Course Content
Understanding the LTPD Framework – Course Overview
The FootGolf Long-Term Participant Development (LTPD) framework course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to plan training, competition, and recovery in FootGolf strategically. This course will guide learners through the stages of athletic development, focusing on gradual improvement for long-term success. The course aims to enhance the quality of sports programmes by emphasising holistic development, which includes physical, technical, tactical, psychological, and lifestyle aspects.
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Chronological vs. Developmental Age
Building on this understanding of age and maturation, the next focus will be on the objectives of the Active Start stage. This will include exploring the importance of physical literacy and how to create engaging activities that promote fun and development.
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Active-Start and FUNdamentals
As we move forward, the next focus will be on understanding the transition from learning to training. This will involve identifying key skills developed in the Learn to Train stage and evaluating suitable training methods for the Train to Train stage. These insights will build on the foundational skills and enjoyment cultivated during the Active Start and FUNdamentals stages, setting the stage for more structured and skill-specific training.
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Learn-to-Train and Train-to-Train
As athletes progress, they will explore the goals of the Train-to-Compete and Train-to-Win stages. This will involve assessing strategies to enhance competitive performance and formulating plans for peak performance, building on the skills and resilience developed in the current stage.
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Train-to-Compete and Train-to-Win
Moving forward, the focus will shift towards techniques for managing emotions and maintaining focus. Learners will explore strategies for building resilience and confidence on the course, along with utilising goal setting and imagery to enhance performance. These elements will build on the foundational skills developed in the Train-to-Compete and Train-to-Win stages, preparing athletes for sustained success.
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Psychological Skills for FootGolfers
Building on these psychological skills, the next focus will be on identifying key physical proficiencies in FootGolf. This will include designing training programmes that place an emphasis on agility, flexibility, and strength work while integrating nutrition and recovery strategies.
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Physical Fitness and Performance
Understanding these physical proficiencies and incorporating them into training programmes lays a strong foundation for FootGolf performance. The next step involves exploring periodisation in training schedules, recognising sensitive periods for adaptation, and developing long-term plans aligned with growth stages. These concepts will help refine training approaches and maximise athletic development.
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Periodisation and Training Adaptation
As we move forward, understanding the roles of coaches, parents, and facility owners will be crucial. We'll explore how stakeholder engagement enhances Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) and propose methods for effective collaboration. This foundation will help integrate today's learnings into broader developmental strategies.
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Active-for-Life and Late Specialisation
Building on these insights, the next focus will be on applying the FITT principle to FootGolf training. This will involve integrating the 10 Ss of training and performance into development plans, evaluating the balance of physical, psychological, and financial fitness, and further enhancing the overall experience of FootGolf enthusiasts.
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Fit-For-FootGolf Framework
Building on this foundation the focus will shift to adapting to new research in sports, identifying areas for continuous improvement, and encouraging innovation in training practices. This will ensure that athletes remain at the forefront of development and performance in FootGolf.
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Private: FootGolf Long-Term Participant Development
About Lesson

This final lesson highlights the importance of a holistic approach to athlete development, focusing on early exposure to various sports, psychological skills training, and continuous improvement through innovative practices and adaptation to new research.

 

Holistic Athlete Development

A holistic approach to athlete training has gained prominence, emphasising not just physical training but also mental, cognitive, and emotional development. This comprehensive strategy acknowledges the varied maturation rates among athletes and incorporates social, psycho-social, and emotional factors into training programmes. By doing so, it ensures a well-rounded development that supports athletes in reaching their full potential.

 

Early Exposure and Fundamental Skills

Introducing athletes to a variety of sports at an early age is beneficial for developing fundamental movement skills. Attributes such as agility, balance, coordination, and speed are crucial for success in any sport. This early exposure helps build a strong foundation, making it easier for athletes to specialise and excel in their chosen sport later on.

 

Long-Term Participant Development (LTPD)

The Long-Term Participant Development (LTPD) model provides a framework that aligns training with an athlete’s developmental stage. This personalised approach ensures that training regimens are effective and tailored to the individual needs of the athlete. By focusing on the right skills at the right time, athletes can optimise their performance and growth.

 

Psychological Skills Training

Integrating psychological skills training is essential for enhancing athlete performance. Techniques such as goal setting, imagery, and emotional regulation are crucial components of this training. These skills help athletes manage pressure, maintain focus, and build confidence, all of which are vital for competitive success.

 

Areas for Continuous Improvement

Athlete development requires ongoing refinement in several key areas:

  • Technical Skills: Mastery of sport-specific techniques is fundamental.

  • Tactical Understanding: Developing strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.

  • Psychological and Cognitive Skills: Enhancing mental resilience and concentration.

  • Physical and Physiological Abilities: Improving strength, endurance, and flexibility.

  • Lifestyle Management: Balancing training with rest, nutrition, and personal life.

 

Innovative Training Practices

Recent innovations in training practices emphasise continuous improvement principles like Kaizen. This involves making ongoing adjustments based on new scientific insights and sport-specific innovations. The LTPD model and the Ten S’s of Training and Performance, which include psychological and socio-cultural elements, represent a holistic approach to athlete development.

 

Adaptation to New Research

Sports teams and organisations have successfully adapted to new research findings by implementing psychological training programmes tailored to developmental stages and structured recovery strategies. These adaptations ensure that training is scientifically informed and personalised, leading to improved performance outcomes.

By focusing on these aspects, athletes and organisations can foster an environment of continuous improvement and innovation, ultimately enhancing performance and success in sports.

 

Key Takeaways

Adapting to new research and embracing a holistic approach are crucial for continuous improvement in athlete development.

  • FootGolf coaches and administrators should strive to incorporate cutting-edge psychological training techniques grounded in the latest research into their training programmes. The integration of these innovative techniques not only benefits individual athletes by enhancing their mental resilience, concentration, and performance but also elevates the overall quality of training and competition within the sport.

Actionable Steps

  • Review the latest research in sports science and identify one new training technique to incorporate into your current programme.