At IFS, we’ll be monitoring individual training loads in relation to players and the ‘growth spurt’ phase (generally 10- 16 for girls, 12-18 for boys).
Training load means the accumulation of purposeful practice. The number of practices per week + the intensity of the practice + the duration of a practice can determine a player’s ‘load’ and if not carefully managed, particularly during the growth spurt phase, it can lead to an accumulation of fatigue, resulting in a drop in performance and worse, a greater risk of injury. Nutrition and good recovery techniques are of great importance as well.
It’s particularly important to manage players during their growth spurts. In essence the body needs a lot of energy to grow and if that energy is being spent on a heavy training load, the body has little resources left to repair and grow. Serious stuff!
We will be able to monitor a player’s growth then adjust their training load accordingly to keep them fresh for peak performance and minimise the risk of injuries. Difficulty arises when players accumulate additional load outside of IFS, all we can do is inform and educate players and their families to consider the player’s total training load.
Cheers to growing!
Joey
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