Specific skills under competitive conditions	Skill development & maintenance Modeling all aspects of performance
Quickness, medicine ball, bodyweight	Complementary sports	Introduce breaks from training	Frequent breaks from training
Introduce ‘ancillary capacities’	Individualization & basics of ‘ancillary capacities’	Full individualization & specific ‘ancillary capacities’	All aspects individualized & fine tune ‘ancillary aspects’
Introduction to mental training	Mental training	Mental preparation	Mental preparation

Balyi, 1997