The Learn to Train stage is observed in boys from approximately nine, & girls from approximately eight to onset of their adolescent growth spurt.

In this stage, kids’ brains & bodies are primed for skill acquisition, so it’s a great time to build fundamental skills in a wide range of sports & activities—on the ground, in water, in air & on ice/snow—before entering the Train to Train stage. Avoid early over-specialization.

Participants can build up physical capacities through medicine ball, Swiss ball, & own body-weight strength exercises, with an additional focus on building flexibility & arm/ leg speed.

This is also the right time to introduce ancillary capacities: warm up/cool down, nutrition, hydration, & recovery including sleep & mental preparation such as anxiety control.

Coaches & organizers must take into account individuals’ variations in physical, psychological, cognitive, emotional, & moral development. Ensure that activities & the environment promotes & supports fun & friendship. 

Where applicable, kids can be introduced to formal local competition at this stage, with emphasis on fair play, & opportunities to try different events or positions.