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 lesson covers the goals and strategies of the Train-to-Compete and Train-to-Win stages, focusing on refining technical, tactical, and psychological skills to achieve competitive excellence and peak performance.

 

Goals of the Train to Compete Stage

In the Train-to-Compete stage, athletes focus on refining and optimising their technical, tactical, and ancillary skills. This stage aims to ensure that competitive performance aligns with both current and future expectations. Athletes receive tailored annual plans that address individual shortcomings and set future goals. A one-sport focus, particularly in FootGolf, is recommended to maximise results. The emphasis is on optimising skills to meet competitive benchmarks.

 

Strategies for Enhancing Competitive Performance

During the Train-to-Compete stage, several strategies are employed to enhance performance:

  • Skill Optimisation: Reinforcing and refining technical and tactical skills is crucial. This involves a deep focus on improving flexibility, kicking speed, and shooting accuracy.

  • Psychological Development: Athletes work on emotional regulation, goal setting, and maintaining perspective. These psychological skills are vital for handling competition stress.

  • Physical Training: Building a solid foundation of physical literacy and endurance helps prevent injuries and manage non-sport stressors.

 

Goals of the Train-to-Win Stage

The Train-to-Win stage is all about achieving competitive excellence at the highest level. Athletes utilise specific planning and programming to meet training and competition goals. Competing in world-class events and measuring performance through rankings are key components. Mastery of every skill set in FootGolf is required, demanding full dedication and execution of detailed plans outlined in annual schedules.

 

Formulating Plans for Peak Performance

To reach peak performance in the Train-to-Win stage, athletes should be supported through:

  • Detailed Planning: Break down the annual training and competition plan into periods, phases, mesocycles, microcycles, sessions, and units. Proper sequencing of these elements is critical.

  • Performance Measurement: Compete in world-class events and use rankings to measure success.

  • Integrated Training: Develop a harmonious blend of technical, tactical, psychological, and physical skills through developmentally appropriate training.

  • Blueprint for Success: Create a comprehensive plan that includes training, competition, and recovery, ensuring readiness for developmentally appropriate competitions.

 

Building on Current Learnings

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.

 

Key Takeaways

The Train-to-Compete stage focuses on optimising skills and preparing athletes for competitive benchmarks, while the Train-to-Win stage aims to prepare athletes for achieving excellence at the highest level through detailed planning and mastery of skills.

  • An athlete in the Train-to-Compete stage might focus on improving their kicking power and shot accuracy, whereas, in the Train-to-Win stage, the same athlete would focus on competing in world-class events and refining their skills to achieve top rankings.

Actionable Steps

  • Create a detailed annual training plan that includes specific goals for skill optimisation in the Train-to-Compete stage and mastery in the Train-to-Win stage. This is essential for advancing FootGolfers from foundational skills to competitive excellence. The annual training plan for FootGolfers should be divided into the following phases:

    1. Pre-Season (3 months): Focus on foundation and building general physical conditioning.
    2. In-Season (6 months): Training aimed at optimising skills, preparing for competitions, and focusing on performance under competition conditions.
    3. Post-Season (3 months): Rest, recovery, and mental reset, with a focus on injury prevention, reflection, and future goal setting.