Training, recovery and meaningful competition are critical components of LTD in sport & physical activity.

It is important that training be developmentally appropriate, which means it should:

• increase in duration, volume & intensity progressively
• take advantage of sensitive growth periods
• be based on the stage of physical development of the participant
• support the individual needs of participants
• incorporate equipment & playing spaces that are appropriate for the stage of the participant
• use movement preparation as part of warm-up
• develop all-round athleticism & general fitness before sport-specific fitness.

Optimized recovery:

• recognizes that recovery is as important as training
• is sufficient to allow participants to recuperate before next training session or competition
• recognizes that quality sleep can help in skill learning & retention as well as in physical recovery
• requires post-training & post-competition nutrition.

Meaningful competition:

• is designed to support what has been practiced in training
• is modified in terms of game duration, size of playing area, & rules to match developmental of participants
• offers equal competition opportunities by keeping participants in events rather than eliminating them (A finals, B finals, C finals, round robins, & cross-overs)
• in early stages, focuses on the process of competing & using recently learned skills in competitive situations, not on results
• is in the “challenge zone”—not too difficult or too easy, resulting in close competition without blowouts or humiliating defeats, & cuts down on travel time and cost.