Canada Basketball's Model for Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD)
The LTAD is:
Optimal training, competition, and recovery programming with relation to biological development and maturation.
Equal opportunity for participation and competition.
Athlete centered, coach driven and administration, sport science and sponsor supported.
Optimal Ages
A4L 12+ yrs
T2C 15+ yrs (female)
T2C 16+ yrs (male)
T2T 11-15 yrs (female)
T2T 12-16 yrs (male)
L2T 9-12 yrs
Fun 6-9 yrs
Active 0-6 yrs
The RCBA uses the LTAD Model as a tool when building our overall programming and in the development of our coaches practice plans. Please see below for highlight information on the FUNdamentals, L2T and T2T stages.
FUNdamentals |
Overall movement skills General, overall development Integrated mental, cognitive and emotional development ABCs of athleticism: agility, balance, coordination and speed ABCs of athletics: running, jumping, throwing and wheeling for wheelchair sports Develop strength for use of own body weight exercises Introduce simple rules of ethics and fair play of sport Well structured programs without periodization Daily physical activity, still emphasizing fun |
Learn to Train |
Overall Sport Skill Development Major skill learning stage: all basic sport skills should be learned before entering Integrated mental, cognitive and emotional development Introduction to mental preparation Develop strength through own body weight, addition of medicine or Swiss ball Introduce ancillary capacities Further identification and development of talents Single or double periodization Sport specific training 3 times per week, other sport activities 3 times per week |
Train to Train |
Sport skill development Major fitness development stage; aerobic, speed and strength The onset of the growth sport, peak height velocity (PHV) (the fastest rate of Build the physical and mental engine Integrated mental, cognitive and emotional development Introduce free weights Develop ancillary capacities Frequent musculoskeletal evaluations during the growth spurt Talent identification and selection Single or double periodization Sport specific training 6-9 times per week, including complimentary sports |